The 1999 Nissan Maxima, part of the A32 generation (1995-1999), was a front-wheel-drive, four-door sedan often marketed as a "four-door sports car" due to its spirited performance. Key trims included the GLE and the sportier GXE. New, it ranged from around $21,000 to $26,000. Its popularity stemmed from offering V6 power and a refined interior at a competitive price, making it a desirable choice for those seeking a blend of luxury and performance.
The Good
The 1999 Maxima excels with its potent V6 engine and engaging handling, satisfying emotional desires for spirited driving. Practically, it offers a comfortable and spacious interior, solid reliability, and excellent value for its class, making it a sensible and enjoyable daily driver.
The Bad
Potential buyers of the 1999 Maxima should be aware of common issues such as transmission problems, particularly in automatic transmissions, and the potential for coolant leaks from the radiator. Checking for rust, especially around the rear wheel wells, is also advisable.
1999 Nissan Maxima: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: The 1999 Nissan Maxima primarily featured a 3.0-liter V6 engine.
- Horsepower: This V6 engine produced approximately 190 horsepower.
- Fuel Economy: EPA estimates for the 1999 Maxima were generally around 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, though this could vary slightly with transmission type.
- 0-60 Times: Acceleration figures typically hovered in the mid-to-high 7-second range, which was quite competitive for its class at the time.
- Towing Capacity: As a sedan, the 1999 Nissan Maxima was not designed for towing and does not have an official towing capacity.
- Trim-Level Features:
- GXE: This was the base trim, typically including power windows, power door locks, air conditioning, cruise control, and a cassette/CD player.
- GLE: The GLE offered more luxury features such as leather seating (optional or standard depending on package), a power driver's seat, automatic climate control, and a premium Bose audio system.
- Optional Features: Depending on the trim and specific package, options could include a sunroof, heated seats, and alloy wheels. The focus for all trims was a relatively well-appointed interior for the price point, emphasizing comfort and a refined driving experience.
1999 Nissan Maxima Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 1999 |
| Make | Nissan |
| Model | Maxima |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Japan |
| Manufacturing City | YOKOSUKA CITY |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | VQ30 |
| Engine Size | 3L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
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What Problems Does the 1999 Nissan Maxima Have?
The 1999 Nissan Maxima, while generally considered a reliable vehicle for its era, does have some frequently reported issues that owners and prospective buyers should be aware of. The most prominent concern revolves around the automatic transmission. Several owners have reported premature failure of the automatic transmission, often manifesting as slipping, harsh shifting, or complete failure. This is a significant expense to repair, so thorough inspection of the transmission's performance is crucial when considering a used model. Another common issue is the tendency for the radiator to develop leaks, which can lead to overheating if not addressed promptly. Coolant leaks from the hoses and connections are also reported. Electrical gremlins, though less common, can include malfunctioning power windows, door locks, or interior lights. Regarding specific model years within this generation, the 1999 model year is often cited for these transmission and radiator concerns. While there were no major widespread recalls that significantly impacted the long-term desirability of the 1999 Maxima, these recurring mechanical issues are what prospective buyers should investigate. Despite these potential pitfalls, many owners have experienced good long-term reliability with proper and consistent maintenance, particularly if they have been diligent about fluid changes and addressing minor issues before they escalate.
How long will the 1999 Nissan Maxima last?
With diligent maintenance, a 1999 Nissan Maxima can reasonably achieve an average of 150,000 to 200,000 miles, and some well-cared-for examples may even exceed 250,000 miles. The V6 engine is generally robust and capable of long service life. However, its long-term durability is heavily influenced by how well the transmission has been maintained, as automatic transmission issues are a known weakness. Regular fluid changes for both the engine and transmission are critical. Weaknesses that tend to emerge over time include the aforementioned transmission and radiator issues, along with potential for suspension wear and minor interior trim degradation, typical for a vehicle of this age.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 1999 Nissan Maxima offered a respectable suite of technology and safety features for its time, aiming for a premium feel within its segment. Standard entertainment typically included an AM/FM stereo with a cassette player and a single-disc CD player. Higher trims, like the GLE, often featured an upgraded Bose premium audio system, providing a richer sound experience. While advanced driver-assistance systems were not prevalent in 1999, the Maxima included essential safety features such as anti-lock brakes (ABS) as standard or optional depending on the trim, which was a significant safety advancement. Dual front airbags were also standard. Optional features that enhanced comfort and convenience could include automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a power sunroof. The focus was more on creature comforts and basic safety rather than cutting-edge driver aids. Crash-test ratings for this generation of Maxima were generally positive for their era. While specific NHTSA or IIHS ratings for the 1999 model year might be harder to find archived, previous models in the A32 generation performed well in frontal and side-impact tests conducted by these organizations, suggesting a solid structural integrity. The car was designed with safety in mind, offering a protective cabin for occupants. Overall, the tech and safety were functional and adequate for the late 1990s, emphasizing reliable audio and crucial braking/airbag systems.
