Used 1996 Nissan Maxima Consumer Reviews
Used Maxima for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Best Car Overall
Coastal Commuter, 09/03/2007
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was a great buy and while we have other vehicles, this is still running with the original motor and transmission at 300,000+ miles. A real winner all around.
I love this car
David Berent, 06/12/2003
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best bang for your buck in a 4 door sedan. Fun to drive, great performance. I had no problems until I hit 160K, could go to 200K, but need to move on.
1996 Nissan Maxima for sale near you
Showing 3 of 4 listings
- 1996 Nissan MaximaMSRP: $1,100577 mi away
- 1996 Nissan MaximaMSRP: $2,1301,861 mi away
- GLE SedanMSRP: $9902,125 mi away
See all 4 listings
toms
tom 151, 07/22/2003
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
its very powerful and fun
Hate to sell it
moshea, 07/07/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been fantastic. The only reason I'm selling is because I have no need to drive it anymore. Bought a 96 (stick) because several friends had 95s and 97s, and haven't had a single problem the entire 50,000 miles I've driven it. Ride is smooth and fun, interior is comfortable, Bose sound is great, and I think the older body style is better than the newer models. Great deal in a used vehicle, no doubt.
Great Car!
Alannn, 08/21/2003
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car I've ever own, 131K and runs like new!
Ugly yet beautiful
Providence, 09/17/2003
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First this car is down right ugly, from the plastic grill to the huge tail lights. Yet all that matters is inner beauty. And when you pop that hood and take a look at the amazing VQ engine you will know what I mean. I bought my Max as a car to get me to and from college everyday. Four years later I have a degree and my Max. As a poor college student what I loved about this car is that it NEVER broke down. All I had to do is routine maintenance(tires, oil changes,brakes,filters,ect..) I also loved blowing away that kid in the civic at every red light. Now I am looking to upgrade to a new G35.
Fun has Four Doors
DDW, 12/05/2008
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I sold my 1996 Lexus LS 400 and bought this Maxima. Sounds crazy, doesn't it? This car has most of the amenities of the Lexus like leather, sunroof, Bose stereo, etc but is infinitely more entertaining to drive. I have a 5-Speed SE model which has a quoted 0-60 time of just 6.6 seconds. The steering is light but the car responds willingly. The engine is incredibly refined and has torque at virtually any RPM. In mixed driving I'm averaging nearly 33 mpg thanks to the manual transmission (I do a lot of coasting). It has more room inside than its compact exterior suggests and has better visibility than anything sold on the market today. This is a lot of driving enjoyment for just $2500
Gets Me By
Stevo, 09/14/2009
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Hate to drive, Love this car
Laivdoc, 07/14/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I don't like to drive, so to compensate for my distaste for this essential part of life, I pamper myself with a car that makes it tolerable, or in this case downright fun. I have the SE 5- speed, having previously owned 3 Nissan Z cars and Ford Probe GT. The last two had been 5-speeds as well. Believe it or not, the Maxima outperforms them all. The shifter is a dream, the clutch neither too heavy nor too light, and the power is a blast. Handling is superb. The seats are very comfortable and the sound system is as good as any factory system I've heard. When this car finally bites the dust, I'll get another 5-speed SE to replace it.
This Car Kicks All Sorts of Butts
The SuperPianist, 09/24/2003
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I don't know about the guy who said that this Maxima has poor reliability. This is the best car I've ever owned, no question. The v6 engine is super quick and the 4-speed auto tranny shifts smoothly. The interior is comfortable and luxurious, and well thought out. It's small enough to be very easily maneuverable, and yet powerful enough to get turn heads when you pull away from a stoplight really fast.
The BEST car for the money!
RGC, 01/08/2004
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Maxima! I test drove every car I could around the $6-7,000 range and NOTHING performed as well. My criteria: 1) Price ($6-7000), 2) High Reliability and Safety ratings from Consumer reports, etc. 3) 4-Door sedan with a comfortable, stylish interior, and 4) THE BEST RACE CAR FEEL FOR THE MONEY. I succeed better then I could have imagined. I'm not wealthy (26 years old) but for the money there is nothing that can beat my Maxima. I gave this review all 10's with the understanding that you only have $6,500 to spend. Let the speeding ticket I got the second day I owned this car be a testament to it's performance! Good Luck!
Maxima long term review
madmax1, 10/17/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Driven car for past 5 years. Very reliabile, has been in shop for only periodic maintenance and to replace odometer, which quit working around 75k. Currently have over 150000 miles on the car and it is in great shape. I have been looking for new vehicle with the same value to performance ratio and still cannot find anything comparable.
