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2004 Nissan Sentra Buyer's Guide
by Bob Plunkett

2004 Nissan Maxima

2004 Nissan Maxima

Bold new exterior styling for Maxima looks keen and clean with curvaceous lines yet flat surfaces and chiseled corners in an overall effect that seems sensuous yet also muscular.

These crisp exterior designs hint at the athletic persona of Maxima and its powerful engine, although the spacious passenger cabin with amenities for comfort portrays an image four-door convenience and people-toting capability.

Maxima's two trims vary suspension tuning. The sport-oriented 3.5 SE version uses a performance-tuned suspension for tight handling control, and the comfort-oriented 3.5 SL edition has cushy settings for a luxurious ride quality.

Then there's that power posture fueled by a big V6. Maxima's sophisticated 3.5-liter six produces 265 hp.

For sporty 3.5 SE trim, the engine ties to an electronic automatic five-speed transmission with manual shift mode or -- in a performance version -- the six-speed close-ratio manual stick lifted from Nissan's 350Z.

For Maxima's elegant 3.5 SL trim, the engine uses a four-speed automatic transmission with gated shifter.

Maxima's cockpit provides twin front bucket seats separated by a console, with a rear bench in sculptured positions for two but space for three. The optional Elite Package on 3.5 SE brings a four-seat plan with buckets front and rear, while a new Skyview Roof shows glass extending above both front and rear seats.

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