SilverBullet98

I am in the market now for a new Maxima. I love the looks of the 97-99's, the front grille and the rear emblems...But is that the only difference between the 95-96's, and the 97-99's...Is there any real difference that would make one good and one not...Also can the grilles from the 97+'s fit on a 95-96 ?? Any info you guys could give me would really help ...Thanks

Craig Mack

Get a '95 5spd. You will have the fastest (lightest) stock maxima. Period. The '95-96 have certain features (cosmetic) that I like better than the 97+, and vise versa. I liked the M A X I M A spaced out, too. The ONLY problem with the 95-96's is their ****ty starters (ignition). Besides that, it'll be the cheapest fastest maxima you'll find. Mine only has 55k miles and everything feels just it's just getting broken in.

Man the Maxima is such a good car.

JDOGG118

I like the 97-99 the best..I like the rear lights better on the 97-99 than the 95-96. Also I like the front better also. I just think that the 97-99 looks so tight..I even like the styling better than my 2001 SE.

NYCe MaXiMa

iTrader: (9)

95-96 had problems with starters and failure of O2 sensors.... Not all though.
95-96 are faster due to less emission restrictions, slightly lighter weight. However they aren't as safe.

REAR
97-99 feature a flat trunk, without that little indentation across the bottom of the trunk lid and tailights. The tails are also reversed in the 97-99s.. 95-96 have the brake lights on the bottom with the amber turn signal in upper right corner, and reverse light on the upper inside corner. 97-99 have the brake lights at the top with the reverse and turn lights at the bottom. In my opinion the rear of the 97-99 looks way better.....

FRONT
Front end of the 95-96 features a different grille, different headlights, fogs and all of front bumper......

97-99 have wider opening in the bumper, nicer foglights sitting more on the "inside" of the bumper, "clear" headlights, better looking grille (personal opinion).

WHEELS
95-96 SE maximas feature 15" saw-like rims which come standard on 97-99 GLEs. 97-99 SE models feature 5-spoke 16" rims.


I think 97-99 look way better. They are also safer because of reinforced bumpers.


interior

95-96 interior = basically the same as 97-99, only the cupholders do not have a cover/lid.... 97-99s do.

98-99 models have digital odometers and fuel gauge which points the opposite way. 97 dash looks like 95-96s.




That is all i can think of off the top of my head.
Welcome to the club of former 3rd gen owners who dumped them for 4th gens.

1/3There2/3ToGo

Im selling my '95 GXE auto for $7000. PM me for more info. It will be back to stock when I sell it though. Just replaced the starter 2 months ago too. Should be fine for years now.

Kirk

Craig Mack

How much would it cost if even possible to convert my taillights to a 97-99 style ?

With those i'd be totally happy with my 95.

NYCe MaXiMa

iTrader: (9)

I heard the outer lights fit, but the inner ones don't... or the other way around

Either way, it won't look that good, because of that dumb indentation, slightly rounded trunk lid and rear corners.. I suggest just getting Red/clear tails which really change the look...

Craig Mack

Yup. I agree about the red/clear tails. Hey, you know, MOST of your common people couldn't tell the difference.

NyCe, Get a OEM spoiler, some 17x8 Konig Caffeine Rims, a lil tint, clear out those orange tails, a top wind deflector, and you will have one beautiful car.

ShortT

craig mack i love reading the way you talk about maximas! youre so in love with these cars arent you! i bet if your car was a chick youd make sweet love to it wouldnt you? no wait, i think that was me that said that b4...

Nine7Max

Trade ya!

krzymax

iTrader: (2)

HAHAHA!

BippuBenji

iTrader: (4)

Well fellas, since my Maxima is gone, I've been looking into getting another one. I couldn't exactly decide which one to get, either the black 5spd 96 or 97, while I was leaning towards the 97 since that is or was what I had before. I didn't know the 95-96's had bad starters, thanks a lot for the info. Is the weight difference between the two reall that significant? If had to, I wouldm't mind takin up the 96 because I'll be ending up converting it into a 97 anyway, too bad can't really do the rear, or maybe a 97 rear bumper could work.

Axra

I think that the bottom line is that ALL maximas are great and you really can't go wrong with any between 95-99. Personally I like the rear of the 97 but I love the 95-96 front end.

NYCe MaXiMa

iTrader: (9)

Tint = coming soon
Wind deflector = already got
Konig Caffeine = look good but no $$$
red/clear tails = coming soon

I'm afraid of the SUV look with 17s and no springs and I don't have $ to lower my car. Nor do I really want to, I want to keep stock height

peemoeller55

the grille of 97+'s will not fit the 95-96. NYCe got the rest nailed down.