Options

In case it doesn’t, the six-speed in our 3.5SE test car can be swapped for a four-speed Jatco automatic with a manual shift mode at the same trim level, or even for a five-speed Aisin automatic in the more-luxury-oriented 3.5SL model. These largely negate issues with torque steer and throttle response.

The brakes on the 3.5SE are big and fade resistant, and although our 70-mph-to-standstill test required a fairly lengthy 197 feet, the brakes felt secure and dependable when we went playing in the mountains. Perhaps production-level ABS calibrations will improve the car’s stopping performance, too.

When the 2004 Maximas arrive in showrooms this month, they’ll be equipped with a choice of two powerful stereo systems. The standard unit for the 3.5SE is a 240-watt eight-speaker radio/ cassette/CD player; the SL gets a 320-watt Bose unit with a six-CD in-dash changer that is also offered as an option on the SE.

Options for the ’04 Maxima will be offered singly and as part of packages. One of them–the Journey package–supplies a DVD navigation system with a seven-inch display for the first time in this model. That display acts as an info screen for the stereo, ventilation, and trip computer, too, even on models without navigation.

Thus, with more power, more style, more colors, and more variation, Nissan clearly hopes the Maxima will not only pick up where its worthy predecessor left off but also bring more believers into the fold. Without the torque steer, it would have been a pushover.