2005 Nissan Maxima New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Nissan Maxima?
Nissan makes minor changes to the 2005 Maxima. Standard, beginning with November production, is a stability control system, and Nissan's new Advanced Airbag System is added to every 2005 Maxima. The manual transmission has been revised to provide better shift feel and shorter throws, and models equipped with leather get a softer grade of upholstery than before. Chrome trim decorates the interior door handles, lock switches, and parking brake handle for a more upscale appearance, while new titanium-tinted cabin trim debuts. A dashboard-mounted 12-volt outlet is added at the base of the center stack, and auto-dimming outside mirrors are available. Models equipped with a Bose audio system can be outfitted with satellite radio. From the outside, you can tell the 2005 Nissan Maxima apart by its black brake calipers.

Advantages of the 2005 Nissan Maxima:

• Competent braking system
• Sublime power delivery
• Quality interior materials
• Vast interior space
• Control layout and design

Objections to the 2005 Nissan Maxima:

• Slipshod build quality
• Torque steer
• Rear visibility

Editor's Advice:
Nissan claims that the 2005 Maxima represents the official return of the four-door sports car, but several automakers ranging from Acura to Volvo could lay claim to that description today. This is no sports car, but it does make a pretty good sports sedan. Roomy, comfortable, powerful and chic, styling is more distinctive than the Altima's, with a strong European flair. With its four-wheel independent suspension, the ride quality and handling limits are vastly improved over Maximas of old, though it still suffers from torque steer due to its front-drive layout. With 265 horsepower and plenty of torque on tap, the 2005 Nissan Maxima flat out flies down the road whether you've selected the six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.