Finally got to drive an '04 Maxima.
Impressions: car handled incredibly well and accelerated strongly even with 3 passengers.
After that performance, my domestic-loyal friends said this car is now at the top of their list as far as next purchase. They were impressed with the power, its smoothness, luxury, handling, luxury, size. The beloved GTP didn't stand a chance.
The only complaints were with the touchscreen(?)...it was difficult to read in direct sunlight and it seemed that the tranny was slow to downshift...dunno if that's normal or because of the added weight and abuse.

Sidenote: got to drive a ZO6.

 

It's not a touch-screen. If you can't see it very well because of the glare, close the sunshade!

 

D'oh!

 

I couldn't agree more. I drove both back to back - no contest. There was a line to drive the Maxima, and all I heard was positive comments.

 

We did the same thing, just get the best comparison. The GTP did have good low-end power: everyone was ripping the tires off the line. Still, the feel of quality, handling (rims probably helped a bit here), and the look of the Max were far superior.

The line "All other cars" pretty much meant Maxima, I didn't see anyone going anywhere else.

We hogged the Maxima for a bit with 4 people, Chinese firedrill-style ; a friend was "punched" for driving the Century a bit hard, and another friend was scolded for squealing the tires while pulling a tight turn in a Vibe.

I wish they had the G35; I drove the LS430.

Everyone loved the foreign cars...dunno why GM thought this was agood idea.

 

yup, I received a few warnings also, but no punch...common' what do they expect??