1994 Nissan Maxima SE review from North America

Timing chain tensioner doesn't bleed out the air at start up and was allowing the timing chain to rattle badly... Nissan issued a service bulletin, but after warranty period its your problem. Will be worst when car is started after sitting some time. $185 in parts, $800 in labor, or a long weekend. This was correctly in late 96 models and for all 97 and later models.

Knock sensor, $150.

Rear O2 sensor, $80.

One CV is worn causing a hum at highway speed. Boots are OK yet, which is odd.

Power steering belt tensioner pulley...$45 mail order part, $70 dealer price.

Reverse switch in the transmission...$30.

Clutch assembly needed at 80,000.

Clock was dead.

Power antenna is stripped... big surprise.

After all the work above was done the car is great. This car I think is a poor example of the reliability of the Maxima. The first owner was a salesman, a smoker, who must have NEVER washed it in the four years he owned it, nor done any routine service.

The car is quiet, powerful and comfortable.

Ride in the SE is stiff, but the performance payoff is well worth it.

The shifting of the 5 speed is not very inviting. Synthetic oil in the transmission helps some.

No fun at all to work on... easily the most difficult car I have ever owned.

The engine will be hard on tires if you like to use it.

The remote door openers have an incredible range... perhaps 70 yards or more.

A/C is ICE cold.

Interior is smooth in appearance, and easy to clean.

Surprisingly not too bad to insure, even without ABS (a rare option).

Probably not the best value out there, but truly a one of a kind family car.