1997 Nissan Maxima Review
Fuel Economy
21 mpg
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
My Maxima is falling apart....
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr GXE Sedan
Review
I brought car used at 40k miles from my Sister - mint condition, California car. Driven mostly 7-8k per year (light). Powerful, smooth, quiet and great for a road trip, but..... The car is fragile! The starter went out at 65k($375 replace), the front strut bearing plates broke at 75k ($750 including struts and labor), the check-engine light came on at 76k (Evaporator system problem ($650), Rear brake calipers slightly locking up due to frozen/corroded parking mechanism ($600 to fix refurb calipers inc labor). I have no clue why the car is falling apart right before my eyes. I'm going to trade it soon. Sad, what a powerful and smooth vehicle. :-( Peter
Favorite Features
Powerful and smooth. Super comfortable over long trips - pretty good gas mileage while on road ~29mpg
Suggested Improvements
Feels disconnected from the road...sort of like you're driving a Farm Combine...or other farm implement.
disappointed
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr SE Sedan
Review
Purchased used at 101k from dealer who picked up at auction. I heard that the 3.5 engine is indestructible so I bought it. To date. I have replaced typical parts for high mileage (front axel/cvboots, power steering pump, starter, ignition switch, and master cylinder recently which brings me to my dilemma. (brake equpt.). I have spent about 3k in 5 yrs and 89k miles. Bad gas mileage and reliability. Cheaper parts than Toyota
Favorite Features
engine hp, interior and features for the money, handling.
Suggested Improvements
better gas mileage with 87 octane fuel
Great all-arounder
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr SE Sedan
Review
I bought my 97 Maxima SE 5-speed about 2 years ago and am in love with it. The fact that it's my 4th car in under 2 years says a lot! I bought it with 307K miles on it (a testament to how unbelievably solid the car was and still is to this day). I'm now over 343K miles and have had to replace little; The 02 sensors, the struts (which were original), and slave/master cylinders. I get 30-33 mpg almost every tank, and that's even with mixed city/hwy. Power is still great after all these miles when I need it too! Did not come with the Bose stereo; stock CD player and volume knob didn't work and all 4 speakers were rotted out, so I replaced those and it sounds great now
Favorite Features
Smooth and torquey V6 for pleasant daily driving; fun manual tranny not common in most sedans; build quality of the car inside and out is unmatched; ease of oil changing/maintenance. The interior is perfectly executed; simple, solid, and very functional. Practical sedan but an engaging car too.
Suggested Improvements
Slightly plain exterior has greatly benefited from some minor spicing-up I've done to the front and rear lights. Front seats could use a tad more back support. Also, a K&N cone air filter is highly recommend; the sound at full throttle is worthy of a Grammy :) I will keep her til she dies!!
What A Great Vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr GLE Sedan
Review
I purchased my Nissan at 32000 miles,I now have 394,000 miles. I still get excellent gas mileage 24 city and 30 hwy. This vehicle is driven slightly over 1000 miles weekly. I replaced the alternator due to a recall, only oil changes as recommended, tires and of course brakes. The Bose stereo system still sounds awesome. Slight tear on driver leather seat. If you perform the maintenance required on this auto I can surely guarantee you will find this car to be a keeper.I will continue to drive this car until sadly it has to go to the "Automobile Haven". This is truly is a well handling vehicle on highway.
Favorite Features
Display of dash lights at night.
Suggested Improvements
None
Excellent Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Nissan Maxima 4 Dr GLE Sedan
Review
This is my second Maxima and just love these cars. My first was a 98 SE 5 spd and thought it was great, wish I would not have sold it. But now I have a 97 GLE auto with all the goodies and like this car just as much. I bough the 97 with 179k and had to replace a few things, knock sensor, 02 sensor and the axles. I did the work myself so the repair cost was very cheap. I have 190k on it now and it's still running great and I plan to keep it until it dies. I would highly recommend the 4th Gen (95- 99) Maximas to anyone who wants a 4 dr sports car with comfort, good stereo, and reliability. Thanks Nissan!
Favorite Features
Reliability, good looks, and Bose stereo
Suggested Improvements
Bigger cupholders, better rear suspension
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