It has now been four months and 4000 miles since i purchased my 2005 Maxima SE. Onyx, auto, driver preferred, sensory, premium audio packages, and other assorted options. Paid $29,900 before tax and tags.

OVERALL

The Maxima is a structurally sound vehicle; all parts seem to fit in place with no rattles, squeaks and vibrations sometimes present with new cars. Nissan got it right with the second model year of this generation. Driving the car is a joy and a pleasure, so much that i usually leave my 01 chrysler sebring convertible in the garage to drive the Maxima.

EXTERIOR

The only downside to owning a black car is that it is forever dirty. With the winter we've had here in Pennsylvania, its even more impossible to keep it clean. All exterior parts flow perfectly from one piece to another, and the finish is in excellent shape. Body styling is commensurate with the model year, and the way i like it: not too futuristic like the newer cadillacs, yet not mired in the 90s like a buick.

INTERIOR

The leather seating areas are very resilient and resist dirt and all the other baddies accumulating in a car after time. Very easy to clean, except for the perforated portions in the seating areas. Word to the wise: don't use a cream based leather cleaner on the perforated seating areas or else you may get it in the little holes and it may be next to impossible to get out.

Controls are generally well placed and easy to read at night and during the day. Radio and cruise controls on the steering wheel are very well thought out, so much that i rarely use the actual radio controls on the console. The traction control button, heated steering button and mirror controls could be better located, but only the heated steering wheel button is often used, so its not a big problem. Heated seat controls are also well thought out and well placed; rocker switches are much more appropriate than some of the button type switches in other vehicles.

Seat position controls are very complete. I appreciate the variability possible for the driver in the 8-way controls, and i very much like the memory tied to keyfob and selectable on the door. Passengers like the power seats. Rear passengers say they are comfortable.

Air handling within the vehicle is fairly good, the automatic air conditioning system is a work of art. From a cold start (10-30 degrees outside) the cabin is usually up to temperature within five minutes. Add the heated seats and steering wheel (which can get very hot) and it's balmy in the cabin in seemingly no time. The only complaint is one i receive from rear passengers: the air vents in the rear dont work as well when the system is on auto, and the floor vents in the front are working. When i switch to dash vents, the rear passengers get a full helping of air.

Road noise is never a problem, and though i can hear the engine normally, it's not invasive ever. Even under heavy acceleration, i can tune to the purr of the engine but no more. With the sunroof open or ajar, the air nosie is somewhat loud, but i am used to it from the convertible.

Given the recent Dateline and other articles on side-impact crashes, I am happy the Maxima has side-curtain air bags for all passengers.

DRIVETRAIN

The 265-hp powerplant in the Maxima is definitely one of the best engines I've ever sat behind. It, coupled with a five-speed transmission and the quicker gear ratios, pumps out more than enough power for anything i can think of, and any situation ive come across. No longer do i wait my turn to merge with slower highway traffic, i speed up the ramp and get in front of them. I often wonder what others think when they see me put some serious distance between us.

Times for 0-60 are outstanding (sorry i dont have actual times), and 60-80 is so much quicker than I'm used to. Engine noise is never a problem at any speed, and the engine does not whine, wheeze or squeal under any acceleration or idle.

I do notice a fair amount of torque steer when i step on the gas from a dead stop, but knowing to expect it lets me prepare for it and grab hold of the steering wheel. On bumpy ground, the torque steer can make for an interesting ride, but on flat street, there is no real trouble. Only downside from the torque steer is that having to hold the wheel tight with both hands prevents one from using the tiptronic shifter under heavy acceleration while still maintaining perfect control of the vehicle.

Braking performance is excellent. I've had to brake hard a couple times, and i was impressed with all facets of the braking system. The ABS is exceptional, and responsive during snow, ice and rain braking.

The sticker said to expect about 20 city 28 highway. I get 19.7 city and about 27 highway, so no big surprise there. I do notice better performance and mileage from name brand gasoline as well as 92 octane. My mileage with generic convenience store gasoline is about 1.5 mpg lower, as is with 87 octane. For the extra couple of dollars a fill, i rather have hi-test.

CONSUMER REPORTS

They have rated the Maxima a buy for the fact that it is more reliable than all the American carmakers' entries. They listed the torque steer and windshield reflection as negatives in their report, but the torque steer is manageable (don't punch it!) and i don't notice the windshield reflections at all.

IDEAS FOR THE FUTURE

Even though the controls on the console are generally well placed, they still can lead to some confusion. Even though they are very legible, most are flat and have no differentiation from neighboring buttons. I'd like to see the next generation with an easier to understand panel of buttons, one that is more tactile and easier to navigate by feel.

Lose the tape player or make it an option. It sticks out like a sore thumb in the console, and i would wager that the majority of drivers who own the new Maxima don't own tapes and don't play tapes in the car.

