Used 1996 Nissan Maxima Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Kept car for 21 years because it's so great!
Marian, 12/31/2017
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Best car I've ever had, and I'd keep it longer but now need much more storage capacity. It never let me down, and goes like the wind. Great pickup and responsiveness. Has features not found any more like the ability to unlock and roll down the windows from 100 ft away. When blinker goes on, that side of the car illuminates for great visibility.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Excellent Car- Great Quality
Excellent Car- Great, 12/17/2009
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
My 1996 Nissan Maxima GXE has reached a milestone. Now at 250,000 and no signs of stopping. I drive 78 to 100 miles a day for work and couldnt think of a better car to drive. Every time I think I am asking to much of the car, it just keeps on going. I have had the car since Dec 2005 at 132K, Maintenance has averaged about $1,500/ year (spread out over the entire year- oil changes, tire replacement, alternator, hoses, air conditioning service) Also got new shocks and struts... I usually have 1 maybe 2 major repairs a year like the alternator, struts... nothing out of the ordinary
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Awesome car, that's why mine isn't for sale!
weigel5, 04/16/2012
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new and still have it today. If you can get your hands on one, buy it! Other than basic maintenance, I've had very little problems. I hope to have it another 16yrs :)
Great Service and Fun to Drive
Alan, 06/29/2006
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 1996 Maxima GXE used with about 18,000 miles on it. I now have approximately 188,500. Very few repairs. Those of you who are buying high octane are wasting your money. I have been using 87 or 88 octane for the 9+ years I have owned it, and it performs just fine. I have tried 91 octane and couldn't detect any difference. Using 88 octane several years ago, it went up to 127 mph on a long empty straight stretch of road in Wyoming, and still had more to give when I backed off the throttle.
The greatest car ever!
mcrockett, 11/08/2011
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I brought by 1996 Maxima at a public auto auction in Dec 2005 for $2,800. The car was at 132K miles. Today in Nov 2011 I have almost 325K originial miles. This car has paid for itself over and over. I have no major problems only routine maintainence (oil changes, brakes,...). Ive had it tuned up twice. After 180K I stopped passing the MD Emission test but who cares the car is safe and reliable. I drive almost 100 miles a day for work and she still moves great. I have done several creative things including putting leather seats in from another Maxima, better radio from another Maxima AC controls and power window & door switches. Just a great Car!
Great Car
snow0221, 02/27/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I recently bought a Maxima SE in a stick shift, very hard to find! It has about 75,000 miles but runs perfect. The acceleration is great, the mechanics are flawless, and the fuel economy is amazing.
Comfortable Fun Reliable
JvGinPDX, 12/22/2006
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased the car about a year ago from a dealer. The car had 100k miles on it, I have driven it 13k miles. My previous car was a Porsche 924, I liked the sporty handling of the 924. I wanted a larger car, I am 6'3" tall, not many cars are comfortable for a tall person. I test drove a 94 Toyota Camry, it was a quality car, but boring to drive. My Maxima SE handling performance reminded me somewhat of the Porsche. The four wheel disk brakes saved the day when I noticed a car stalled right in front of me on the freeway. I the brakes stopped straight and true when I slammed on the brakes. (I have ABS) The Max more power than I expected. I have just done basic maintenance on the car.
Amazing car
flyboy76, 01/25/2011
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my nissan maxima with 64,000 km. Now the car has 250,000 km on it and it isn't showing any problems. Everything works still, heated seats electric seats, heated mirrors, radio.. Everything works. The only thing I've had to do to the car is regular maintenance (brakes oil change, had to put in a water pump) I recently had to replace the gas take which was odd, it rusted out in one spot but i foudn a used one in mint shape for 300 bucks.. This car is the most reliable car, best performing car, fun to drive, best on gas, best sound system you will find for the price... I don't have any desire to get a new car and the car is a 96 and looks just as stylish as any 2011 car..
Very Reliable
Chris, 02/11/2018
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car has over 200K miles and is still running strong! Since I've had it I've only had to replace the struts/spark plugs/tires. Overall it's very dependable. Japanese cars are definitely built to last.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love this car
pk509, 05/22/2003
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand spankin' new in December 1995 and have been madly in love ever since. Great performance, excellent road manners, and a fantastic Bose sound system all contribute to how much I love driving this car. At 96000 miles, I've finally had to have the brakes done, it needs a new clutch, CV boots, and some other maintenance, but this car is still running strong and has never, ever let me down. Great fuel economy compared to many cars on the road today.
