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CNET editors' rating:
2.5 stars
OK
Detailed editors' rating - Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 8 reviews
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Product summary
The good: Engine power; heated steering wheel; remote window lowering.
The bad: Soft suspension; overpowered steering; lack of technology upgrades.
The bottom line: The Nissan Maxima's aggressive styling and power will attract the young, but its lack of cabin and performance technology may push them away again.
Specifications: Body style: sedan; Trim levels: 3.5 SE; Available Engine: Gas See full specs
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 08/16/2005
There is a good fit and finish to the car, and suedelike door panels, titanium trim, and leather seats give it the feel of a luxury car, although the steering-wheel radio and cruise-control switch gear feel like poorly integrated add-ons. The nonopening, longitudinal Skyview glass-paneled roof also misses both aesthetically and functionally. Fortunately, a traditional sunroof is an option.
The center information console, although stylish, is a near miss. A menu-based joystick/enter system just doesn't need two clock-adjustment buttons, as well as three for trip and fuel economy. The trip meters aren't linked to either the odometer trip meters on the instrument panel or the fuel-economy meter, which means having to reset two different things to keep track of both distance and fuel economy--confusing. Also, there isn't a simple button to turn off the display, instead requiring a button push and two movements of the joystick. Once it's off, the display is supposed to turn on briefly when you change settings, then back off again, but in practice, several functions remained illuminated, so we had to go through the turn-off procedure again.
The rearview mirror includes features such as autodimming at night, which significantly cuts headlight glare. The built-in HomeLink universal transceiver can be programmed to replace up to three remote controls for garage doors, gates, security systems, and house lights--including rolling-code systems.
The premium Bose stereo system is powerful and crisp, but it's definitely old school due to its lack of MP3 CD support or an auxiliary jack. With 320 watts on tap, the stereo should have come with a remote control, allowing you to stand clear of the vehicle. The tape player spoils the look of the console and gives it a bit of an antiquated feel--hiding the tape player behind a door would have been a good idea.
Also lacking from this car is any Bluetooth support, but satellite radio (both Sirius and XM) and navigation are available. Although the car won't link to any of your gadgets, it has plenty of power to keep them going, supplied by four 12V accessory ports--three front and one rear--most of which are hidden in places where you could charge small devices out of sight.
Creature comforts are where this car excels, starting with dual-zone climate control and heated seats in the front and rear. The driver also has the benefit of a heated steering wheel, which warms up quite quickly and will be very welcome in colder climates. One of the nicer features is the remote window lowering, which lets you open the windows from across a parking lot. Never again will you have to experience that blast of superhot air as you enter the car on a sunny day.
There is quite a bit of technology under the hood. The 3.5-liter, transverse-mounted engine puts out 265 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. The engine utilizes continuously variable valve timing, a variable induction system, and the electronic throttle control to help it achieve this impressive power total and its ULEV/LEV2 emissions rating. To reduce interior noise from the engine, cars equipped with an automatic transmission have two electronically controlled, fluid-filled engine mounts, which have adjustable damping based on engine revolutions per minute.With this amount of power on a front-wheel-drive car comes significant torque steer, which is worsened by the seemingly overpowered steering. Also, the suspension, even with its rear-independent multilink system and sport tuning, is a bit too soft, making the car feel a bit vague on the highway. However, the car absorbs big bumps and potholes nicely at low speeds.
The EPA rates the automatic transmission version at 20mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway. We observed a low 17.1mpg during our testing, although we spent most of the time--with the air conditioning on--in the city driving.
Air-bag protection comes from Nissan's Advanced Air Bag System, which utilizes dual-stage air bags and an occupant-classification sensor that determines how and if to deploy based on passenger weight and seat-belt position. The occupants are also protected with front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags and curtain side-impact supplemental air bags. Front passengers are protected from whiplash injuries with active head restraints, which bring the headrest forward if sufficient force is applied to the seat back. Additional physical protection is provided by front and rear crush zones.The Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE comes with standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and brake assist, which provides maximum braking when a panic stop is sensed. Additionally, an EBD system determines where to apply the most brake force based on passenger and cargo weight. Traction control and VDC (vehicle dynamic control) are available on cars with automatic transmissions. The warranty includes 36-month/36,000-mile coverage, as well as five-year/60,000-mile limited power train coverage.
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- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 8 reviews
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