Looking to trade a 96 maxima for a ford exp
Got a 1996 nissan maxima with a 5 speed manual, it has a 3.0L V6, it runs and drives fine, i really do love how the 82 exps look and i truley want one they look beautiful
12 views
1996 Nissan Maxima Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a reviewOur experts haven't test driven this car yet.
Our experts haven't test driven this car yet.
Our experts haven't test driven this car yet.
Our experts haven't test driven this car yet.
Our experts haven't test driven this car yet.
Our experts haven't test driven this car yet.
User reviews for 1996 Nissan Maxima
Write a reviewUser rating:
by John M
Oct 07, 2014
Love the car and I feel confidant when I drive it. Driving it is the same as any other car from that year, but it does seem to have pep when you drive it. Dependable and has not given me any major problems. Repairs have been inexpensive. Looks aren't the newest but it is comfortable inside.Oct 07, 2014
by Anonymous
Sep 07, 2014
Like just about everything about the car except for the CD drive dying after about 24 months. Particularly enjoy the 5-speed manual transmission for mountain roads and for fuel economy.
Also like combo of 5-speed manual and cruise control on cross country trips.Sep 07, 2014
by Anonymous
May 05, 2013
For the money you can't go wrong . Car doesn't look too appealing with most of the rims they put on maximas but other than that it's not a bad looking car compared to many of the sedans on the market . Most people don't know that Nissan was founded with the British who have a definitive mark on the automotive industry . Someone I know owed a 1988 Se which had adjustable suspension and would talk to you if you left the door open or the key in the ignition . The car would even sense when you rolled the windows down and would turn the radio up. If you maintain this car and even make a couple upgrades like wider tires or better suspension you won't be disappointed unless you wanted a BMW.May 05, 2013
User rating:
by John M
Oct 07, 2014
Love the car and I feel confidant when I drive it. Driving it is the same as any other car from that year, but it does seem to have pep when you drive it. Dependable and has not given me any major problems. Repairs have been inexpensive. Looks aren't the newest but it is comfortable inside.Oct 07, 2014
by Anonymous
Sep 07, 2014
Like just about everything about the car except for the CD drive dying after about 24 months. Particularly enjoy the 5-speed manual transmission for mountain roads and for fuel economy.
Also like combo of 5-speed manual and cruise control on cross country trips.Sep 07, 2014
by Anonymous
May 05, 2013
For the money you can't go wrong . Car doesn't look too appealing with most of the rims they put on maximas but other than that it's not a bad looking car compared to many of the sedans on the market . Most people don't know that Nissan was founded with the British who have a definitive mark on the automotive industry . Someone I know owed a 1988 Se which had adjustable suspension and would talk to you if you left the door open or the key in the ignition . The car would even sense when you rolled the windows down and would turn the radio up. If you maintain this car and even make a couple upgrades like wider tires or better suspension you won't be disappointed unless you wanted a BMW.May 05, 2013
by Jon S
Jan 10, 2013
Good driving car, great Bose stereo system, comfortable for trips and around town. Gas mileage is OK for a '97, averages about 20 mpg. But, It's not a Toyota. It has given me some trouble, had to replace both oxygen sensors, then that did not do the trick, needed a new unit that controls the sensors. It failed smog until more sensors were replaced in the exhaust system.Jan 10, 2013
by Anonymous
Nov 28, 2012
It 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.Nov 28, 2012
by Anonymous
Nov 21, 2012
Best $20,000 I ever spent. This Maxima has served me reliably for 15 years with minimal problems. It's as fun to drive as it is trusty. Engine has plenty of power, and handling is taught and responsive. Now has 40,000 miles on it, but engine performs like new.Nov 21, 2012
by Jonathan M
Feb 23, 2012
in some time in my life, i had to buy a car at the price of 1000$ . At this price you
don't really expect to have a great car that is fun to drive, have
good performance, with a good comfort but I read a lot about some cars and i
learn that the nissan maxima of this car was an exelent car so i started to look a
some old maxima and then i found mine and i don't regret my choice because it's an
exelent car with an amazing engine Feb 23, 2012
by Eric W
Oct 17, 2010
The acceleration is amazing handling is not horrible good brakes
The build is just like any other Japanese made car
Appearance its ok its an everyday car
Good on gas not too many problems and i bought it with a lot of miles
Oct 17, 2010
by Michael P
Aug 23, 2010
Performance: 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.Aug 23, 2010
by James S
Aug 11, 2010
Performance is great i love the acceleration of the car. 0-60 in about 4 or 5 seconds. Braking is out standing as soon as u touch that pedal the car starts slowing down. Handling is great if the car was alittle bit wider it would just be amazing. The car has needed some repairs. The EGR Valve was replace along with Water pump, Harmonic Balancer. Other then the few repairs its a great car. The Appearance is amazing. Love the leather interior and the black out side. The SE has a wing that makes the car look alot better. Gas Mileage is around 17city 20 highway. Fun Factor this car is fun to drive. love driving the car.Aug 11, 2010
by Catherine R
May 15, 2010
since my man fixes cars for a living he did it all up! added things to it
smoked out the glass the whole nine yards!!! and they want me to write a
little more - i dont own it my man does but i like the car more them him
so there! lolMay 15, 2010
by Ramzy S
Mar 26, 2010
i love my goldylocks! its my baby, and its always been there for me when i need it the most, more than any girl or friend, ill never get rid of it it will die in my arms lol and then im gonna cryMar 26, 2010
by Jeffery A
Feb 23, 2010
Just a great 2nd car to have, no major problems.