Buying another Maxie
Mr Darren, 05/20/2010
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought my first maxima in 2005 and it ended up being the best car I ever owned in my life. It drove like a dream and never gave me more than a ounce of trouble. It had about 125k on it when it was stolen. It still drove better than a lot of new cars. The police recovered it and I wanted badly to regain ownership and start driving her again. But the stupid police stored it outside with the sunroof wide open and it rained for two days straight ruining the interior and making the car a total loss. I bought a few other cars including a 2000 maxima but none drove as good as my 96 maxie. So finally a year later I'm planning on getting my second maxie this one a 98.
Nissan Maxima
timee, 05/25/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
have 200,000 and it runs great.....never have had a major problem
This is an awesome car!
Tracie, 06/14/2010
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had many cars, but there will NEVER be another great car like my 96 Max SE - bought with 45K, gave to my 16 yr old at 120K and he has had through high school and now through college and has 215K on it. Now lately it has needed an alternator, starter and now a water pump. Well those costs for a college aged kids car are minimal compared to a car payment. Max's engine and transmission are still better than my new car that I have. Don't have a problem putting about $600 repairs because I know it will run for another 50K miles. A while back, he hit an Explorer hitch and that darn Max drove him home safely. I love love love this car! She's part of the family!
96 Maxima still runs great
munsoor, 08/30/2004
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Never had any major problem, except with the O2 Sensor, which I later found was being recalled, so I got that replaced for free. I find this vehicle fun to drive. It is low maintenance and reliable, which is the way I like my cars. After 130k miles, it feels like I may have to replace the shocks. The audio knob doesn't respond sometimes. But engine is trouble-free.
Maxima gives maximum bang for your buck
Jackie Shroff, 08/28/2010
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We bought this Maxima brand new. Now after 14 years and 150,000 miles, it is still running well. We did oil changes at every 3000 and tire rotations at 6000 and other scheduled maintenance. Replaced a few parts- radiator, front & rear struts, valve cover gasket, front & rear CV axle and O2 canisters. But this is the best built Japanese car. I remember a 20 year old commercial by Datsun (Nissan's previous name) "Creating Harmony by Design". Maxima is a living testimony of it. This car has been with us like a family member through college, first job, new home and all other life changes. I think it will easily go till 200K, but eventually a day will come to replace it. Great job Nissan.
I love this car
Mr Maximus, 10/22/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought a '96 Maxima GXE 5-Speed. It's gorgeous and it hauls ass - it's the fastest car I've ever owned. I love Nissans. I had an '85 300ZX that was bulletproof (until my roomate totaled it) I just sold my 2001 Silverado - it was just too expensive to keep. I got the Maxima for under $6K and I am really happy with it. I've only owned it for a day, but I'm already in love with the power and ride. It almost has 100K miles, so I know I will have to put some money into it for maintenance.
Have loved my Maxima for years
LMS-Denver, 02/03/2010
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I have ever owned, and I can honestly say I've never had an issue with it. It tops the charts in reliability -- I closely followed the maintenance schedule and haven't had a major repair in 14 years. That's impressive. It's a comfortable, nicely styled work horse that does well in all conditions -- snow in particular. Not many people still enjoy driving their cars after 14 years. While it will never get the looks my Mercedes SLK does, I can't say enough about my Maxima always being there for me. A terrific car all the way around.
Absolutely love it!!
Max17man, 11/02/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my '96 GLE loaded when I got my license, and have loved it ever since. It has everything I could ask for and then some. The Bose audio system is simply amazing, I thought I was gonna have to spend big bucks for a nice sound system, not with this car! The sunroof is an added bonus, so are the leather seats. When merging onto highways, I'm at 60 MPH in no time.
Only car I will ever buy again
Brian Judd, 10/05/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the 2nd Maxima I have owned, I have driven each of them over 200,000 miles. I am now looking for my 3rd.
Can't Afford To Sell It
Art Nor, 05/25/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought our Maxima SE w/auto transmission after considering the V-6 versions of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Avalon. Felt the Maxima gave us the best bang for the buck and the "Max" has not disappointed us. Engine gives excellent performance, uses no oil, and gets 28 mpg on road trips. We have concluded we'll be keeping her for at least 3 more years.
