Damn. Nissan is killing the Maxima. It went form 4DSC to this crap. It has the SAME character line as the Altima, is based on the Altima. It looks UGLY. They gave it the crap suspension in 95, made it bigger in 00 and HUGE for 04. Ridiculous.

What about the I35? It does look like the Saturn Ion.

 

Nissan wants to differentiate between the Altima & Maxima. They are trying to make the Max more of a flagship for Nissan. At least this is what my source says.

 

thats one of the worst cars ive ever seen.

BUT what if it was 310 hp, awd, 6 speed manual, more or less 3400 pounds, and sub $30k. How many of you would buy it, disregarding the fugliness?

 

so what's in store for the I35?

 

Looks like the Z in front kinda G35 in the back and long ass altima body. Its just fucking ugly.

 

i think it's beautiful, i'm buying 15 for my whole clan of chiljrens =/


not really =/

 

It seems big to me, the tailight is ugly.

 

say what..

 

lol your right it kind of does

 

 

http://www.freshalloy.com/site/cars/...iew/home.shtml

I just noticed this now, that the 2004 MAXIMA has AWD!!!!!

Holy crap that car might be hella fast.

 

wow, that is SAAAAAD that fuckin thing looks about 90% IDENTICAL to the Saturn!!!

 

Look at this ugly ass...

 

 

more:

 

lol@Saturn Ion comparo!

 

I think I read somewhere (FA?) that this year was it for the "I". No more badge engineered Infinitis (with)in North America.

 

how's the paint on these new Nissans..looks pretty nice to me

 

dual quad exhuasts!?@#$

 

doesn't look like a sport sedan; It looks like a family sedan to me.:thumbsdn:

Any frontal view

 

the tail lights cant seem to figure out whether they are supposed to be on the BACK or the SIDES of the car....WTF??? ugly ugly ugly

 

It would look good ... but too many seams/edges/lines around the rear bumper, plate, quarter panel, spoiler, tail lights, gas door. That rear is busy.

 

Actually, the weight shifts completely to the front during braking no matter WHAT kind of drivetrain you have.... FWD/AWD/4WD, it makes nearly no difference, the engine has nothing to do with braking.

It is the suspension and the reverse torque applied to the car by the wheels that causes the front to squat down, just like acceleration torque causes the front of the car to rise up...

 

Well, my opinion is it's 100% better looking then the other body style, however, the jury's still out on the new style through.

 

really,

hmm i'll take a look into this 2 be sure

 

The new Maximas have good paint IMO, flakes and all. Anything else, looks like it was painted with lipstick. It chips like hell from my reading.

It's the NISSAN ION!!!

 

I'm a Max guy ... starting the '81 Datsun Maxima, moving to a '92 Max GLE and ending with '94 Max GXE. The Datsun was more than a fine first car and the second gens kept me reliably motoring for quite a number of years. I certainly liked the '95-'99 model, but the current gen took some getting used to that was speeded by its 222hp motor, '01 tail / '03 headlight freshening and finally the 255hp motor. IMHO, the Max has always been about bigger displacements and relatively conservative styling. Hopefully the '04 looks better in person, but it's certainly getting started on the wrong foot. A V8 might just help me like it, though.

BTW, what is the Max's purpose in life? What cars does it compete against? The old Altima's spot is empty now that the new Altima has grown up and taken the old Max's spot making the new Max move up on the ladder. Get that?! Clear as mud. This means the Sentra is left to hold down the Civic / Tercel fighting position. I think it also leaves the Max out in the cold. Each year the Max kept growing up and out, but the new Altima seems to have pushed it out of its element.

As for the I35, I think it's toast with the advent of the G35 and the QX4 might be the next to step down after that.

 

i think its totally ugly as well. I was possibly thinkin of gettin a 2003 maxima whn my lease ended but by that time, that fugly monster will be out. Unless i get a really good deal on a leftover 2k3 with cleared tails in black then ill be hittin the market for something else. I have been a maxima guy up to my cl-s and even thought i love my car, i kind of wish i had the 4 door sports car edge of the 2k3 max. Most likely ill be at infiniti lookin into the G coupe and still be happy with my nissan reliability.
wg

 

after looking at those pics of the car in maroon, it's already starting to grow on me. But I have always liked Nissan.

 

i'm not sure yet, have to wait till i see the whole package in black(287hp, awd, 6-speed should make for a cool car). i know one thing, the rear end isn't worse looking than the new accord sedans.

 

I want to hear some solid hp/tq numbers and drivetrain type.

Doesn't look that bad IMO.

 

From Fresh Alloy and Canadian Driver:

These are facts, not opinion:
Horsepower: 255+ (TBA)
3 transmissions available: 5sp Auto w/manual shift mode, 4sp Auto, 6sp Manual
Vehicle Dynamic Control available on both auto transmissions
Dual exhaust with 4 chrome tips
Power folding mirrors standard on SE (available on SL)
Skyview Roof standard on all models. Sunroof is an option. This skyview roof is narrower than a typical sunroof, but runs the lenght of the car. From the exterior it will appear as one solid piece of tinted glass, but from the interior it will be split into front and rear by a narrow beam that will be coverd by headliner material. There will also be sunshades to pull shut to completely block off light if desired.
Bose will be the premium sound system, not Rockford.
A rear center console will be available on both trim levels (reduces seating to 4)
Dual Zone Climate Control with rear AC vents.
Center display integrates displays of HVAC, radio, and trip computer (similar to Murano).
Optional DVD Nav system.
It will be revealed at Jan 5 Detroit Auto Show
It will be available as soon as March 5, 2003.
20 gal fuel tank
18' wheels on SE model
Cornering lights
speed sensitive wipers
tilt/telescopic steering wheel
6 colors: winter frost, liquid silver, spirited bronze, champagne mist, red opulence, radiant ember
Full size spare comes with VDC option
Helical limited slip diff on manual SE model.
Elite package includes rear center console, rear sunshade (power), and rear heated seats.
Rear door courtesy lights. Rear reading lights.
Sirius or XM radio available on both models.
Interior colors: cafe latte, black, frost, and burnt orange/black.
Two exterior colors from 2003 are still available: onyx and majestic blue.
18" chrome wheel option.
The "traditional" sunroof is an option on all models.
Multi-link independent rear suspension.
Auto tint rear view mirror with compass & home link

 

I dunno. I'd rather have an Acura than a Datsun.

 

i'm so glad ghosn is bringing back the datsun brand, mmmm, more sportscars.

 

You can see the skyview roof if you look at the roof of the Maxima in this pic.




As a 2002 Maxima owner I am suppose to dislike the styling of the new Maxima (pride in my car) actually I like the looks and with the right exterior mods this thing will be tight. I'll take my 2004 Maxima with AWD, 6spd Manual in Majestic Blue/Black leather for 32K+- and how many cars out there can offer that for under 40K!!!

 

sorry if i missed the post... but how ya know its only 32k?? I didnt think pricing was out yet.

 

speculations

 

I said 32+- I'm assuming :P

 

More pics. I was starting to like it after I saw those red pics, but the front end is hideous.

 

i'd much rather drive a "boring" acura than an ugly ass nissan