2005 Nissan Maxima

Instead of donning my gloves for the drive to work the last few chilly mornings, my hands were firmly wrapped around a heated steering wheel. Isn’t technology grand?

That clever addition isn’t the only feature that makes the 2004 Maxima memorable. Nissan refers to this popular model as a “true four-door sports car,” and after spending many hours behind the wheel I’m inclined to agree.

Offered in two models, the tester was a 3.5 SL, which concentrates on luxury and comfort, and the 3.5 SE that satisfies drivers who enjoy a sportier feel. On the outside, they’re the same. Both have the chiseled design that adds punch to an already muscular frame. The SE sports 18-inch wheels, while the SL wears the more sedate 17-inch style.

To add credence to Maxima being a sports car, Nissan added boldly sculpted fender openings and double dual exhaust mufflers with chromed tips. The finished package turns heads, which is just what Nissan was hoping would happen.

The tester included the elite option, which adds $3,550 onto the $29,500 base price, but it kicks the luxury level up a notch. Included in that package are heated front and rear seats, rear center console, power sunshade in the back window, and auto up and down rear passenger windows.

The built-in console means the standard bench seat is traded for bucket seats and the seating capacity goes from five to four. The pass-through above the console replaces the 60/40 split of the bench seat. When the one seat drops forward, it provides additional space to the already sizeable trunk. Even though the trunk is large enough for golf clubs as well as the golfer, there’s a full-size spare tire nicely concealed inside.

One thing that is immediately apparent is the comfy low-fatigue front seat. Not only are they large, they’re designed for optimum comfort and support.

If it’s aggression you’re looking for, you’ll want to drive the Maxima with the powerful VQ 3.5-liter engine. Recognized as one of the 10 best engines by Ward’s Auto World magazine for nine years, the DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine has been refined to produce 265 horsepower and 255 lb-ft torque.

The SL models come equipped with a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, while the SE features a five-speed transmission with manual shift mode. The manual shift mode provides sportier driving, especially in tight corners and on winding mountain roads.

Maxima’s agility and its responsive handling are due to a suspension design that’s adapted from Nissan’s Skyline supercar, which is available only in the Japanese market. The unique rear multi-link independent suspension minimizes camber change during cornering, while improved rear shocks and springs provide better damping and less harshness.

However, driving excitement is only part of the package. Check out the 320-watt Bose audio system with the kids in the car and you won’t be leaving the dealership without a Maximum.

Safety is also what makes the Maxima brand popular. A partial list includes dual-stage air bags, curtain side-impact air bags, front-seat active head restraints, energy-absorbing steering column, hood buckling creases and safety stops and body side enforcements. There’s also a fire-retardant blanket attached to the underside of the hood. If a fire starts in the engine compartment, the blanket drops onto the engine to help contain the blaze.

While the strong body, powerful engine and exciting driving response call to many drivers, some people look to Nissan for durability and dependability. It’s nice to find a car that has all that and much more.

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