1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 3.0 L from North America

Summary:

A plush car, but has a few issues

Faults:

I can't believe none of the other reviews here have mentioned trouble with the fuel injectors. The injectors die all the time, because they are buried deep in the engine, which makes them get ridiculously hot. The symptoms of bad injector (s) are a rough sounding engine that has less power than normal (it sort of 'sputters'). This problem can be intermittent and weather dependent.

In about 1994, the dealer told me I had a bad injector, and it was replaced under warranty (I had to pay the $200 labor).

In 1996, another injector went bad. I did the repair myself, and found 2 of the 6 injectors were bad. They're very expensive items, $150 each or more just for the part.

Moved to a new state and about 4 years later, 2 more injectors were bad. This time I replaced all 6 (myself). About 1 month later, an injector went bad. The dealer replaced it under warranty, since I had just bought all 6 from them.

I still had to pay $200 labor.

A friend of mine bought the same year/model used in about 1999. Sure enough, his had bad injectors too.

Between my friend and I, he replaced the radio, which requires a full replacement, since the bose speakers are independently amplified. I just live with its problems.

I nursemaid my antenna, cleaning and lubricating it 3 or 4 times a year with brake fluid. It usually works, except in sub-zero weather.

The clock is dying slowly but surely. The lights on the shift box don't work or work intermittently on both my friend's and my car.

Recently I just had the water pump die, which possibly was related to the water plug falling out of the radiator, causing the engine to overheat. $700 repair, since I had the timing belt and other belts replaced with the water pump.

General Comments:

Its a good car overall, but the fuel injectors are a pain in the!@#%%. The other problems I can live with, as they're relatively minor. I mean, get a watch or a velcro clock if you really need to know what time it is.

Very spacious, and smooth riding.

Newer (1995+?) models apparently shouldn't have the injector problem since they aren't buried in the engine where they can overheat.

No cupholder either. : (

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th August, 2001

1st Mar 2002, 10:59

I am just now seeing the rough idle and power loss and have been hunting down the problem. I have suspected the injectors, but haven't ruled out the ignition module. How did you figure out which injector it was? Please respond to censo69@aol.com

20th Apr 2003, 23:26

1990 Nissan Maxima SE 230,000 miles. We purchased this car back in November 2002. On the way home in bumper to bumper traffic the top of the radiator blew off. The gauge never read anything over C. Spewing anti freeze all over the windshield and hood. Engine seems fine as it started when turned on to place on tow trailer. We towed the car to our mechanic who replaced the radiator and cap with a new one, but he said there was still pressure building up. More than what is normal, I guess. He will search for the problem Monday; but if anyone has had this problem please let me know.

1990 Nissan Maxima GXE 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

The best value to get for your greens

Faults:

A/C works only like a vent.

General Comments:

Very smooth ride.

Contrary to other reviews, the sound is crisp and responsive in my 11+ year old beast.

As of now, taking care of the Maxima is easy, do everything the manual suggests and the car will be tight. In two years I'm confident I will be able to say it's still running fine.

Was surprised how easily the car will accelerate, speeding is too easy to do.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th August, 2001