1990 Nissan Maxima Review
Fuel Economy
19 - 20 mpg
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
A 19 yr old car that won't die!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
1990 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr GXE Sedan
Review
I own a 1989 GXE with ALL factory options (digital speedometer, heads-up display, sunroof, leather, etc). I bought it in 1999 with 116,000 miles for $1,500. It's now 2008 and I'm still driving it. I've "invested" $5-6k total on it the past 8 years. It now has 280,000 miles on it. I've only had usual wear and tear maintenance done on it (seals, belts, brakes, hoses, a radiator, tires, bushings, etc). I've overheated it (briefly) 3 times and it still runs near perfect. The engine sounds a little "tired" but I still pull away from everyone at traffic lights at only 2,300rpm! On the highway it's smooth as can be. 125mph top speed. This is a car that was built to last.
Favorite Features
Digital speedometer, head-up display, leather and a stylish body all for $75-80/month on average with all the repair/maintenance costs over the years! Who can complain!
Suggested Improvements
Whoever thought automatic seat belts instead of airbags was cool was an idiot. Who ever thought removing cup holders to cut costs was a moron.
Thoughts on a first car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1990 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr SE Sedan
Review
I learned to drive a stick with this car and it is truly the first car I've owned. The brakes are a little stiff but the ride is better than my parents 04 Saturn and more comfy than their 98 Suburban.
Favorite Features
Bose sound system, 5 speed transmission.
Suggested Improvements
A battery meter would have been nice, more space to put things in between the front two seats, and the seat controls are hard to get right and have a tendency to move.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
No Stopping It!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
1990 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr GXE Sedan
Review
I bought this car in Nashville and drove it up to Michigan and love it! Totally reliable and always ready to give. I've replaced the starter and the alternator and a few minor things, but that's it! It currently has 168,000 miles on it and there's no sign of slowing down. It's not an eye catcher, but anything that pays me to drive it, who cares! Wonderful investment and I'll most likely drive it into the ground.
Favorite Features
Sporty fast and a rocket to drive. Very reliable and dependable. Bose system is still rockin hard. Body is virtually rust free.
Suggested Improvements
Where are the cup holders??
A great car for over 14 yrs!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1990 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr SE Sedan
Review
I have owned my 1990 Nissan Maxima SE since my sophomore year in college. This car excelled performance wise for 4 yrs in the mountains of Colorado. The car always started and heated up quiclky in the sub zero temps in Minnesota for 4 years. For the past 7 yrs the car has done great in FL, the A/C always cooling down. The Maxima is a great quality car that will keep on running. The engine is great and the interior has held up very well. Highly recomended.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
This car is a keeper
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1990 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr SE Sedan
Review
I bought my 1990 Nissan Maxima used in 1992 with 36,000 miles on it. My first unplanned repair was a transmission rebuild at 150,000 miles for $2,500. It sits in my driveway right now with 178,000 miles with full compression in all cylinders. It starts quickly even in -9 degree weather. People offer me money for ti all the time, but I just can't part with anything this reliable. One feature that makes these cars so reliable is that all the electrical connectors are military-grade with full rubber seals. So many cars skimp on connectors, which means they start to get corroded eventually and cause hard-to-diagnose problems. Not this car. If you want a reliable vehicle this is it, and it is a blast to drive as well.
Favorite Features
Surprisingly quick, timelessly stylish looks, comfortable, good on gas
Suggested Improvements
Just can't think of any. It is practically a perfect sedan.
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