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When I say that Kansas City is one of the best car markets in the country, most people understand this to mean one of the most competitive with more dealers per capita than any other. While that may be true, the influence of Kansas City goes beyond the number of cars, roads, dealerships and even the two major manufacturing plants in our region. We are also home to top automotive experts. Consulting businesses such as NCM Associates who for over 50 years have brought dealerships from around the country together to exchange ideas, experiences and expertise in a process known as the "20 Group" concept call Overland Park home. Overland Park is also home to Primedia Business, publisher of over 60 industry specific publications. One of those publications, Wards Auto World has earned the prestigious reputation for trusted global auto industry news and analysis. Each year Wards Auto World publishes its highly coveted Ten Best Engines award. One engine and its predecessor rated as a top ten engine in the world for the last nine years. Nissan's double overhead cam 3.5 Liter V6 is used in nine different Nissan vehicles and three Infiniti vehicles including this week's test car, the all new 2004 Nissan Maxima. Sharing the same engine as the legendary 350Z and equipped with an optional close ratio 6-speed manual transmission my Nissan Maxima responded like a true 4 door sports car. With 265 horsepower the ultimate Nissan sedan will never leave you wanting for power. One day behind the wheel is enough to understand why the editors of Wards Auto World find this engine so remarkable. Yet it's not just the engine that will take your breath away. This all-new design continues Nissan signature styling cues in the hood, grill and high intensity headlights. Bold fender arches and carved architectural slopes make this a distinctive sports sedan. While the exclusive panoramic SkyView glass paneled roof is unique, I still like the traditional sunroof that opens and closes. Dual exhaust with four chrome pipes completes the sporty design of this American made beauty. Did I just say American made? The 2004 Maxima, designed at the Nissan Technical Center in Atsugi, Japan with investment from Renault of France, assembles this vehicle right here in the good old U. S. of A. American workers in Smyrna and Decherd Tennessee provide the final assembly of this truly remarkable vehicle. I took delivery of this world-class automobile from the friendly folks at State Line Nissan in South Kansas City. Honored by Nissan, as one of the top dealers for providing measured outstanding customer satisfaction, State Line Nissan is rightfully proud of their Owners First Award of Excellence. Everything about the 2004 Nissan Maxima spoke of excellence from the award-winning engine to the aggressive new design. The driving experience of this vehicle was no less excellent. The all-new multi-link independent rear suspension gave outstanding handling and ride characteristics. Standard 4-wheel Antilock disc brakes with huge 12.6 inch front and 11.5 inch rear rotors brings this 3,436 pound car to an instant and true stop. Inside the vehicle, luxury pampers you from the moment you look out at the stylish wraparound cockpit. Melting into the leather, I have come to expect heated seats from a car of high expectations, but I was genuinely surprised to wrap my hands around a heated steering wheel. The interior lives up to my expectation of excellence. You will find Nissans value priced without the deceptive expectation of large rebates and incentives. Pricing for the 2004 Nissan Maxima starts in the high $20's and tops out in the mid $30's. At this price range you get great cars from most manufacturers. But at this price the 2004 Maxima competes with vehicles much more expensive. Here in Kansas City we expect competition and we demand the best. We are a car town and we know our automobiles. Before you spend your hard earned cash on a lesser vehicle take a 2004 Nissan Maxima for a drive. Find out why the editors of Wards Auto World love this engine and Kansas City drivers love the vehicle.
2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE Base MSRP: $27,050
3.5 Liter V6
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©2003 - Stan Risener