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Sixth generation (A34)
Overview
Production	January 2003 – May 2008
Model years	2004–2008
Assembly	United States: Smyrna, Tennessee
Designer	Shiro Nakamura (2000)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform	Nissan FF-L platform
Powertrain
Engine	3.5 L VQ35DE V6
Transmission	6-speed manual 4/5-speed automatic CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	111.2 in (2,824 mm)
Length	2003–2006: 193.5 in (4,915 mm) 2006–2008: 194.4 in (4,938 mm)
Width	71.7 in (1,821 mm)
Height	58.3 in (1,481 mm)

The sixth generation Maxima, code-named A34, was only sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

It was introduced in production form as a 2004 model at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. In the US, it came with the venerable VQ35DE, a DOHC V6 engine that produced 265 hp (198 kW) at 5,800 rpm, and 255 lb·ft (346 N·m) of torque at 4,400 rpm and a standard SkyView fixed glass paneled roof that ran down the center of the roof (from front to back) or an optional traditional style moonroof. Sixth generation Maximas were available in two trim levels, SE and SL. The sporty SE model came standard with 18 inch alloy wheels, P245/45R18 V-rated tires, stiffer suspension, rear spoiler, and an optional 6-speed manual transmission. The luxurious SL model came standard with 17 inch alloy wheels, P225/55R17 H-rated tires, wood interior trim, 6-disc CD changer, Bose stereo, leather seats, and HID headlights and optional heated front seats. The manual transmission was never offered in the SL model and the suspension is tuned for a softer ride. For all models, the rear independent suspension returned, this time using a multilink setup similar to the Altima.

2004 Nissan Maxima SE

2007–2008 Nissan Maxima

For 2007, the U.S. Maxima became available with a standard Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) (similar to the CVT found in the Nissan Murano) as the only transmission choice; a manual transmission was no longer offered; however the CVT featured a manual mode. It featured a freshened front fascia (lacking the center block, the new grille closely resembled that of the 2007 Altima). Headlights were also more squared around the edges. New interior changes included an Intelligent Key system with integrated ignition tab, new center console, and new white-and-orange gauges as opposed to the older pure orange ones.

For 2008, the Maxima's fuel economy dropped from 21MPG-City / 28MPG-Highway to 19/25 due to new EPA measurement methods. A Platinum Edition package of convenience features was added for 2008 on both SE and SL trim levels.

In Australia, the Maxima had the same engine, but Nissan set the maximum power to only 170 kW (228 hp). The Australian version was code-named J31, shared the VQ engine, initially only came with a four-speed automatic transmission, and had quite noticeable styling differences to the North American version as it was based on the Nissan Teana. In 2007, it received a minor mid-life facelift and an all new CVT automatic transmission.

In Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Singapore, Brunei, Latin America & the Caribbean, it was sold as the Nissan Cefiro. It was built on the standard FF-L platform of the Altima/ US Maxima combined with certain pieces of the JM Nissan Presage design same as the Nissan Teana previously mentioned. The American Maxima was known for a balance between sport and luxury; other models tended to focus more on comfort.