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| 2005 Nissan Maxima Review | |||
| Whether you're about to spend $40K on a brand new car, or half that on a used car, it is always important to learn as much as you can about the used car. Read these car reviews to learn about all aspects of the vehicle. Each of the usedcar reviews cover interior and exterior features, options, road tests, and more. | |||
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Introduction
| Road Test
| Inside & Out
| Other Thoughts
| Last Word
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| Other Thoughts | |||
As Nissan's flagship, the Maxima is now devoid of base models and starts at $28,080 for the sportier 3.5SE. Important stuff like antilock brakes and side/curtain air bags are standard on all. Strangely, and unlike the Altima, there's no price difference between the stick and the automatic, making the latter the better deal.The softer-riding, 17-inch-wheeled $30,330 3.5SL costs an extra $2,250 for a reason: it includes as standard the Premium Audio Package (Bose stereo, 6-disc CD, RDS, speed-sensitive volume control) and Sensory Package (heated leather seats, heated mirrors, 4-way passenger's seat, digital compass). On the 3.5SE, the latter costs $2,350 and includes the Audio Package (valued at $1,000). Once you have all those items, you can then add the Driver Preferred Package: heated steering wheel, driver's seat lumbar and memory, power tilt/telescope steering wheel with memory, auto-dimming folding mirrors with memory, and a mechanism that moves your seat and steering wheel out of the way when you open the door. This package also adds HID lights and a rear spoiler to the 3.5SE, which is why it costs an extra $1,300 there instead of $800. (The lights are deletable for $150 credit.) The last package, which requires all previous ones, is the four-passenger-pampering Elite Package already mentioned, costing a final $950. Navigation runs $2,000, satellite radio (XM or Sirius) $400, and stability control plus a full-size spare tire (automatic models only) $600, but you have to get some of the packages first. The Maxima's closest rival would be the Avalon. In a nutshell, it's a little faster and roomier, though a little less sporty or satisfying. Starts at 27 grand, though 29 for the sporty Touring model. Close in every respect. Another is the local challenger, the Pontiac Grand Prix. While its base price starts far below, it needs the supercharged GTP model to match the Maxima's performance. With its low-mileage pushrod engine, 4-speed automatic, less comfortable seats, way-out-there ergonomics and no price advantage ($27,390), I'd stick with the Maxima. The Ford Five Hundred, generally a good car, will appeal to those looking for more space and don't mind a performance penalty. The Kia Amanti isn't much of a competitor, but Hyundai's about to volley a fresh Sonata into Nissan's court. There's also the question of sibling rivalry. For those of you asking what the Maxima has that the Altima doesn't, here's the rundown as far as the editorial eye can see: The option of two sunroofs that don't open. The option of four seats instead of five. A cassette player. 15 extra horsepower, and slightly bigger wheels and stabilizer bar. A stretch in length, width, height, and wheelbase of 1.2, 1.3, 0.4, and 1 inches. From the Altima's 118.4 cubic feet of total interior space, the Maxima manages a jump of half a percent, all the way to 119.1. Lastly, Maxima costs an extra $2,000 or so. |
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