Although the instrument cluster is easy to read and understand, it's missing something. As sharp as the Maxima is, the instrument cluster should reflect the near-futuristic styling of the exterior and interior. Maybe a cluster that matches the styling of the console, with the brushed metal look, or a cluster with indiglo-type styling would be nice.

The exterior would benefit from an understated rear spoiler, and the sport look could be boosted by a couple of air scoops (functional or not) on the sides, if they place them correctly and not intrusively.

FINAL SCORES

Exterior: 95 out of 100
Interior: 89 out of 100
Drivetrain: 95 out of 100

Final score: 93 out of 100

 

great post!!! I feel the same way about those ratings

 

Great post Zach. By the way, I grew up in Lancaster!!! Off Columbia Pike near the Dairy Queen and Burger King. Went to Rohrerstown Elementary. Is this TMI??haha

 

I played a tape in there for about 10 seconds just to make sure it was working. Then I've never used it again. I agree about deleting the tape deck. Reduce the clutter.

 

I know where that is, I went to Millersville. passed that school everytime coming or going home, small world.

 

Why beat around the bush, ZachPA? Why not tell us how you really feel about the '05 Maxima?

Oh, you did!

I usually find several things to quibble with in long posts, but I must say I find little, if anything, in your detailed post with which to quibble.

Like CanadianMoFo, I checked out the tape player when examining every detail in the car at purchase time, and have not used it since.

Like you, I feel, although the dash controls are grouped and rowed neatly, one has to know ahead of time where each button is, as they are so close together, feel so similar, and have such small writing, it is sometimes difficult to pick out/read the correct switch while driving in traffic.

You mentioned the desirability of an 'understated rear spoiler'. I feel the OEM spoiler available for the '05 Maxima is understated. Maybe even too understated for some folks. You may be meaning one similar to the spoiler on the 5th gen Maxima.

Like you, I totally enjoy driving my 6th gen Maxima. It will do everything I want, and still have plenty in reserve. Very fun machine.

 

Nismo, My mom went to Millersville College. I think its a university now.

 

so are you getting it? join the club man.......

 

Thanks all for your good comments. I do realize im preachin' to the choir though!

By understated spoiler i meant one with a little more height instead of the "bump" present on the 6th generation Maxima, but still not obtrusive. I'm sure Nissan did plenty of wind tunnel tests on this design before they produced it, and the bump probably does provide adequate downforce. The 5th gen's looked good, though maybe slightly smaller than that.

For the record, I live in Lititz now, but I've also lived in Millersville, though i never went to Millersville University. MU is a state school now, known for graduating education majors more than anything. I believe the DQ is still on columbia avenue, but i don't recall a BK being there anymore... Ill have to check. Much of the area has been so built up within the last 15 years that some who lived here then wouldn't recognize it now.

Incidentally, for those who might think i rated the Maxima high simply because I own the car, you're right! But also take into account that i own a 2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, and as much as i love that car and baby it, i only rate that about a 79 out of 100.

One final item. I've addressed this "complaint" on this forum before. The tiptronic is somewhat limited in its ability. The electronics of the transmission (ECU, whatever) won't allow me to start in a higher gear than first. I'm not looking to bog down the engine, just not spin wheels in the snow and ice. The traction control does do the job, but given the Maxima's tendency to jump when you hit the gas, one needs a *very* light touch on the gas during snow events. The wide 18" tires put a lot of rubber on the road, so that mitigates the slippage potential a little more, but i like total control, and i have it in the chrysler, but not here. Like i said, it's a little quibble, not really a full blown complaint.

Before buying this car, i test drove a Lexus ES, Mercedes C55 AMG, and the new Acura RL. The Lexus was underpowered, and the styling wasn't quite right, though i did feel comfortable behind the wheel. The Benz was definitely a powerful machine, with a V8 under the hood it screamed. Styling was good and luxury was good, but at 20k more for a less reliable car... one that is also more expensive to maintain and repair... it just wasnt a good buy. The Acura RL was a real piece of work. A good engine married to a great power distribution system, i felt in complete control of the RL. The power was there at 300 horses, but with a heavier car, it felt about the same as the Maxima. Reliability and repair weren't issues; Toyota makes a good car all around. Price was a different story. I just didn't feel that 50k was a good value for that car. I would have bought it at 40-42, but definitely not 50.

So, then i test drove the Maxima. As soon as i got it out on the highway--about 3 minutes into the test drive-- i realised i would be buying the Maxima. I took it off the lot that day with the 1% 60-month financing, and i never looked back.

 

ah, congrats and welcome...

 

I totally agree with the tape deck. That being gone could add more compartment space there perhaps instead of the small hole that barely holds anything. My 95 Max had the same thing and alll it makes me do is hold on to old tapes because I hate to throw anything away that has some use!