Awesome everyday car
GP, 11/01/2005
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used in April of 2003, and have been very pleased with it. I bought it with 115,900 miles on it and sold it to my brother in August with 134,000. The fuel economy was amazing with the 5-speed - I never got less than 30 mpg on the highway, and even got 35 a few times. I have never had anything major go wrong with it, just the usual maintenence. As my first car, I don't think I could have found a better vehicle. These cars last forever, and nothing beats the always strong and potent VQ30DE!!
It keeps going.
drivealot, 06/17/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had an altima for 3 yrs and now have a 96 maxima GLE Maxima. At 180K, I have very few noises and excellent stero and loads of power or at least use to. Unfortnately, I was in an accident in my Maxima, had to have AC replaced at 150K and transmission at 155K . I have not figured out my power loss reason, but I have loved every minute in that care and got more than my moneys worth out of it. I would recommend it to anyone.
Love It!
jeromerobles, 02/10/2004
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my GLE Maxima for only 4700 dollars with 126000 miles on it, but I know it doesnt matter for Nissan since it has a good reputation of reliability and the mileage are mostly highway miles. It runs really fast and I am surprised I can easily accelerate without feeling it. Just have to be careful with speed limits. This is my first big car and I really was surprised how good she handles.
My Maxima
Mike NYC, 10/31/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I`ve only owned the car almost 2 yrs and i put at least 30,000 on it and the only thing I had to do to it was brake pads(dealer pads are the only way to go).I had the car painted since then and some other things like rims,music,suspension and a ton of other things. I`ve pretty much bonded with it the car,it has been very good to me thus far.From gas milage to reliability no bigger bang for your buck.Everyone at one point or another should own a Maxima one day.My parents borrow the car from time to time and they ask me to sell it.....
Older Nissan
Mike D, 04/16/2009
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Best Car!
claycope, 07/25/2006
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With over 180K, the maxima still runs like new. Getting 450 miles to a tank. No major mechanical problems, just standard wear and tear items. Looking forward to 300K miles before getting another one.
My Maxima
Khanh, 10/23/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Get car, I just traded it in for a Pathfinder, the car never had any problem. All you have to do is change the oil, transmission, and filters (gas & air) and the car keeps going and going, if I wasn't starting a family, I would still own this vehicle. One thing nice is you don;t have to warm the car before driving... overall, it's one of the best cars I've own
I Love My Maxima
General, 03/07/2003
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned and driven this car for 175,000 miles. The only repair that it needed was a starter. I've put on two sets of brake pads (genuine Nissan) at 85k and 170k. I put new spark plugs in (genuine Nissan) at 170k also. That's all I've done to it besides oil changes! It still doesn't have a rattle or squeak. It sure has treated me well.
The best!!!!!
Snowymaxima, 02/18/2010
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I ever owned. I purchased my 1996 Nissan Maxima GLE from a private party in 2003 when the car had 55,000 miles. I am now at 140k miles, and the original engine, transmission, exhaust system etc. What a car it has been!!!!This 14 year old car is more reliable than the new cars. Why can't Nissan replicate this car, with all of the high ratings it has gotten over the years. The Maxima after 2003 was never the same, and the Altima is a cheap joke. I was recently starting to look to purchase a newer auto, however with what I know about the car, and after reading the reviews I may hold on to this car a lot longer than I thought. What a car Nissan!!!!
Nissan 1996 GLE by Long time owner
crouchde, 05/20/2004
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A solidly built, good looking and comfortable car with excellent performance and handling. I owned a 1986 for 10 years and have owned my 1996 for 7 1/2 years. I'll be glad to buy a third.
MY BABY
Maxima Lover, 11/15/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new. I now have 180,000 miles on it and all I've replaced besides normal wear (brake pads, oil, filters, tires) are front and rear rotors and front struts. It has nver failed me. NOT ONCE! The car still rides great and I'm having a hard time letting it go in the process of buying a new one.
96 Max
Chris, 07/28/2008
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second car I have had. I had a Mitsubishi Mirage but didn't like it and wanted to have a better looking car. This car is awesome. The interior is my favorite part I have black leather and I feel like I'm in a town car. The back of the car is a bit boring, but I put 18" chrome rims on it and everyone is like what when I say its a 96. They thinks its a 2003 or something. The car does stall on me occasionally and it does get annoying but I think I just need to clean out the fuel line. I now I have 160,000 miles on it and its a lot faster than people think.
Great Car
KJB21, 11/18/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Maxima. I also had a 93. Great cars!! Been driving a Maxima for the last 7 years. Wouldn't had it any other way.
I will never own anything but a Maxima!
My Buttercup, 04/08/2010
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Her name is Buttercup and she can pass anyone. My Maxima was given to me by my son in '03. She had 93,000 miles on her when I got her. Since then she has reliably gotten me up and down the East coast and to jobs no less than 50 miles round trip. The only thing I have had to do for my Maxima is battery, tires, starter, and oil change, I hit a deer with this car but this car's reliability, handling, and of course my driving, prevented a catastrophe. Whenever she needs something, she tells me, and as long as I listen, we're both OK. After 30 years of driving, I will never own another car! There's nothing better!
IDWIN
kvg, 09/28/2003
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great car fast and i mean fast. i beat cars i should not beat example 4.6 liter mustangs, i also beat a 240 sx with a sr20det front mount, boost controller, and full exhaust.the thing that makes this car a blast to drive is the amount of torque from this 3.0 is really well used with a 5 speed.
Did I get the only lemon??!
C.A., 12/07/2004
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I read these reviews and purchased a 1996 Nissan Maxima with 76,000 miles. I thought that it would have plenty of life left. I have replaced the odometer, the radio works only about 20% of the time, locks malfunction often, and the passenger door gets stuck and won't open so we have to crawl through the drivers' side. It has been out of service twice lately and had to be towed. The repair shop said it might be best to get rid of it.
myCar
GG777, 11/17/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very happy with the car. It got stolen. Looking for subaru.
96 maxima
DERRICK, 03/10/2005
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Never had any problems rides like a charm. The 96 could use a few more horses. Well comparing to the news cars, however in 1996 it was excellent. The only thing is lack of cup holders nothing major.Nothing I can really complain about
its the best!
youngest max driver, 07/28/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have now had my Maxima SE for four years. I bought it used in 99 as a 96 model. I haven't had any major problems with it yet. The fuel pump is fine, the altenator is fine, and the car will stop on a dime! Even though it squeaks I think it's the best 4 wheel brake car around!
1996 Nissan Maxima
dre1665626, 10/04/2003
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car runs smooth nice stereo bose >>>Sliding sunroof nice leather interior >>bumpers are a little tender very eas to scratch >>>brakes work well >>> Great car.
Still going strong
UNT84, 04/21/2005
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my '96 Maxima SE to take to college with me. It was very low mileage and had only 59k miles at 7 yrs old. Now, two years later, it has 114k on it and is still as good as it was when I bought it. I love the leather seats, sunroof, and esp. the Bose audio system. Ordinarily, it gets between 22- 25 miles per gallon and that's a combination of highway and city driving. The only things I would possibly change are the quality of the paint (mine is dark green) and I do wish that it had a manual transmission. It's an awesome car though, and more than likely I will have it until it dies.
Great Car
cwf2044, 12/05/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Nissan Maxima is a fabulous car. It provides the comfort of a sedan with the pep of a sports car. My previous vehicle was a 1987 Nissan 300Z. I put over 200,000 miles on it with few problems. The Maxima features a similar engine and I expect similar reliability. The only draw- backs are the brakes and fuel economy. The brakes are squeeky and are only average reagarding reliablility. Also, the Maxima demands 92 gas beacuase of the performance engine. I had to replace an anti-knock sensor for using regular (87) fuel. It still gets good mileage though.
Deal of the Century
Brian, 12/02/2005
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 82,000 miles on it. I have put over 100,000 miles on it since I purchased it. I have only had to put new brakes and tires on it. I change the oil every 10,000 miles. Thats right, 10,000 miles. It burns no oil, leaks no oil and runs smooth. It floats smooth at 80mph. The car runs flawless.
highly recommended to buy
clark, 05/02/2006
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A dependable, best v-6 with the least money can buy. I'm very happy with it.
A powerful and reliable car
Kennth Wang, 12/19/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had my first 96 Maxima GLE at 96k and it has not brought me any trouble. I runs perfect and very comfortable. I love this car so much that I decide not to sell it.
Great Car
Brian Judd, 04/07/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Maxima, I sold the previous one with over 200000 miles, this one is almost there!
Great everyday car
Scott, 01/12/2005
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car to drive for everyday use. More than enough power and handles well at high speeds. Never had a problem after a year. Only had to change brakes and tires. Car handles great in the snow up in Buffalo, NY. All around awsome car I would highly recomend the purchase of a maxima I do not think it'll disappoint you at all.
