1996 Nissan Maxima GLE from North America - Comments

I have probably spent more on car repairs than payments since I bought my car 17 months ago.

I have had the alternator, starter, and O2 sensors replaced twice.

I just got the drive axles, front shocks/struts, and both strut mounts replaced. I still need to get the back struts replaced. Just today alone I spent $515 on my car and still don't have everything fixed on it.

I have had my front brakes fixed twice, most recently in August and they already sound horrible (it's November).

It also bents and scratches very easily. I am very careful with where I part my car, and I still have several dings on both sides in the front doors.

My car is very comfortable and nice, but it's not worth how much money I am pumping into it. If I didn't owe more than it was worth I would be rid of it in a flash.

I can't wait to get rid of it.

I think this review is bad. I have a GLE and had no problems what so ever. Maybe your car was a lemon, but there are always a few. And as far as your rotors going, I think that may have been a result of not changing your brake bads leading to metal scraping against metal. I love my 96 GLE and apparently so does everyone else according to reviews on this site...

I own many cars&trucks, but maxima 1996 (driven for more than 100000 miles) is the most reliable car I ever own-change your mechanic

Our 1996 maxima GLA now has 150,300 on it and I am on the this site for transmission information (possible shifting problem) but I agree with the others, this car has been perfect since new. The only repairs, happened early on when new and they were the sensors going bad. Also you have to use factory pads and rotors or you will most likely get problems. Change to a better mechanic.

Did you buy the car used? At an auction? That may be why. Cars that have been in accidents always have problems. Other than that change the mechanic. They sometimes fix one thing, and then mess with something else to get more money from you when you come back.

I have 96 Maxima, and have same problem with you guys: Knock sensor thing. "check engine light" always comes on. I replaced it at $340 ($189 part + $150 labor). After replacing knock sensor, check engine light came on again. This time it was coolant temp. sensor. It costs me $80 ($50 for part, $30 for labor). After doing everything I can do, the check engine light still comes on. It won't off. Finally I make up my mind that I will not spend any money and any time to fix the damn stupid sensor thing ever!

I have had to repair the oxygen sensor one time, replace tires, brakes and a belt during 7.5 years of ownership. That is amazing compared to most cars that would have been in the shop more often. I was surprised about the review with a lot of repairs. I do wonder if the car was a salvaged car. Sorry to hear about your problems. The only thing that bums me out is that the body on my car has been banged up. I have been shopping for new cars to get one that looks better than my banged up car. A new 2006 Audi A4 drove nowhere near as well as my 1996 Nissan Maxima.

I have owned two 1996 Maxima GXE's both purchased from a salvage yard as insurance "totals". Both were rebuild and are still running. My son drives one with 142,000 miles and I still have the other one with 101,000 miles. Other than brakes, tires, batteries and a starter on the higher mileage car both cars have been very reliable and fun to drive. My daughter had a 2000 GLE that came from the auction via a used car dealer that was nothing but problems. We traded it in on a new 07 Civic after only ten months at a loss of $3,600 rather than spend any more for repairs.

Take this review with a grain of salt. Everything he points out (with the exception of the O2 sensors) is a normal wear consumable part. Yes, even the starter and alternator, they have brushes that wear out, usually in 6-8 years. If the reviewer had bought the car new it would have not needed any of these things until the mileage it has now, and the cost would have been depreciation and interest, rather than trips to the shop.

I am considering a Nissan Maxima 1995 for my first car, do you think that is a good idea?

I can note from the review that it is not so good on gas.

I have a '96 Maxima V6 with almost 212,000 miles on it. It is the most reliable car that I have ever had. The only negative for me is the relatively high fuel consumption. (I recently averaged 25mpg highway on a 2000 mile trip). In the city, it gets anywhere between 16 and 18 mpg. I have never had to change anything on it except for the occasional brake pads, oil, tires, etc.

I would recommend it to anyone as a great, comfortable, reliable car. The Bose system is absolutely amazing. Although if your wallet it tight, get something that's easier on the gas like an old Honda Accord (also had one).

1996 MAXIMA SE, bought new July 95' 204,000 and still strong, will get 300k+ - no regrets- just regular maintenance, anyone with brake problems, use ceramic pads, not the cheap organic.

I currently have a 96 Max too. This car is NOT the greatest for SURE! When I got it in 4-2008, it ran very nicely! BUT since this day, I have a MAJOR problem with the stupid rear stabilization system! MY CAR LACKS A STABILIZER BAR! What, NO stabilizer bars on a Maxima, stupid don't you think! Nissan didn't put a stabilizer bar in the rears! MAN I'll tell you, this is the most dangerous cars I've ever in my life owned. I cannot drive over 60mph without the threat of this stupid car fishtailing out of control! The rear axle bounces WAY too excessively! If I'm not paying attention to the speed I'm going on the freeway, then run through rough bumpy pavement, I can guarantee my death when this car fishtails out of control and run into a pole in an instant!

WELL ANYWAY! Besides this dangerous issue, I have driven around 44,000 miles total as of 9-09. I had the normal wear and tear; brakes, tires etc. The Max has been decently reliable! Never had problems with engine or check engine lights. BUT the manual transmission DID have problems. The bearings got shot. Needed a new transmission at 166k miles. That's all I know of! Air conditioner works BEAUTIFULLY! I replaced axle boots.

I have been in a fender bender with my Max earlier this year 1-09. I BARELY hit a car ahead of me. Almost NO damage on my bumper, but the air bags deployed anyway!

All in all. The trans is the only thing that was an issue so far. Other than the being the WORST handling car I ever owned!