What Colors Options are Available?
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1999 Nissan Maxima Prices and Market Value
When new, the 1999 Nissan Maxima had a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) that generally ranged from approximately $21,000 for the base GXE model to around $26,000 for the well-equipped GLE. Like most vehicles, the Maxima experienced significant depreciation in its early years. Today, used market prices for a 1999 Nissan Maxima vary widely depending on condition, mileage, and trim level. You can typically find them in the range of $1,500 to $4,000 for well-maintained examples, though exceptionally low-mileage or pristine models might fetch slightly more. Factors heavily affecting resale value include the known transmission issues; vehicles with documented recent transmission service or replacement command higher prices. Conversely, those with transmission problems are significantly devalued. Overall maintenance history, body condition (rust), and mileage are also key determinants.
1999 Nissan Maxima Cost of Ownership
The 1999 Nissan Maxima is generally considered moderately economical to own. Insurance costs are typically reasonable for a sedan of its age and class. Fuel economy, around 18/25 mpg city/highway, is fair for a V6, making it neither exceptionally cheap nor expensive to fuel. Maintenance costs are average, with standard oil changes and routine checks. However, the potential for significant repair costs, primarily due to automatic transmission failures and radiator leaks, can make long-term ownership costly if these issues arise. If well-maintained and free of major mechanical faults, it presents a good value. Otherwise, it can become a money pit.
1999 Nissan Maxima Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
-
City Mileage
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Highway Mileage
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1999 Nissan Maxima Safety Rating
NHTSA
1999 Nissan Maxima Insurance
Insurance for a 1999 Nissan Maxima is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1999 Nissan Maxima Compare to Other Sedan?
The 1999 Nissan Maxima competed in the mid-size sedan segment against strong contenders like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford Taurus. In terms of performance, the Maxima often stood out with its standard V6 engine and a more engaging driving dynamic, often marketed as a "four-door sports car," which was a key differentiator against the more comfort-oriented Camry and Accord. Feature-wise, the Maxima offered a good balance, with higher trims providing near-luxury amenities like leather seats and premium audio, often rivaling or exceeding what was offered in similarly priced trims of its competitors. However, when it comes to long-term reliability, the Maxima faces challenges, particularly with its automatic transmission, compared to the stellar reputation of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, which are renowned for their bulletproof powertrains. The Ford Taurus, while offering a comfortable ride and competitive pricing, generally didn't match the Maxima's performance or the Japanese rivals' overall build quality. In terms of price, the Maxima was often positioned competitively, offering strong value for the performance and features it delivered.
Recommendations:
Similar Alternatives: The Honda Accord (especially V6 models) offers comparable performance and significantly better reliability. The Toyota Camry (V6 models) provides excellent reliability and comfort, though perhaps a less sporty driving experience.
Potentially Better Alternatives: If reliability is paramount, sticking with the Accord or Camry is advisable. If a sportier feel is desired without the Maxima's transmission concerns, a well-maintained BMW 3 Series (though likely older and potentially more expensive to maintain) could be considered, but this shifts to a luxury sports sedan category. For value, the Maxima still holds appeal if a pre-purchase inspection confirms good transmission health.
Recommendations:
Similar Alternatives: The Honda Accord (especially V6 models) offers comparable performance and significantly better reliability. The Toyota Camry (V6 models) provides excellent reliability and comfort, though perhaps a less sporty driving experience.
Potentially Better Alternatives: If reliability is paramount, sticking with the Accord or Camry is advisable. If a sportier feel is desired without the Maxima's transmission concerns, a well-maintained BMW 3 Series (though likely older and potentially more expensive to maintain) could be considered, but this shifts to a luxury sports sedan category. For value, the Maxima still holds appeal if a pre-purchase inspection confirms good transmission health.
Final Verdict: Is the 1999 Nissan Maxima a Good Sedan?
The 1999 Nissan Maxima is ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking a spirited driving experience with a touch of upscale comfort, provided they are mechanically inclined or willing to budget for potential repairs. It's worth buying as a used vehicle, but only after a thorough pre-purchase inspection, with a particular focus on the automatic transmission and cooling system. It is not worth buying if the transmission shows any signs of weakness. Stick to well-maintained examples, ideally with documented service history. The GLE trim offers more luxury, while the GXE provides a sportier feel with fewer potential luxury feature failures. It is certainly not a new car purchase, and its value is significantly diminished by any transmission-related concerns.
Eugene S
Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.