Used 1990 Nissan Maxima Consumer Reviews
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Best car I ever bought
japanesecarfan, 02/19/2013
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought this car back in 2001 for $1500. It had 123000 miles in it. The interior and exterior were both in excellent condition. I had to do minimal maintenance to get the car up to par. Throughout the 12 years I owned it I did just regular maintenance. Tires tune up brakes fluid changes ect. Not until I got to around 200,000 miles did major repairs needed I replaced the automatic transmission with a used one and then replaced all the fuel injectors (only needed 2). This car has been a godsend It still drives just as good as the day I bought it even better with the new injectors. Has plenty of power handles well and it's still easy on the eyes.
Great Max !
Mr Fender, 09/08/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1990 Max in '96 with 102k on it for $3000 - best car I've ever owned. The V6 is possibly one of the best ever - plenty of power. The only things I replaced are an alternator (4 hrs of hell), tires and oil. My only major gripe was that the transmission is very slow to shift into overdrive below 40 degrees - have to drive a couple of miles before it will. I would buy another one in a heartbeat.
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See all 0 listingsWill Never Sell
George, 05/24/2010
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought in 98 with 123,00 miles. Drove it (and LOVED it) for 30,000 more with just routine maintenance. Had to get a more "mainstream" looking car for work (boss said the window tint made it look too "gangster" for my position, heh). Anyway, this car sat unused in my yard for 5 years: I just could not bring myself to sell it despite numerous offers. Also, could not afford to keep multiple cars tagged and insured, so it just sat, neglected. I have just spent $900 to bring it back to life (battery, filters, sparks,tires etc.) and now remember why I could not part with it. This car is just so much fun to drive! Everything working great except stereo, clock and windows. 21 year old engine! LOVE IT!
Great engine!
PureCode, 12/06/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I must say, the engine is fantastic.. after 12 years, everything around it is dying but the engine still works. Right now, the major problems i am having is with the rear windows no longer closing after being opened, temp gauge is dead ($400 to fix!), clutch goes every 10,000 miles (ever since the original died at 119,000 miles), alternator died recently, shift stick "arm" (under the car) is worn out and rattles under the car, speakers are dying one by one and it drinks a HELL of a lot of gas (but that could just be me driving ;) ) We're replacing the car with a 1999 Acura TL tho :)
89 Max
89 Max, 06/03/2004
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Car is actually an 89, but I have to post my experience. With 212,000 miles this engine will not quit. It is the most reliable and trouble-free car I have ever owned, even after beating it on the streets of New York and New Jersey for years. I have been failing to fix the many accessories which do fail, waiting for the car to die, but it will not. The power windows and sunroof fail easily. I had three power windows go within a month and know others who had the same problem. Car just passed inspection with nothing, wrong, at over 200k. I told the mechanic this is unprecedented in my 15 years of car ownership
StillSpry
TexasTom, 06/16/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Only complaint I have is the power windows don't hold up. I've replaced 3 or 4 over the years.
Still in love
Mr. M., 03/08/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 90" five years ago w/76k. Since,I have had to replace all four window regulators, six injectors,the manifolds and a transmission at 165k. The car now runs as good as new w/orig. showroom look. Im going to keep her another 100k! Racing Red/charcoal cloth & Bose in TX.
Nissan Maxima for life!!
JenNMS, 04/05/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Maxima was the first vehicle that I purchased on my own. When I bought the car it had 2000 miles on it. Thus, the love affair started! This has been the best car that I have ever seen or owned! It now has 217,000 miles! I have to replace the starter once, the clutch once and the timing belt numerous times. My husband now drives the car as his work vehicle and loves it almost as much as I do. I recently purchased another Maxima and so far I am having the same luck as I did with the first one. All I can say is that you definately get what you pay for with Nissan.
A 19 yr old car that won't die!
Nick, 01/05/2008
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Most fun per dollar
JD, 12/23/2009
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned 1990 SE manual since 99 and put 202,000 on it. Fun, fast, geared low but still gets up to 32 mpg highway. Average about 26mpg and as low as 22 city. I have replaced timing belt, alternator 2X. Rack and pinion, clutch master cyl. brake master cyl. two fuel injectors (change all 6 and you will get some great gas mileage if they are flow matched/balanced), two front struts, all 4 window regulators (get OEM for fronts and aftermarks for back), flex pipe 2X (the second time I just cut it out from J-pipe and clamped an aftermarket in. Make sure its a full braid not corrugated inner). All tires- General Ameri G4S, Bar.Bravaris, BFGood traction T/A have been great. I prefer 215/60R15.
Good times!
mrchildogs, 06/17/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased my 1990 Maxima in 1997 with ~70000 miles on it. It has performed beautifully since then. I've never had any performance problems with the engine. I've done regular, routine maintenance on it and I've replaced several worn out parts (brake calipers, starter motor, timing belt). A great car, well worth the price!
Live on !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hawk522, 06/26/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Maxima brand new in '90. As of today (6.26.02) with 143k miles on my MAX the engine still purrs !!!!! Certainly one of the best cars I have had the pleasure of driving every day.
Miss my '90 SE
wildanimal, 07/25/2010
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 1990 SE loaded with the CD & ABS the only options available that year. I drove the car for 5 years trading it in at 115,000 for a 1996 Millennium S. The Maxima was so reliable. Went back to dealer once for the CD button sticking (Dealer Installation Error). I got a hole in AC condenser at about 90,000. That was the only trouble I ever had. Changed the brake pads my self & the timing belt. Easiest modern car I ever owned to work on. I ran 115MPH for an hour & she purred. Consistently got 32 mph highway. Best car ever
Still Going, After All These Years!
Kitty, 08/05/2010
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought "Golda" from an elderly couple who only put 78K miles on her in 16 years! Her paint was shot and of course her window regulators needed to be redone, but she was a true bargain at $1800. Four years, a paint job, new regulators and an alternator later, she's still going! Starts every time. Ice cold AC, replaced the stereo for a CD player. She's the envy of my coworkers who suffer with big car payments. She's old, but who cares? She looks great. Classic lines, lots of pep, no rust, interior looks great and she gets me everywhere. I'm at 144K now and she's still like a new car. If you find a decent one, buy it! These cars really do run forever! 20+ years and counting!
1990 nissan maxima review
DvWoot, 08/05/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an excelent car.With the proper care, and a little extra money to put into it this car will last a lifetime.It's a very comfortable ride with lots of room.I highly recomend this car to anyone .
SWEET STUFF
bobby jimbo timbo, 08/26/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i love this car, dont knock it till you've peeled the tires off a 12 year old import
Great Car
rt90, 08/26/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for ten years. Mileage right now is 208k. Replaced tranny once (with a used one), one fuel injector, alt, starter, speed sensor, radiator, master cylinder and front stuts all have failed or wore out, but I am not complaining. Brakes and exhaust replacement is common. I would buy another one right now! This is a great car that does not have one valve tap. Engine is still quiet.
champion beater
Gunny, 09/30/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 1990 Maxima has 222,000 miles. I've replaced tires and window regulators and currently the key is stuck in the ignition, but that only aides me in driving it sooner once I get in. I had 2 heads replaced in 1995 because I drove it without any antifreeze. Since then I'd swear that I get 30mpg on the highway. She's old, dinged and dented, but she's as solid as the day I bought her and I look forward to a new one.
I'll miss it
Braindead, 10/01/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Definitely the best car ive had. Ran great till i sold it with 187K miles. Only replaced the Alternator and brake pads once. Bought an Accord 98 V6 then. The Max was more comfortable and seemed to accelerate better tho gas mileage wasnt so great. Internal features were better in the Max
1990 Maxima
03/27/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been extremely reliable and fun to drive. Cost of ownership over the years has been minimal. I now have 150,000 miles on the car with no major problems of any kind.
great, dependable ride
rojox, 11/11/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bot this with 90k on it, put on 50k in 3 yrs then became son's car, super dependable, still exc performance and very comfortable. Nearly timeless body style. In 2001 I drove a new Maxima at the dealer and could hardly tell the difference in performance. Too bad it's depreciated with all the mileage on it, I might as well drive it into the ground if that ever happens.
Love this car
Gotta love it, 11/21/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Maxima from a private seller a few years ago and I have loved it ever since. I even found out that my car was a roll back after I bought it but it still served me well up until this year when everything went wrong, (starter,axel,power steering), but I still think I got my moneis worth. I'm looking now for a new one, would buy a Maxima again and again. As a mother of three, plenty of room but still looks cool.
The next best thing to a Skyline :)
MaximaMark, 12/09/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. It is extremely fun to drive. It is very sporty for the person who wants a sports car but also roomy and comfortably for a person who wants luxury. People complain about gas mileage but my first vehicle was a SUV so the gas mileage of the Maxima is awesome. I love this car so much i'm planning on keeping it until it blows up, if possible. I plan on putting a turbo engine to maximize the fun of the car too. The only complaint is the transmissions, they suck. The autos especially. What's great is, the trannies aren't made by nissan, they are made by borg warner which really sucks.