Performance wise very sound small V6. Beats all of the
asians in rice burner civics. Great fun and not that bad gas
mileage. Interior could be better, some weird texture
contrasts.Feb 23, 2010
by Austin K
Nov 15, 2009
It's fast. I've driven 500 miles on a single tank. It has a Bose
sound system. Some repairs but mine has 170,000 miles on it.
It's a Nissan. And if you want a cheap fast car get it, not
anything american blehNov 15, 2009
by Amelia J
Oct 29, 2009
My Maxima is not hot and sassy like my dream car; but it handles the road well it has lots of power and pretty good gas mileage for a 6-CYL 320hp engine. It's got the best break system that I have ever had on a car. Oct 29, 2009
by Murray M
Oct 06, 2009
For 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.
Oct 06, 2009
by Chris G
Sep 18, 2009
With a skyline motor she flies!!!!
Great gas milage, no problems yeah i would recomend anyone to get one of these rides. In fact my brother in law now drives one. The only problem i have is not enough roads.Sep 18, 2009
by Eriq H
Sep 14, 2009
Great to drive, great for feeling special sound of V6 will make you smile every time...bit thirsty on petrol when in town, best on motorway...what else can I add? Merc S with the 1/10 of the price...Sep 14, 2009
by Dionis A
Aug 05, 2009
awesome 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 deathAug 05, 2009
by Ryan-Julie M
Jul 29, 2009
This 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.Jul 29, 2009
by Dimante M
Jul 01, 2009
Well it would be nice if it wasn't hit the other day.
It has some kick to it because I just put in a high
performance clutch stage 2 and eventually I will put
the exhaust and the cold air intake on.Jul 01, 2009
by James L
May 02, 2009
Fun 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 whileMay 02, 2009
by Javier I
Feb 19, 2009
I own this since 2005 and It has more than 100,000 miles
I thought I was going to have so many difficulties but far
from that this car keep running without a major problem.
I only keep doing the regular tune ups as usual in every
car.
It comes with a great smooth leather seats which keep
the same appearance as factory, not to mention it comes
with dual electronic seats, double vanity mirrors. Awesome factory Bose sound System with CD player and
Cassette player also with an external CD changer. Great
electronic temperature control system and extraordinary
security system which includes the key less entry, Door
knob that controls front windows remotely.
Overall this car exceed my expectations.
Feb 19, 2009
by Jake B
Nov 10, 2008
I LOVE MAXIMAS!!!!!!! Reiliable and the VQ engine has been on the top ten engines list ever since it came out. Very good car. 4DSC (Four Door Sports Car) This thing pulls hard with no problems besides normal. the thing will run low 15's and still get 31MPG. Great carNov 10, 2008
by Jake B
Sep 05, 2008
I love my max. it holds out against the tuffest driving and I never let up on her. she gets beaten all day long and I have no whining from her.
i love driving my maxima she drives hard and is fast as crap
"its more fun driving a slow car fast than a fast car slow"Sep 05, 2008
by Julien B
Sep 03, 2008
Acceleration is great even with an Auto.