Maxima #3
Tom Hudson, 06/15/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is our 3rd Maxima and 2nd SE model. The styling is still fresh and actually looks better than the 2002 model. Ride comfort is wonderful, even on 1-driver 800+ mile trips. Exterior paint is almost like new. Power to spare but only when you ask for it. California emissions testing always shows this car to be at less than 5% of allowables. Service techs have trouble believing the numbers from a 7 yr old car. Good arrangement and room up front. Quite ample rear leg room for non-giants. If Nissan keeps making them, we'll continue to buy Maximas.
Four Door Sports Car
maxsab, 08/02/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had the car for about 2 months and it's been great. The BOSE audio system sounds good IMO and the leather seats are great for cornering. It handles brilliantly for a 6 year old sports sedan in family sedan clothes. The engine really deserves to be on the ten best list (I just wish I had the stick shift). I've driven it over 5000 miles in 3 months and enjoyed every one of them. Best of all, the cops will never suspect any speeding is going on with this "family" sedan.
1996 Nissan Maxima
J. Myers, 11/28/2003
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is a great value for the money. It has been extremely problem free.
Best Used Car for the $$
Matt025, 02/18/2003
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
1996 Maxima GLE Price Paid: $11,500 Mileage at Purchase: 74,000 Current Mileage: 170,000 Couldn't be more impressed. I've driven this vehicle to death and it's still running strong. If you change the fluids, spark plugs and filters at the recommended intervals this vehicle will last. Mine is approaching 200k AND IT STILL HAS THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION!! Although my next vehicle will be a truck, I will definitely buy a Nissan or Infiniti on my next car purchase. This is the absolute best used car you can buy.
I love my car
Lily, 04/16/2007
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car, it is incredibly fun to drive. It feels like it has more power than the numbers indicate, and the engine is incredibly smooth and light. I have never had any trouble passing someone when I need to, from a stop or on the highway. The steering feels a little loose, but when you get used to the car it can take turns and dip lanes beautifully. For the amount that I beat up on the car (a LOT, I push the car to it's limits more than I should) it has proved incredibly strong and durable. It has never broken down without giving me warning for months beforehand, and it was my fault for being to lazy to get it fixed. This car has sold me on Maximas forever. I love it.
GXE - Inexpensive, Reliable, Luxury
knowak6, 05/31/2005
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my 96' GXE in the winter of 05' for $6,200 (tax, title, 30-day warranty included) with only 58,000 miles on it. Build quality for interior is amazing. Although it was well mantained, car still seemed to be brand new. The engine is seamless but it takes premium (93 grade) fuel, even with that, gas miles are respectable (22-27MPG). Car now has 65,000 miles and I have only done preventive matanence (changed oil, plugs, filters...). Car was a steal for the drivetrain alone, but is cheap luxury for a college student. GXE model came with full power, 12 disc changer, power drivers seat, keyless remote, I bought and put 17 inch Maxima SE rims for the (00-03) model. Great car!!!
My mistress
Nismax, 08/03/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
albeit a patient economical one! This is my second Maxi - I had a 96 SE that was a write off after my wife did a number on it - and I found this on a dealer lot - 5 spd GXE. This tranny has been so much fun to drive and I have nothing but wear and tear items as far as maintenance - tires, plugs, wipers, etc. Gas mileage is wonderful and the great thing is so many people secretly admire this car - even camry owners! Will drive this as long as possible and perhaps upgrade to I35 or 540i
Solid as Rock
SamX, 12/10/2003
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like this car! I had a 1997 Honda Accord and totaled it in a accident, I had a deal on that car, and it was Manual, so it's why I took it. It has 375 000km, its so much for a car... but it's solid as rock. Only ''normal'' think to change, O2 sensors and brakes... A great Car!!
Buy a Maxima
the maxima lover, 05/15/2003
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My maxima has 135,000 miles on it and i have never had a problem with it. If you change the oil every 3,000 miles it will last forever.The engine is quick, and powerful. Definetly go with the leather seats, as the fabric smell after 100K. I have upgraded the audio system very easily. No cutting or re- wiring, just pop the new speakers right in. The stock speakers suck if you did not get the Bose option. I just bought a new 2002 maxima and i luv it!!!
Great Car
Arnold, 08/31/2009
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Totalled yet still drives perfect
Maxima rules, 08/10/2008
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from my dad 3 yrs ago and it only had about 70k miles. About a year later I was involved in a front end accident (not my fault) and the car was deemed totaled by the insurance company. They gave me a check for more than I bought the car, I turned around and bought the car back from the insurance company for $700, drove it off the lot and to this day I have not fixed it. All I do is oil change it every 4 mos or so, change tires and brakes, and drive drive drive. It's at over 115k miles now and still drives amazing!! Maxima's are a beast!