1999 Nissan Maxima SE Ltd 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

Vehicle is overrated, overpriced, and lacks performance

Faults:

Approximately 53,000 miles: The car almost broke down when 5 of the 6 ignition coils burned out. The Nissan dealership charged $850 to replace all 6 coils.

Approximately 60,000 miles: Replaced front and rear brake pads. Cost $481.00.

Approximately 60,000 miles: Replaced the brake light wiring harness because it chafed and shorted the brake lights and the tail lights. Cost $132.

Approximately 63,000 miles: Replaced the brake light wiring harness because of the same problem. Cost $200.

After 2 years: The motorized antenna sounds like a DC-9 when extending or retracting.

General Comments:

I purchased this vehicle new. In general, this is an overpriced and unreliable for a Japanese-manufactured vehicle. I would never purchase another Maxima unless I am receiving at least a 50% discount from MSRP.

The vehicle lacks performance (190 ponies, but Nissan rectified this issue with the newer Maximas) and handles slowly. Nissan should have borrowed the handling design of the Infiniti G20 for the Maxima. Additionally, the transmission tends to stay in second gear unless I come to a complete stop. Gas mileage is adequate--probably due to the weight of the vehicle. The interior wind noise level is acceptable (not as good as an Acura TL).

I should have spent the extra $5,500 and purchased the Acura 3.2TL. Would have been a lot happier.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th May, 2003

6th Oct 2003, 01:22

About the brake light harness... why did you pay more to have it replaced the 2nd time? Something like that going bad after a replacement from a few months/thousand miles prior should be repaired at discounted or no cost, did the shop offer any kind of warranty on the repair itself?

What do you mean by lacking performance? Did you even test drive the car to begin with? The VQ30 is superb and responsive, the majority of 4th gen Maxima owners bought the car for this reason alone. If you had wanted more power you should've bought something with a larger engine to begin with. Also the slight horsepower gains in the newer Maximas were offset by their weight increases. The coil problem is a pain, which Nissan has regrettably never addressed.

10th Jul 2004, 21:21

Why did you pay $420 for new brake pads? It costs about $65 for the brake pads at an auto parts store and takes about 30 minutes to complete! Next time just read your car's manual.

1999 Nissan Maxima ES 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

An awesome ride

Faults:

So far nothing has gone wrong with the car. The only thing that I have noticed is that if you don't come to a complete stop, the transmission stays in second gear.

General Comments:

This car is awesome. Its better than any other car I've ever had. It corners like its on rails, it leaves other cars in its dust. Acceleration is fantastic and braking is good too. Inside its very spacious and comfortable, heated seats are a must in the winter, even with cloth interior.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th April, 2003

1999 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

A 4 door sports car for retirees

Faults:

Battery needed to be replaced after 2 years.

I hear a slight rattle from the front left wheel well after only 12K miles.

Disc brakes make a "slinking" sound after the car has been parked for a while. Most probably due to surface rust on the rotors.

A/C compressor starting to make unusual clanging noise.

Fortunately most items were replaced under warranty. But were they all necessary on a 12K vehicle?

General Comments:

The ride is smooth and comfortable.

Straight line acceleration was excellent. Engine is very smooth. I get almost 27 MPG on the highway.

BAD: Carves through curves like a boat. Rear end feels unstable if the road surface is uneven.

Installing a front strut bar made a world of difference.

Car depreciates like a U.S. made car, that is rapidly!

I sold it. I missed it. Until I drove my friend's stock 1999 Honda Accord LX Coupe. That car handled amazingly better than the Maxima, with the feeling of full confidence.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2001

1999 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0 V-6 from North America

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Car originally had too much lean and yaw for my liking. A front strut tower brace and rear stabilizer bar cured that. Comfort, performance, great amenities, handling and quality make it the nicest car I have ever owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th September, 1999

5th Apr 2001, 07:59

Do you find the steering disconnected? Hard to explain, but when I'm driving I find the steering is not solid...

Whatuneed2001@yahoo.com.