 

I store my important "to do" notes and papers in my tape deck. Other than that, whats a tape??

 

I agree.

The differences for my taste is the existing factory spoiler is understated and works well, but the grill is hideous. That is what I would change on the outside.

Inside, it would be nice if the alloted a solid row for the radio to allow more info to be displayed for the RDS capable stations. Maybe at least have the existing space scroll smoothly instead of just a few characters showing at a time then clearing and popping up the next block of characters every couple seconds.

 

Right on, the tape deck is taking up space and what windshield reflection?
There is a little torgue steer at times, reminds me of my old Rat Motor. LOL
Great Review there ZachPA.

 

Though I have only had ny Maxima for about three months, it is possible that I will not use the cassette player for the duration of my ownership.

 

One thing i did not report on is the Navigation System in the Maxima, for the simple reason that I did not get one! I've used Navs before, and while they aren't all the same, they are roughly the same. I'm sort of surprised in myself that I didn't get the Nav, but i took this off the lot and it had everything else in it i wanted...and in a former life i was a pizza delivery driver so i can find anything!

 

One small complaint I keep forgetting to post here:

The tiny light that comes on next to the gas guage when fuel is low does not 'do it' for me. The only time I (or my wife, or my son) notice it is when I (they) happen to look down at the gas guage. At that point, we are already seeing the fuel level is low, so the light is meaningless. This is especially true during the day.

One way the light would work for me would be for it to blink a few times (something like 3 times in 3 seconds) every two minutes or so. Nothing flashy or bright or annoying; just enough to catch your attention out of the lower left corner of you eye.

This small problem has 'bitten' us several times already. We had to abandon a countryside foray today and return to civilization because we had gotten below the 'empty' mark without noticing the tiny light.

 

Agree on the low fuel light. It does not attract enough attention to get you to look immediately at the gas gauge. Perhaps blinking would work, along with a periodic, not constant, "chime" to go along with it?

 

Hm, I think the low fuel light is much more prominent than the one on my taurus, I think its pretty bright and large.

 

Absolutely, I find it adequate and very noticable when I scan my instruments while driving. I really don`t see a problem.

 

I think the light is fine. I would not want a chime or any other noise, nor would I want the light to blink. When the needle hits "E", as I understand it there are still 4 or so gallons left. That could be a lot of miles with a blinking fuel light or chime.

 

okay guys, let's not turn this into yet another "miles/gallons left when 'Empty'" Thread.

but come on Light. I know and agree with your convictions about appreciating the reserve alotted by Nissan, but to change plans b/c of it? You have to notice the needle getting close right?

Feel free to get on my case (dog with his head down and eyes pleading)... but one cold November night, I knew I needed gas first thing in the morning. Now I was faced with a decision "under the gun" so to speak. Receiving a 2AM call from a "friend" in dire "need" I felt strongly compelled to travel ~25 miles ASAP with gas available only close to home.

Needless to say, Maxine performed well getting me there in record time, while glaring at me with that Orange dot. Made it all the way home a few hours afterwards and gave her a sip of Sunoco 93 near home before filling at work later.

Empty light = fill at next earliest convience. But I know in my mind that roughly, "If I only avg. 20 mpg, once the light goes on, I have about 80 miles left." So if a "situation" arises, it's possible w/in 60 miles.

 

I guess what I am saying here is the 'gas low' light serves no purpose for me. Unlike my wife, I do look at the guage reasonably often in order to attempt to keep abreast of how much fuel is left, but NEVER because the light caught my attention. I don't see it unless I am already looking at the guage. My wife, son and I all agree the light serves no purpose for us.

Other lights on the dash do seem to catch my attention, either because they are red or are in a position I am normally scanning more often.

wsu - you must not have read my post very closely. I did not say anything about a continuous blink. Just two or three quick blinks within the span of two or three seconds, then several minutes/miles with no blinking in between.

I'm not advocating a return to the '85 Maxima, where a recorded voice (that I named Esmerelda) said 'low on fuel' about every five minutes when fuel was low. But I must admit the voice did not bother me like it did many folks.

It is clear there are differing views on this low fuel light. So be it.

I just held a mirror in front of the flared nostrils of this horse, and found no mist. I declare this horse officially dead.

On to the next subject.

 

Great post ZachPA! I feel the same way with my new (and first) Maxima. According to the "Salesman", the Nissan included the cassestte tape in response to some sort of customer survey. Apparently, part of the Maxima demographic uses it for books on tape. I certainly don't have plans for using it. Paper storage, now that is a good idea.

 

Books on tape! Haha, i didn't know such things still existed! Seems to me everything is put on CD these days, especially considering the cost to mass produce a CD is about a nickel, and the cost to mass produce tapes is much, much higher!