GREATEST CAR MONEY CAN BUY and fast
Tru, 06/20/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is my 3rd maxima and this is my favorite. it's a 1996 gxe which i turned into an SE in over 5 months. spoiler, sunroof, custom leather seats, exhaust, air intake. and 2002 SE wheels. Maximas are the greatest cars of all time. I cannot believe I'm selling so i can buy an american *****. Sorry to my fellow Maxima owners. I need a v-8 Trans AM. DO NOT GET ME WRONG Maximas are still fast and luxurious this is going to be the first American Car i am buying and if one this goes wrong I'm going back to the Maxima. If you are just wondering stock the Maxima runs 15.9 and my maxima now runs 14.66. these cars are fast stock and have great potential.:)
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.
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.
Maxima'96
Twee, 04/30/2010
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my max '06 until now still running great and no problems. I love to drive this car more than my new car. Now 203,500 Miles. Still run like new, And I hope this car with run up tp 500,000.
GOOD
maxima-nissan, 11/17/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like the vehicle. The drive is very smooth. The engine pickup is excellent. At 30,000 miles, I replaced the windwasher motor.(it was covered under warranty). I have to replace the front struts at 45,000. I have to replace the front brakes at 45,000 at Midas. This was a mistake to go to midas. This damaged my rotors in 1 year. I have to replace front rotors. I replaced break lines on the rear and also break pads. I replaced back struts. Other tahn these the vehicle is running smooth now. I hope it will last for sometime. The mileage now is 88,000.
I can't give up my maxima!!!!
maxlover, 12/27/2010
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is truly the best vehicle ever made. I bought mine in April 2000 with 39K miles now in Dec 2010 i have 237K miles and the car still drives like its new!!!! I have since finished college, finished medical school, gotten married and had two kids and the car is still running strong. The key to the car's success is regular maintenance. On average I have spent $2000/year since my extended warranty run out at 100K miles. In short, I would but the exact same car again if I could get it at 0miles. I hope my next nissan will be this good.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!!!!
Amazing
my baby, 11/04/2008
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ive had this car for about a year and haven't had any problems besides for an alternator because I got subs. I got it at 105,613 and now I'm about 125,698 but I haven't seen any loss of power or handling. This car is very fast for it size and weight. It's very comfortable and has a smooth ride. I don't think I'll ever sell my car. I have people coming up to me now thinking it's a newer car than it is. This car is so much fun to drive even with an automatic
The car that made nissan
TheSilverBullet, 05/08/2009
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Great Car
T.Husted, 05/12/2010
1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2nd owner since 7/09 with 68K miles. Great Car. Power is smooth, the dynamics are great for a 14 year old car. Torque is much better compared to my Honda and it gets around 21 mpg mixed. Interior is great with the black leather. Trunk is large too for a car this size. Friends can't believe it's a '96! I replaced all the entire Bose System. Now with bluetooth, HD radio, and MB Quart components, I couldn't be happier.
The Best Car I've Ever Owned
KenBen, 12/21/2002
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my '96 Maxima SE new in Sept. of '95. It rides very well, still gets very good gas milage and the engine was the best of its day. Smooth and powerful, I have 116,000 miles, much more than I've put on any of the many other cars I've owned,(and two other friends with the same car have 110,000 and 175,000 miles respectively) and I cannot seem to part with it. I just bought new tires so I won't have to face that for another year or two. I don't know if the new ones stand out among their competition today as my Maxima did in '96, but I'm glad I chose my first Nissan back then.
Reliable and sometimes fun
JohnSmith, 08/29/2008
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is overall a pretty good car. I haven't had any trouble with the car super reliable. The overall exterior design is a bit sleepy and boring, especially the rear end... sort of blends in a too much. Interior build quality is decent, not really up to par with competitors. Stock suspension (even the SE sport version) is pretty soft and not very sporty. 4 door sports car? Not if it's FWD.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Maroon Maxima Review
Jayna Perry, 02/19/2003
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for 2 years and it has been nothig but good to me. The mileage is considered low for being a car that is 7 years old and is very good on gas. The ride is very smooth and comfortable.
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.
perfect blend.
hydro, 02/19/2003
1996 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car is like a good long island iced tea. it has lots of rum, gin, vodka, triplesec and most importantly TEQUILA!! and it won't give you a hangover in the morning. i bought it at 111k miles, and all the mechanics/car dealer friends were confident in saying it would last up to 200,000 miles or more.
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.
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.