1997 Nissan Maxima Review
1997 Nissan Maxima Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- High levels of luxury and performance for thousands less than comparable sedans
Cons
- Nissan has made the Maxima's styling too conservative over the last few years. If they keep it up, the Maxima will become invisible.
What’s new
The Nissan Maxima gets a new grille, headlights, bumpers and taillights. New alloy wheels and foglights on the SE, new wheel covers on the GXE and new aluminum wheels on the GLE round out the changes.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$206/mo for Maxima GXE
Maxima GXE
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Nissan designers underwent a complete switch in design philosophy during the late eighties, and began producing cars whose styling was as fresh five years after introduction day as it was on introduction day. These cars were a far cry from the carved-from-a-cinderblock styling of previous Nissans. The 1989 Maxima was one of the new generation of cars to roll out of Nissan plants, and it continued to look better year after year, aging more gracefully than Dick Clark. For 1995, Nissan replaced it with an all-new car, one with a stellar drivetrain and first-class cabin, but with a somewhat dowdy exterior and funky-ugly taillights.
First, the good stuff. Under the hood is a twin-cam, aluminum 3.0-liter V6. It puts 190 horsepower to the ground through the front axle. A five-speed is standard on GXE and SE trim levels, but an automatic is optional. This engine is a jewel, providing swift acceleration without penalizing fuel economy.
Inside, the Maxima sports an interior befitting an Infiniti. No coincidence here; the Maxima serves as the basis for the luxo-oriented Infiniti I30. Roomier than the old Maxima, the new one finds nobody complaining about the accommodations.
For 1997, the Maxima receives some minor exterior changes that clean up the front and rear end a bit. New tail lights improve the car's derriere, but we still wish that the trunk weren't so angular. We do, however, really like the new wheels/wheel covers that were introduced for this model year. They make the Maxima more distinctive than last year's model.
Overall, the Maxima lost some of its sex appeal in 1995's redesign, but the new engine, interior, and price structure of the car more than make up for the slight styling shortcomings.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Nissan Maxima.
5 star(77%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
127 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
1997 Maxima SE - Great Car!
corona1373, 08/13/2013
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
An amazingly reliable car after 210,000 miles and 17 years of service.
It is dependable and has never let me down or left me stranded.
I bought my 1997 Maxima SE about 17 years ago and it has been the most reliable car I've ever owned.
It is super easy to service, replacement parts are inexpensive and the engine/transmission still run flawless.
With 209,000 miles it still cruises quietly … down the highway and gets about 25-26mpg on highway trips.
The motor is smooth and the transmission shifts perfectly.
I frequently see many of the 4th Generation Maximas still on the road.
If you can find a rust-free one that has been well maintained I think it's a good bet as a used car.
4.63 out of 5 stars
AWESOME '97 MAXIMA GLE
tan5, 01/15/2012
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
...bought my 97 Maxima GLE in Sep of '97, 14.3 years ago, and it has been the best car ever!
There have been no major expenses/repairs outside of basic maintenance and minor wear & tear part replacement.
The engine light didn't even go on until my 13th year of owning it and, even then, the repair cost was minimal.
...am about to hit 232,000 miles and had the goal to see if it could make … 400,000 (had heard of an owner that did hit 400K).
However, the 0% financing Nissan is currently offering drew me in so I am now selling my Maxima.
Tears will be shed when "she" is driven away.
5 out of 5 stars
UPDATE TO BEST MAX EVER
jerrymax, 02/27/2011
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
Just wanted to update the review I wrote back in March 2008 about my 1997 Maxima GLE.
At that time I had 154k on the odometer.
Last week the car turned 200k for another 46,000 miles worth of trouble-free driving.
This car amazes me.
I've driven it up and down the East Coast from Maine to North Carolina in all kinds of weather, it is NEVER garaged, yet it still looks like new.
It has not … had a tune-up in 82,000 miles [had platinum plugs put in] but it always starts and still moves like a rocket when I tap the accelerator.
I'm really planning on getting another 200,000 miles out this car and will be happy to drive it the rest of my life if at all possible.
I love my Maxima!
5 out of 5 stars
beyond excellent
lockout3, 06/30/2013
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
I had all kind of cars this car is the best car I ever had. The only things I have done is put gas and change the oil. If you want a great car get a Nissan maximum must be your choice.
1997 Maxima Highlights
GXE
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $206/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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