The V6 is a classy performer. Low-end grunt is somewhat lacking however as the engine reaches around 4,000 rpm, the car surges forward. The automatic transmission upshifts crisply although is somewhat hesitant to kick-down. When in the right gear, the Maxima will easily make highway passing a breeze. From a standstill, the big Nissan can reach 100 km/h in
a tic under 8 seconds.
The brakes perform admirably. Steering is surprisingly good and confidence inspiring. With such great driving characteristics, it is no wonder then that there is still quite a large amount of interest in this car and such a large array of after-market parts for tuners.
Safety
The Maxima has standard dual front air bags (side air bags available as of 1998 in the SE and GLE), standard ABS brakes (all but base GXE trim), traction control (1999) and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the 1995-97 cars 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for the diver and 3 out of 5 stars (an average result) for the passenger in frontal impacts. As of 1998, the passenger side frontal rating was increased to 4 out of 5 stars. The IIHS (Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety) rated the 1995-96 models as "Poor" and the 1997-99 versions as "Average" in its category.
Conclusion
What amazes me about the Maxima is how current the car still feels. If it was possible to find a brand-new 1995 car and put it against 2006 American and Japanese sedans, I think it would fare very well.
In this group of sedans, the BMW 3-Series is by far the most sought-after but also, the most expensive to purchase and to maintain. For those that are looking for style and performance, the Maxima is the best alternative of the Japanese offerings and will cost thousands less than a comparable German car.
Good stuff:
Reliability
Great engine
General performance
Not so good stuff:
High maintenance costs
Tested model:
1998 Nissan Maxima GLE with 90,000 km
Problem areas:
Exhaust system rust
Expensive and frequent brake maintenance
Competitors of the day:
Honda Accord
Acura TL
Infiniti I30
BMW 3-Series
Dodge Intrepid
Subaru Legacy
Pontiac Bonneville
Volkswagen Passat
Recalls:
TC # 2002117
On certain vehicles one of the diodes used in the alternator may have been damaged when built. This can eventually result in failure of the diode and an electrical short, which could melt the plastic housing. If the combustible gas emitted by the melting plastic does not disperse due to airflow through the engine compartment, it could ignite and in turn ignite the fan guide in the alternator.
 |
The brakes perform admirably. Steering is surprisingly good and confidence inspiring. With such great driving characteristics, it is no wonder then that there is still quite a large amount of interest in this car and such a large array of after-market parts for tuners.
Safety
The Maxima has standard dual front air bags (side air bags available as of 1998 in the SE and GLE), standard ABS brakes (all but base GXE trim), traction control (1999) and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the 1995-97 cars 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for the diver and 3 out of 5 stars (an average result) for the passenger in frontal impacts. As of 1998, the passenger side frontal rating was increased to 4 out of 5 stars. The IIHS (Insurance
 |
| Photo: Nissan Canada |
Conclusion
What amazes me about the Maxima is how current the car still feels. If it was possible to find a brand-new 1995 car and put it against 2006 American and Japanese sedans, I think it would fare very well.
In this group of sedans, the BMW 3-Series is by far the most sought-after but also, the most expensive to purchase and to maintain. For those that are looking for style and performance, the Maxima is the best alternative of the Japanese offerings and will cost thousands less than a comparable German car.
Good stuff:
 |
| Photo: Nissan Canada |
Reliability
Great engine
General performance
Not so good stuff:
High maintenance costs
Tested model:
1998 Nissan Maxima GLE with 90,000 km
Problem areas:
Exhaust system rust
Expensive and frequent brake maintenance
Competitors of the day:
 |
| Photo: Nissan Canada |
Honda Accord
Acura TL
Infiniti I30
BMW 3-Series
Dodge Intrepid
Subaru Legacy
Pontiac Bonneville
Volkswagen Passat
Recalls:
TC # 2002117
On certain vehicles one of the diodes used in the alternator may have been damaged when built. This can eventually result in failure of the diode and an electrical short, which could melt the plastic housing. If the combustible gas emitted by the melting plastic does not disperse due to airflow through the engine compartment, it could ignite and in turn ignite the fan guide in the alternator.
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