1996 Nissan Maxima Review

Gets Me By

Written by: Stevo on 09/13/2009

Vehicle

1996 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr SE Sedan

Review

This car has been overall pretty decent. As far as most FWD cars from that era, it performs pretty well. Steering is a bit light though, making handling not too enjoyable. Stock suspension is complete trash - a lot of body roll and ridiculous ride height, even with SE setup. Exterior design is quite bland, especially the 95-96 models. The 97-99 look much better. Same with the interior, very bland but at least its simply laid out. The cabin seems cramped for some reason, partly because the ceiling isn't as high as most other cars I drive. For a 140k mile car, it's been pretty reliable. Hasn't ever left me on the side of the road, but stranded in my own driveway interestingly enough.

Favorite Features

VQ30 is virtually bulletproof but not completely invincible against high mileage. Pretty decent performance for a mid-90's era V6. Pretty roomy save for headroom.

Suggested Improvements

Bland exterior and interior design, 5-speed transmission needs work, stock suspension even SE needs major overhauling to be claimed as a "sport" trim. Gas mileage is a bit disappointing for a V6.

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Great Car

Written by: Arnold on 08/31/2009

Vehicle

1996 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

Traded my 96 Maxima over the weekend. A bit sad. Bought it in 1999 used with 70,000 miles. 10 years later 198,000 miles. Still runs great with lot of power. The best V6 engine in its class! I will miss her.

Favorite Features

Power. Reliability.

Suggested Improvements

None.

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The car that made nissan

Written by: TheSilverBullet on 05/07/2009

Vehicle

1996 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr GLE Sedan

Review

Wife bought it in 03 at 90,000 miles, up to 166,980 now. Has driven to NY, VA, and ky twice a year the past 7 yrs. Replaced a starter, 2 batteries & a c. V shaft all my self. The automatic pulls ridiculously well, oversteer is more pronounced if you don't replace the shocks. Brother in law rear ended an 88 olds (steel bumper) & drove it home. Post-repair ($3600), no mechanical issues what so ever. The 6 Bose speakers have outlasted the cd/tape deck. Grease the door joints, or they'll squeak. 4 disc brakes stop at will, & mid-grade gas=mileage+passing power. The alloy wheels stopped a Subaru that pulled out on me, no alignment issues. Paid 8800 in 03, an it was worth every Penny; an awesome car

Favorite Features

Power, Bose audio, brakes, handling, roomy, trunk space, easy maintenance, 140mph top end, smooth ride, color, drivetrain, the "I thought it was newer than that" comment, and the "oh crap it's quick" remark. You need more?! Overdrive disable!!=instant red- light torque! (the groceries are hanging on_

Suggested Improvements

stiffer suspension, replaceable e- brake cover(not sewn in), cheaper 0-2 sensors(both of 'em), navigation!

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Older Nissan

Written by: Mike D on 04/15/2009

Vehicle

1996 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr GLE Sedan

Review

When I got this car it had about 150000 miles on it. With this many miles it runs as new a the never cars do. I enjoy driving this car. If I new how good it is now I would have gotten on a few years ago.

Favorite Features

I took this car from Lufkin Tx to Galveston Tx. With the cruise control on I only used the first mark on the fuel gauge. I was very happy with this car on gas.

Suggested Improvements

maybe the lights in the car brighter.

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Love my Maxima!

Written by: wes95 on 01/22/2009

Vehicle

1996 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr GLE Sedan

Review

I purchased my 1996 Maxima GXE used in 2000 with 80,000 miles. Just recently crashed due to snowy weather with 226,000 miles on it. She would have kept going, an awesome car! I have been strict with maintenance through my local Nissan dealer from the start. Oil changes through 30K mile check-ups. I just replaced the exhaust two days before the accident due to rust and a small hole starting. Biggest expense I would say was to replace the oxygen sensors. No problems with the engine or transmission, still going strong till the day she died. Only things I would have liked to see improve would be the interior quality, the drivers side carpet wore out quickly. Good and long-lasting car.

Favorite Features

Foreign reliability. Zippy for a sedan.

Suggested Improvements

Interior design quality. Better handling in the snow.

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