1995-1999 Nissan Maxima: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Optional antilock brakes
- Steering/handling
- Acceleration
- Ride
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Rear-seat comfort
Vehicle Highlights
Nissan's largest passenger car was redesigned for arrival as an early '95 model. Front-wheel drive, V6 power, and 4-door sedan styling continued, but the new design was more rounded on a longer wheelbase. Model choices now numbered three, with the addition of a luxury GLE. Also available were a base GXE sedan, plus a sporty SE with a rear spoiler, firmer suspension, and wider tires. All Maximas shared a new aluminum 3.0-liter V6 with dual-overhead camshafts, rated at 190 horsepower. The GXE and SE came with a 5-speed manual transmission. An electronically controlled 4-speed automatic was optional on those models and standard on the GLE. Antilock brakes were optional on all except the 5-speed GXE.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan Maxima SE automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1995-1999 Nissan Maxima includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-1999 Nissan Maxima and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-1999 Nissan Maxima is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
If you're searching for a midsize sedan that reaches above the run-of-the-mill offerings, a Maxima of any 1995-99 vintage is definitely worth a trial run.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan Maxima SE automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $625 |
| Alternator | $450 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,080 |
| Brakes | $210 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $515 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,145 |
| Exhaust System | $375 |
| Radiator | $445 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,530 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,305 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1999 | |||
| Maxima | $4,400-5,500 | $3,700-4,600 | $1,500-1,900 |
| 1998 | |||
| Maxima | $3,700-4,800 | $3,000-3,900 | $1,100-1,400 |
| 1997 | |||
| Maxima | $3,200-4,000 | $2,500-3,100 | $800-1,000 |
| 1996 | |||
| Maxima | $2,700-3,500 | $2,000-2,600 | $600-800 |
| 1995 | |||
| Maxima | $2,300-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $400-600 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 187.7 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3001 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.5 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.9 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.3 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 190 | 205 | 5-speed manual: 22/27 4-speed automatic: 21/28 |
5-speed manual: 24.1 4-speed automatic: 21.4 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Maxima |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.