LOVE IT
kc932, 01/20/2003
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My mom bought this car when it had like 10,000 miles on it. I learned how to drive in this car and later on used it to drive 130 miles to and from work. It all the years we had it I used and abused this car and it kept asking for more! "Is that all you got?" is what I felt like it said everytime I got home. 89 Camaro 94 Camaro Z-28 and an Oldsmobile Aurora later I regret selling this car. Just bought a 91 SE yesterday. Once you have had this car you cant go back! Only problems window regulators, exhaust and lack of the clock working.
Best car I've ever owned - and stylish
vrickey, 07/19/2003
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you want a fast, good-looking, comfortable car with power that seats five comfortably, this is it. This car has few if any flaws, and still looks sporty on the road today after 14 years. Powerful V6 engine; no blind spots; standard sound system has deep base; Bose ugrade must sound even better; with routine service, the engine will never die. I would buy it again new today if still offered in this body style and configuration.
A great car for over 14 yrs!
Chad , 09/22/2005
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Absolutely Loved this car!
minime76, 03/04/2003
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had purchased a 90 Max GXE with 120,000 miles on it in March 00 and sold it Feb 03, and I put an additional 20,000 miles on it before I sold it. While I had it, I had the struts changed, and performed other routine maintainance, but nothing out of the ordinary (my rear window failed to go back up once I took it down, but I didn't replace it). I recently purchased another car, and was forced to sell this beauty, because I no longer had room for it. I must admit, this was a great car, and I still think this is by far the best used car on this planet!
for a 13 yr old car? im very happy
joe shmoe from NY, 02/25/2004
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
ive had this car for over 2 years and its been pretty reliable. although ive had to change the alternator and the starter at least once a year. other than that. i love it.
Fits me just fine
lilyank04, 04/18/2004
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car in August or June and within 17000 miles the transmission went out on it. I thought it was a rip off but when I bought the car it had 120000 miles. And from 120-137000 miles I enjoyed racing everything i passed and saw beside the police. My uncle has a 1994 Maxima and his is a lot faster than mine and he can hall butt on that one, then last month he bought the 2004 Maxima, all can say is Everything that i buy from here on out will be a Maxima because I love power, racing and speed.
Love my SE
Mad Max 3, 05/08/2004
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car I've ever owned. She's got 248,000 miles and still fun to drive. This car has been extremely reliable and continues to get great gas mileage - 28 mpg on the highway. The 5-speed has held up great - I'm still driving on the original clutch. I don't hesitate to take my old max out on long road trips - even with a quarter of a million miles! Nice job Nissan!
RELIABILITY AND SOLID WORKMANSHIP
Ken Harris, 05/24/2004
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle in September of 2003 for $1,500.00 with 96,000 miles. The Maxima's V6 is one of the best engines ever made. For a car that is 14 yrs old the performance is excellent as well as the handling. If Nissan were making this body style I would purchase it brand new today. The 2004 Maxima will never have the reliability of the 1989-1994 body style. There are many more computerized that will malfunction in the newer Maxima models. Once this vehicle dies I will look for a 1994 model,
This car is a keeper
Maxlover, 01/15/2005
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Best car I've owned!
acdc62, 03/15/2003
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it used in 97 with 90000 miles. Now 140000 miles. Changed tires, timing belt all window regulators, regular maintance, but that's pretty much it. Excellent car. My friends 97 maxima dosen't even come close to it. Never stalled druring the time I've had it. Always came to the rescue when my friend's cars stalled on the freeway.
maximum maxima
DwightBussman, 03/18/2003
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
an absolute ball, sport suspension is fun and spritely, v6 moves the car right out, and a great gearbox make this one of my favorite cars to drive.
No Stopping It!
Jimmy T, 06/11/2007
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Thoughts on a first car
santa k relli, 06/25/2007
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Good Car
JK1546, 01/18/2003
1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car, and it drives well even after 13 years of drivng it.
Great car
Gary Bucey, 03/19/2002
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car with 81,000 miles on it and haven't had any problems with it other than regular maintenance. Very smooth ride, excellent engine, plenty of power. Very tight and well built car. I would buy another one in a minute.
Smooth Nissan Maxima
Kakes, 02/28/2020
1990 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just put a new battery in it. Runs like a charm. Also has a sun-roof. There is no radio in it. Was a pull out and previous owner took it. Has Bose speakers and can be hooked up.