1996 Nissan Maxima SE review from North America

- Needs an 02 Sensor (doesn't affect anything).

- Odd clunking from rear end at low speeds.

- Rear windows do not roll down.

- CD player gives an error message.

All of these things were wrong with the car when I bought it ($2500). Nothing has gone wrong since I purchased it.

I sold my '96 LS 400 looking for a more entertaining ride. Did I ever find it! My Maxima is an SE with a five-speed manual and it absolutely flies! I gave up some luxury features, but the basic ones remain like a Bose stereo, auto climate control and power leather seats.

Power in first gear can only be described as scary. It's geared very short, and if you don't apply the throttle carefully, you can really make a scene! Second gear is tamer, but is nevertheless a quick rush. 60 mph arrives in just 6.6 seconds! The engine is very smooth, but produces a powerful growl starting at about 3,000 rpm. Torque is plentiful. I crawl around town at 1,300 rpm and achieve 26-28 mpg.

It's not just about power though, this car corners very well. Body lean is noticeable, but excusable on a family sedan (albeit a sporty one), but the grip is relentless. I've yet to squeal the tires even when sweeping around tight turns.

The steering provides good feel, but the effort is a bit light for my tastes. It doesn't quite have the buttoned-down feel of my mother's '03 Accord EX-L V6 sedan. The Maxima feels lighter and more tossable than the Accord however.

The interior is a pleasant place with soft plastics, pleated vinyl inserts in the door panels and nicely-dampened switches and knobs. The bean-counters at Chrysler could learn a thing or two. The leather seats in these Maximas hold up well; mine look like new.

I'm a tall guy (6'4") but I have tons of headroom, even with the optional sunroof, about an inch more than the LS 400.

The Bose stereo sounds terrific and the A/C is very effective. I love the one-touch 'ECON' mode that runs the fan but not the compressor to save fuel and refrigerant.

The trunk is also very spacious. Heck, this whole car offers a surprising amount of room. The cabin is very airy and the visibility is panoramic. The hood is low and the window pillars aren't enormous like many new cars these days.

I love this car. Its light, quick, quiet, refined, spacious, economical, fun, the list goes on and on. Nissan was all business when they built this car; no obvious cost-cutting, no stupid frills or gimmicks, just a solid well-engineered vehicle built to last. Where is this spirit today? It's becoming harder and harder to find well-maintained examples like mine, but they are out there. I highly recommend it.