1996 Nissan Maxima Reviews, Pricing & Specs






















































































































































































































































































What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1996 Nissan Maxima appreciate its strong performance, spacious interior, and reliability. Many reviewers highlighted the powerful engine and enjoyable acceleration, making it feel like a sporty sedan. On the downside, some mentioned that the car's appearance might be dated and that the Bose sound system could have issues. Despite these minor complaints, most owners express great satisfaction with their Maximas, emphasizing its dependability and value for money."
This is a great, practical, and reliable vehicle. For the price it's one of the best deals on the used car market. With a powerful and torquey V6 and the 5-speed manual transmission, you have power in almost any gear whenever you need it, and plenty of passing power in 5th gear on the highway. The car gets great mileage for a V6, looks great but doesn't draw unneeded attention to itself. Very roomy interior, with power windows and locks standard.
February 11, 2008Awesome everyday use car. Good gas mileage. Good power. Lots of good features. Overall great car
February 21, 2008For what it is....a mid-level, modestly-priced Japanese 4-door sedan....the Maxima is an impressive car; and doesn't receive half the credit it deserves. Manual transmission models from 1995-2003 were (for their time) one of the best-kept secrets.....due to a very good power-to-weight ratio and and industry-leading V6 engine that was shared with the 300ZX sports car. Handling isn't great, due to a simple solid-beam rear axle(to keep weight down), and soft shock absorbers. SE models, with a better wheel / suspension package, are fun to drive; and don't exhibit as much understeer as the comparable (but incredibly front-heavy) Accord V6. For its time, the Maxima was the only Japanese-built 4-door sports sedan with a V6 engine and a manual transmission.
October 6, 2009What owners say
This is a great, practical, and reliable vehicle. For the price it's one of the best deals on the used car market. With a powerful and torquey V6 and the 5-speed manual transmission, you have power in almost any gear whenever you need it, and plenty of passing power in 5th gear on the highway. The car gets great mileage for a V6, looks great but doesn't draw unneeded attention to itself. Very roomy interior, with power windows and locks standard.
February 11, 2008Awesome everyday use car. Good gas mileage. Good power. Lots of good features. Overall great car
February 21, 2008For what it is....a mid-level, modestly-priced Japanese 4-door sedan....the Maxima is an impressive car; and doesn't receive half the credit it deserves. Manual transmission models from 1995-2003 were (for their time) one of the best-kept secrets.....due to a very good power-to-weight ratio and and industry-leading V6 engine that was shared with the 300ZX sports car. Handling isn't great, due to a simple solid-beam rear axle(to keep weight down), and soft shock absorbers. SE models, with a better wheel / suspension package, are fun to drive; and don't exhibit as much understeer as the comparable (but incredibly front-heavy) Accord V6. For its time, the Maxima was the only Japanese-built 4-door sports sedan with a V6 engine and a manual transmission.
October 6, 2009It definitely feels like youre driving a sports sedan because the acceleration and braking are top notch. The car is still Nissans flagship sedan and this car can outperform many brand new cars. I have owned this car for about 8 months and it doesnt look too sporty of car but it the engine feels powerful compared to a lot of cars out in the road. The fuel economy is good and the space inside the car is huge. Ive sat my friends and family and nobody ever complains. I actually fit a wheelchair in the trunk! I drive alone most of the time but this would be a perfect family sedan. I wanted a bmw but my maxima has definitely impressed me.
November 28, 2012Performance: Quick 4 door! 0-60 in under 7 seconds, and the 1/4 in high 14s (modified) Build Quality: Top of the line! Appearance: The car could use some changes with the front fascia and such...Nissan did this in '97-99 models. Cost of Ownership: Not too bad, did basic maintenance. Got 31mpg on a trip to florida Fun Factor: One of the funnest FWDs I've driven.
August 23, 2010Fun to drive Leather interior Heated seats Bose Stereo system Acceleration Body is still in excellent shape - had to redo the wheel well edges and spoiler mount Power sunroof, seats, windows, a/c Engine is very responsive Excellent handling With only 150,000 KM's - should be good for a while
May 2, 2009While I may be stuck with it for the time being, this thing is a testament to Japanese reliability. Transmission laster 225,000 miles before I swapped in a new one, and motor is still running strong.
January 15, 2008Best $20,000 I ever spent. This Maxima has served me reliably for 15 years with minimal problems. It's as fun to drive as it is trusty. Engine has plenty of power, and handling is taught and responsive. Now has 40,000 miles on it, but engine performs like new.
November 21, 2012awesome performance for a family sedan, takes the corners and sticks.. needs to stay flat. can definitely be a super car with minor upgrades. I'd take a vq over vtec all day everyday. im glad i got a maxima... i love her to death
August 5, 2009This is a great car and has lasted my husband a really long time. It has about 200,000 miles on it and still runs great. This thing has a ton of power and can really kick. This is a really great car.
July 29, 2009Trims & specs
Base MSRP $21,419 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $23,099 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $26,699 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |



