Positive Review
As a victim of the .com bust I was devastated when I had to sell the Benz and the BMW. I was humbled when I bought this 1997 Maxima for $5,500.00 from a family member who took pitty on me. It had 98,000 miles on it when I bought it. I have put almost 90,000 more on it in the last 5 years (187,000 mi). In my life I have owned more cars than I can count. This isn't the fastest, the nicest, the prettiest or the most impressive but it is by far the best overall car I have ever owned. For what I paid, it does everything it is supposed to do and does it very well. It looks pretty decent. It's not going to break any speed records but it is by no means slow, fast enough when you need it. Certainly faster than most cars in its class. The car carries four full sized adults fairly comfortably. It is extremely reliable, only 1 serious repair (I replaced the clutch at 125k). I average 26 miles per gallon. The car runs as good as it did when I bought it. I have never been worried about breaking down, these cars just don't do that. If you find one in good condition buy it!
Critical Review
If this car developes an oil leak, it could be costly to you. We've had numerous problems and the leaks seem to come from between the upper oil pan and block. The only way to fix is basically take the whole engine out. "Costly Labor" Also, changing spark plugs is rediculous. You have to take the intake cover off to get to the back spark plugs. The engine compartment and design is not user friendly. I will never buy another Nissan like this again. Now, at 129,000 miles the engine bearings are going out. This car is costly to repair. It's labor intensive. If you don't want costly repairs, buy another car. This one will cost you.
Showing 8 of 539 reviews.
Comfort, handling, resale,road noise, mpg, resale
Options available on base trim pkg.
Bought my '95 Maxima GXE in '95 with 2300mi as dealership new cars sales mgr's demo.. It was the 1st of several as I have a 2020 Maxima SV
No cons, just getting old.
I've owned this car for 18 years. It's been a reliable, fun car to drive. It has good gas mileage, and classic styling. Only letting it go because I need a truck.
Exc value & dependability for 24 yrs
Really none
Bought used with 87k miles & drove until 220k. Always said I'd drive til she died or wheels fell off. Sadly 1/2022 at 24 yrs the transmission began to whine with some shifting. Decided to send her bye, transmission was more to fix than car was worth. Certainly got my $$$ for this Maxima. 3rd one owned, no regrets on any. Most comfortable ride ever - broken n well. Paint & allow wheels still looked new, so many compliments even til end. Did have front & rear bumpers repainted, some fading after 15 yrs. Sunroof never leaked, leather seats awesome. Replaced drivers seat edge from normal wear, also back headrest from SC boiling heat & strong sun. Cruise control & digital clock quit working yrs ago but no biggie. Check engine light on for 10+ yrs, no issue, couldn't diagnose. Bose speakers still clearly rocked like day they were assembled!! NEVER left me stranded or needed any engine work. Only oil changes, filters & tires & shocks! One mishap of overheating which was cheap fix - small hose. Excellent car & value for it's 24 yrs of pure enjoyment. Really miss the ride
Engine size vs the price is great.
FWD
Not gonna lie this car is hella amazing. It has a beefy 6V engine and at this time of years it’s really affordable. Amazing first car with a strong engine, takes away the stereotype of sedans being dad cars cause this one has a sporty feel even after 20 years . Only complaint is that FWD but mostly all Nissan sedans are FWD but besides that no complaints at all
Engine size vs the price is great.
FWD
Not gonna lie this car is hella amazing. It has a beefy 6V engine and at this time of years it’s really affordable. Amazing first car with a strong engine, takes away the stereotype of sedans being dad cars cause this one has a sporty feel even after 20 years . Only complaint is that FWD but mostly all Nissan sedans are FWD but besides that no complaints at all
Engine size vs the price is great.
FWD
Not gonna lie this car is hella amazing. It has a beefy 6V engine and at this time of years it’s really affordable. Amazing first car with a strong engine, takes away the stereotype of sedans being dad cars cause this one has a sporty feel even after 20 years . Only complaint is that FWD but mostly all Nissan sedans are FWD but besides that no complaints at all
Engine size vs the price is great.
FWD
Not gonna lie this car is hella amazing. It has a beefy 6V engine and at this time of years it’s really affordable. Amazing first car with a strong engine, takes away the stereotype of sedans being dad cars cause this one has a sporty feel even after 20 years . Only complaint is that FWD but mostly all Nissan sedans are FWD but besides that no complaints at all
Engine size vs the price is great.
FWD
Not gonna lie this car is hella amazing. It has a beefy 6V engine and at this time of years it’s really affordable. Amazing first car with a strong engine, takes away the stereotype of sedans being dad cars cause this one has a sporty feel even after 20 years . Only complaint is that FWD but mostly all Nissan sedans are FWD but besides that no complaints at all