1999 Nissan Maxima Review
1999 Nissan Maxima Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- The gold standard among Japanese sport sedans. Traction control is now available.
Cons
- We're still not thrilled with certain styling elements.
What’s new
Traction control is now available on models with automatic transmissions and, in addition to minor interior enhancements, four new colors debut. The SE trim level has been renamed SE-Limited (SE-L) and offers new standard features.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$203/mo for Maxima GLE
Maxima GLE
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Nissan designers underwent a complete switch in design philosophy during the late Eighties, and began producing cars with styling as fresh five years later as it was on introduction day. These cars were a far cry from the carved-from-a-cinderblock styling of previous Nissans. The 1989 Maxima was one of the new generation of cars to roll out of Nissan plants, and it continued to look better year after year, aging more gracefully than Dick Clark. For 1995, Nissan replaced it with an all-new car, one with a stellar drivetrain and first-class cabin, but with a somewhat dowdy exterior and funky taillights.
First, the good stuff. Under the hood is a twin-cam, aluminum 3.0-liter V6. It puts 190 horsepower to the ground through the front axle. A five-speed is standard on GXE and SE trim levels, but an automatic is optional. This engine is a jewel, providing swift acceleration without penalizing fuel economy.
Inside, the Maxima has an interior befitting an Infiniti. No coincidence herethe Maxima serves as the basis for the luxo-oriented Infiniti I30. Roomier than the old Maxima, this current model leaves customers and journalists praising the accommodations.
For 1999, the Maxima receives some minor interior and performance changes that make a good car even better. These enhancements include a security ignition immobilizer, three-point rear center seatbelt and an updated faceplate design for Premium and Bose audio systems. The SE model has been renamed SE-Limited and now comes with additional equipment and new color schemes. The SE-L model's audio system gets a power increase to 120 watts, the optional wood tone interior trim is now slightly darker than before and has a satin finish, and an optional gold package is available on all models. Also, four new exterior colors debut: Sunlit Sand, Icelandic Pearl, Lakeshore Blue and Mahogany Pearl. The big news, however, is the addition of optional traction control available on the SE-L and GLE models, making the Maxima a smart choice for safety-conscious buyers.
We're fans of the Maxima, even though its styling is still growing on us. This car is held up as the gold standard every time journalists mention sport sedans. The smooth and powerful engine works in concert with the supple chassis and suspension to give drivers the opportunity to take full advantage of challenging backcountry roads. If this sounds like your cup of tea, this car will make you happy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Nissan Maxima.
5 star(73%)
4 star(24%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
110 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
my first purchased car !
STEVE GONZALEZ, 08/18/2015
1999 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
I bought this 99 Nissan maxima when I was 21 the car looks great ran great as others I have had coil problems but after fixing them It was good. used only synthetic oil ! only used 76 gas . 87 unleaded of course. I have changed the oil seals myself. the car still runs great. reseale value totally blows I rather keep it. the purchase value was outrageous. I don't know what I was … thinking.. if you drive it fast you burn the gas as fast. being it is a v6 ! I love my maxima I also have a 2007 Honda accord. cant compare them.. the maxima has great speed and the better engine. I think. the accord handles a lot better great on gas. but I will always love my maxima ! being that I am from California and the roads out here are bumpy I love my v6 to out run the smaller 4 sissy cylinder cars out here.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Man I love these cars!
Daniel Richardson, 02/27/2006
1999 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
I have always loved the Maxima. Ever since I was 16 and got my first '85. This car is great at handling, quick accleration, instant throttle response, great braking system, transmission shifts seamlessly. Plenty of leg in the back. Four doors makes it family but the rest of the car makes is sporty and a blast to drive. I love this thing and I jump out of bed so I can drive it to work and … hate when I pull in at home cause I have to turn it off. I just love this thing and I don't know what more I can say.
5 out of 5 stars
245,000 And Runs / Drives Like New! Amazing Car!
rh287, 02/24/2012
1999 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
My 1999 Nissan Maxima SE runs like BRAND NEW
with 245,000+ miles. Yes, the factory ignition coils are a problem, but you can get some after markets on eBay for $114.00.
Installation is very simple. You are also replacing your plug wires as well when you do this. Go ahead and replace the upstream OS sensor at the same time. You can get
a new one for
$23.00 on eBay. If your check engine is … on, go to Autozone and have them turn it off after you do this. Many "experts" agree, the 1999 Nissan Maxima has the best drivetrain ever built with the exception of the toyota pickup 22R and 22RE. Its crazy but at 245,000 miles my Nissan Maxima has NO blowby at all. AMAZING car and fun car to drive.
4.5 out of 5 stars
excellent except for ignition coils
Bill Barber, 06/22/2006
1999 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
excellent car, very reliable and fun to drive, 5 speed, except for 2 very annoying issues, the ignition coils that Nissan is aware of and won't fix and brake calipers
1999 Maxima Highlights
GLE
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $203/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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