Braking isn't the best of the industry
Handling is good, but not as sporty we can expect
Interior looks really great
Gas milleage is bad, even with premium fuel
The car is fun to drive as a sport sedan
overall, really good car.Sep 03, 2008
by Stephen S
Aug 30, 2008
For a used car the maxima was awesome. It had like 70,000 miles on it when we bought it......I think. The only thing wrong with it was the passenger seat didnt move but my dad fixed it and the 1 and 3 on the a.c. didnt work. It had nice chrome rims when we bought it and the car cost $5500. Then my parents traded it in for a new 2005 Pathfinder but our uncle gave us his 1998 nissan altima. We wanted our dad to trade in the altima because the altima sucked big time.Aug 30, 2008
by Doodu N Christine N
Aug 26, 2008
ITS THE BEST GAS SAVER IN THE MARKET NOW. IT HAS A SIMPLE STRUCTURE AND THE PERFORMANCE IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. I BOUGHT IT FOR $3000 DOLLARS FROM A GHANAIAN AUTO DEALER CALLED J J AUTOS IN NEWARK NJ. THE ACCELARATION, BRAKES AND HANDLING OF THE CAR IS JUST AMAZING FOR A 1996 NISSAN MAXIMA.Aug 26, 2008
by Gene C
Aug 19, 2008
My first car ever. Have a ton of memories in it. The car
was a trooper. It always went no matter what the
problem was. I beat all my other friends in a race in
this car when we all had our cars xP. It can haul some
ass for a 96. Great acceleration, and brakes. It handled
okay when i had it but new springs would have done
the trick. It is a comfortable car to drive.Aug 19, 2008
by Roneca W
Aug 07, 2008
Paid for with little maintenance.Gas saver. Cold ac. Good sound system. Runs great. Standard shift with sun roof. And I love my blacked out windows chrome finder wellings my added touches here and there. Love to drive it cause it is a standard shift. When I need the speed it is there. Aug 07, 2008
by Stephen M
Jul 28, 2008
I bought this brand new. The car was motor trend import car of the year award. I only change the clutch once and it last me 200K miles. I only change the entire supension system to Tokico shock and progressive spring. Drop the car about 1.5 inches. Drive a lot better. I decide not to keep it, because I will have to get new tranny. The only flaw was the Bose audio system. CD keep skipping.Overall it is a soild build car.Jul 28, 2008
by Richard C
Jun 17, 2008
Best starting car out there. Better then a ford focus and cheaper.Jun 17, 2008
by Will K
May 12, 2008
Drives well, comfortable, relatively fast (0-60 in 7 seconds), overall good carMay 12, 2008
by Trey C
May 03, 2008
good car for most any price, keyword sleeper, nobody expects a tan 4dr sedan to run hign 14s bone stock, but yet still be a good daily driver with 30mpg fuel economy and plenty of room everywhereMay 03, 2008
by Alex H
Apr 27, 2008
five speed, lowered, intake,exhaust,cammed,polished and ported heads, sickApr 27, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 27, 2008
It has been a good car for me. Maintenance has been kept up. That why it has lasted so long.Mar 27, 2008
by Matt H
Feb 21, 2008
Awesome everyday use car. Good gas mileage. Good power. Lots of good features. Overall great carFeb 21, 2008
by Jon L
Feb 16, 2008
seemed quite luxurious, however luxury isn't always comfy nor compactFeb 16, 2008
by Matt J
Feb 11, 2008
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. Feb 11, 2008
by Doc J
Jan 27, 2008
this nissan maxima come with a v6 24 valve vq30de motor available with a 5 speed manual transmission with a vlsd. al trim levels from 95 to 99 come with 190 horses and 205 foot pounds of tourque. maximas equipt with the manual transmision can pull of the cquarter mile in 6.6 secondsJan 27, 2008
by Mac G
Jan 15, 2008
While 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.Jan 15, 2008
What users have asked
'96 Maxima GXE--constantly turning off at low rpm(sometimes while moving)
has anyone had to deal with the problem in the past? im guessing its related to idle, or something with idle--idle air control? maybe something with vacuum pressure? the car likes to turn off when slowing down to a red light, stop sign, etc.....it will turn right back on, but constantly is turning off while trying to downshift back down to 1st gear.....could this be related to the tranny/torque converter? plz help
6052 views
Power
I have a 96 maxima with some standard upgrades but I want more power what could I do?
5 views
turning off anti theft alarm while having broken door locks
I had my car broken into and they jammed the end of a scissor into both of my door locks and now i can't use my key to unlock or lock my doors. Had to have AAA come and unlock the door when I locked myself out of my car. When they did the anti theft alarm came on and I had to disconnect the battery. Now my car won't start and any time I hook up the battery the alarm goes off. I tried taking the fuse for the horn and the anti theft out but that still didn't help with getting my car to start back up. Any suggestions???
46 views
Car dies at idle
My 96’ Nissan Maxima drives and runs fine for around 10 minutes will idle fine when cold and all seems well until around 10 minutes. Car will start shaking and at stop signs the car will idle super low and die if I don’t slip it into neutral. The maf and knock sensor have already been replaced but I’m still having the same issue.
17 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1996 Nissan Maxima?Compare this car
1996 Nissan Maxima Pricing
Original MSRP
$21,419 to $26,699Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent