I would just like to put in two cents and would love some feedback. I own a 2002 SE and have been thinking about a 2004 SE. I drove one awhile ago, one with the auto and one with a 6-speed. Both are very nice, ride well and plenty of punch. What concerns me is the quality of the interior.

We all spend a lot of time behind the wheel, so for me at least, the interior fit, finish and ergonomics is just as important as the way the car looks. I happen to like the exterior from bumper to bumper. Bold innovative style, crisp lines, elegant. No question that the engine is and probably will always be one of the best on the planet.

But the interior does not compare to my 2002 SE. The feel of the controls in the 2004 are not high quality. In fact they are almost loose to the touch and inferior plastics were used. Everything from the center console cupholders to the toggle switches are no comparison to the materials and fit and finish of the 2002.

I think the LOOK of the interior would grow on me at least. On the plus side, the seats are excellent and the cabin its roomier than my 2002.

But I think I'm going to hold off a purchase in hopes that they improve the quality of the interior!

 

Just stick to your 2002 SE. Better inside and out.

 

Flame warning!!

 

I traded my '02 SE in for a '04 SE with the Premium Audio package, Sensory Package, sunroof, and rear spoiler. Overall, my opinion is that it is moreso a different vehicle than a better vehicle. It's roomier and the ride, in my opinion, is much better. On fit and finish, the '02 edges the '04. However, I have not experienced any loose feeling controls. However, some of the gaps could be tighter.
Overall, I'm happy with the trade. I did not loose any performance, but gained a roomier more refined feeling auto.

 

The 2004 is made in US, the 2002 is made in Japan.
Nothing else needs to be said.

 

I love this forum when a diff year comes up, everyone comes running, putting down the 04 awesome

 

Here's my two-cents, but don't flame me for it. I love my 04 max and would never go back to another model and wouldn't trade it up for anything right now.

What I will say is that my ex had a 2001 GLE (like the 2002) and the interior door panels and headliner seemed more "solid." Know what I mean? When you push on the panels, they don't really move in and out much. Furthermore, the headliner in the 01 seemed actually stuck to the roof as opposed to the 04, which seems like a molded piece just hanging there.

I feel what you're saying in that regards, 2k2grayse, and that would be my only "complaint," if I had one, that is. But I don't. I like my 04 and everything about it!

 

Only postive comments welcome!

 

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate your comments. I'm glad you like your 04. In all honesty I'll probably trade up to an 04 which would make my 3rd Maxima. I really do believe they are the best all around car for the money!

 

hehe

 

This has nothing to do with the quality of the interior. No matter how you assemble junk, it's still junk.

 

I see you also agree that the 6th gen sucks.

 

I'm happy with my 6th gen but definitely think the interior lacks the "quality" of prior gens.

 

Glad I'm not returning my 01 SE this month. Test drove an 04 SE and didn't like it one bit. Dealer was hellbent on convincing my old man and me to return the Max once the lease is up, but we told him we didn't like the 04 at all and we're going to buy out the 01. Stealership guy was pretty p*ssed. Meh.

 

Okay, Ill be serious here for a second... Seems like a lot of 5th geners might have issues about the 6th gens... Ill lay it down... I didnt buy the 6th gen because it was so ugly, and bought the 5th gen before it got sold out.. If I could do it again, I would do the same thing. Now, If I had some money and got a good trade in amount from my 5th gen, I would definatly get a 6th gen.. I really like a lot of the features I wish we had on the 5th gens.. .But I dont.. So sometimes you just gotta get what feels right.. And that means I would get a 6th gen because I think its a great car.. even though the quality isnt...

 

I like them all....But my 04 is the best.

 

I am glad the 05 will be out soon, can't wait to join the 5th genners and put it down..

*sigh*

 

This thread should be locked now, cant go wrong with either depending on your taste. Both have the wonderful 3.5 in them that we all love!

 

I'd have to say the 5th gen max got equally put down as the '04 when the 5th gens 1st came out in late '99/early '00, but to this day the styling theme for both 5th and 6th gens is either love it or hate it

 

Other than, why don't you move your @$$ to Japan?

 

The 05s will be a 6th gen too wont it? Why would you want to put it down, are they changing anything?

 

Not a thing. Rule of thumb with Nissan is: 2 identical MYs. Slight redesign for 2 following MYs (or in the 5th gen's case -- AN ALL NEW FRIGIN ENGINE!). There will not be a single change made for the 2005 Max.

 

I personally find the looks of the 6th gen very attractive and have really liked the styling since I saw the first picture of it way back. I have yet to drive one, but after sitting in a number of them, I still like the car. I still am anxious to drive one and if I liked it, I'd buy one. I do really like the CTS however, but we won't go there.

 

IMO: In general, if you're a fan of the 5G Max then you'd be more inclined to like the 05 Alti 3.5SE/SL more than the new Max. (At least in my case.)

That said, the new Max has grown on me a bit. However, the pricetag of it is squarely in G35S/X territory. For similar money, the G is a no brainer. $.02

 

Just about every Japanese/foreign car is already, or soon will be assembled in the US. We get the same engineering and quality, but also the labor and economy boost. Can't loose.

I love my interior. Plastic does scratch easy, but love the layout and ease of use. I think if you want better interior quality, you best move up another $20k into the overpriced companies and loose the performance/reliability that demands our love and loalty from Niassan.

 

I actually think they will end up makin a few minor changes to the 05, grille wise and maybe something else very very minor...

 

my mom has a 04 SL, I like the car, I actually like the interior but the center console, radio, and cup holders and such are fragile. I agree its a totally different car but a fine one. Again this has to be about personal taste and what you are looking for. I wouldnt take an 04 over my 97 Max but its a real nice car minus some of the cheap feeling interior pieces.

 

ahh, thanks.

 

I can't say I wholly agree. according to several dealers in my area, there has been an increase in problems since production moved to Smyrna. In addition to that, Japanese plants employ a higher standard of quality than we use here. I do agree that it helps our economy, and that's a definite plus. This is my 2nd 2004 Maxima (1st one had major engine and transmission malfunction after 338 miles), but I'm still a strong supporter of 6th gen Maximas. But in all honesty, the quality has declined since production in Smyrna (used to drive a Japanese built 97). Nevertheless, Nissan's plant in Smyrna helps feed the mouths of many Americans, so I guess in the bigger scheme of things it's all worthwhile.