Used 1997 Nissan 200SX Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 200SX, so we've included reviews for other years of the 200SX since its last redesign.
My Baby Girl
grneyedangel, 08/02/2012
1997 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I still have her at 607K+. Yes, a bit underpowered, but such a mechanically sound car. Simple maintenance and regular driving will keep this engine for many years and even 15 years later, is still a cute little car. Only aesthetic prob that exists w/lot of Nissans is that the paint decays faster - not sure why, but true. Man. tranny is one of the easiest and long-lasting - clutch replaced at 582K for 1st time. Was just in shop for radiator replacement (and brake pads) - original radiator so figure can't beat that. AC is still strong and has never needed work (other than hoses, etc.) and always a pleasure to drive. Will keep running her until she finally dies-Best car ever had.
Killer car
DR, 04/09/2010
1996 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This car now has over 250K and still runs like a champ. It consistently gets 40 mpg. It handles like a Porsche when dodging things on the road. Winter driving is exceptional. New clutch at 180K, new water pump at 210K. Just rear-ended, minor flaking on bumper. Don't think I'll have it fixed as insurance company might try total it out just because of the bumper damage(cosmetic). Guy with the new Altima wasn't as lucky.
1997 Nissan 200SX for sale near you
Showing 1 of 1 listings
- SE CoupeMSRP: $2,4952,205 mi away
Like the Energizer bunny
preppie, 09/01/2006
1997 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Not a bad little car. The only vehicle I've been in contact with that was more reliable was a Toyota Corolla. At nine years and 146,000 miles it still runs beautifully. The oil pressure sending unit developed a leak in 2002, which caused the alternator to die, but that's the only non-routine issue I've had to date. She's a little underpowered, but I can't complain too much. The back seat is very easy to get in and out of for a 2-door car.
Nice!
Benjamin Woodward, 04/12/2002
1997 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
700 word review...wow! amazing This car is awsome, great handling, great acceleration, quick, everything your looking for for a quick peppy car with cheap insurance! Is my first car, and i will continue to customize and keep up, as i look foward to having this car for years and years to come!
a great used car
KK33, 01/14/2003
1997 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've put a leadfooted 94,000 miles on my '97 200SX SE-R and am more than pleased. Other than a loose wire (dash lights blink out-bang the dash they come back on), a distributor wire problem causing intermittent sluggishness, I have no complaints. Still fun to drive, still performs almost like new (not quite as perky) and I have had no engine or transmission problems. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable, compact used car for $3-5K. I plan on keeping mine for as long as I can though!
Great Car
03/09/2002
1996 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. I have not had any problems since I purchased the car. It's fun to drive because it's so small. If your looking for a realiable car thats worth more than sold for, buy a Nissan 200SX-SE.
Fun But they wont back up warranty!!
Dale L, 07/14/2002
1997 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this car with just under 36000 miles. SE-R model has plenty of power and handles great!! Had a 60000 powertrain warranty from Nissan. Timing chain snapped at 42000 miles and blew motor on routine driving and Nissan denied to fix it because of aftermarket header!! Sorry Nissan that put a sour note in the books for me. $4200 later I sold the car.
161,000 miles and still going strong
Doubletwist, 05/26/2004
1997 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Super-great car! 161k miles and still goes like a champ! Very little $$ spent on unexpected repair costs. Alternator at 120k was the only "major" item. My aggressive driving still gives 33mpg average, though it also puts me on my 3rd clutch and 2nd set of front brake rotors. Overall, I love this car!!!
SE-R, How I Miss You.
J Riles, 10/29/2006
1996 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My first love, I haven't been the same since the accident. Advice to SE-R owners, take care of them. My favorite Civic eater, the performance is superb, the handling is great, and the potential is astonishing. Out of all my cars this was the greatest buy.
nissan
shaun, 01/16/2003
1997 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
car is very economical and the price is perfect not so expensive . it has a very quite engine and the reliability is outstanding .
The most fun car I've ever owned!!
outlaw, 03/15/2002
1997 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the car brand new nearly 5 years ago. Since then the only major problem I've had a small leak that the transmission developed after 2 years. Dealership replaced the transmission seal within 2 days and I haven't been back since. The car has so much punch for it's size that people who ride it, can't believe what they see. Good handeling, great brakes, looks so sweet when polished and clean that you get compliments from strangers. Plenty of trunk space to boot!! Fuel economy could be better, but then again, the car just begs to be driven hard. I'd buy another if they still made them.
I loved my 200-SER
sad2CitGo, 04/25/2007
1996 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my 200 SE-R new in 1996. I love the way it drives, the excellent gas mileage, moon roof and durability. Although I had a 4 cyl, because of the engine it felt like a 6. Later I had my son, as he became older he enjoyed pressing the seat release to help him get in and out of the back. I later had to sell it in 2006 with 185,000 miles due to transmission. However, I think that came from letting other people drive it. I was sad to see it go, but thankful for giving me 10 great years as my first car.
Solid and reliable.
nissan girl, 07/28/2002
1997 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great car.Bought it with 40,000miles and it now has 64,000miles and I have not had a problem with it since. And even now the car is quiet and solid. No electrical problems at all. Very good on gas. And the interior of this car looks a heck of a lot nicer then newer cars. Sleak! And the seats are so cool. Very comfy! Nice sound system (for being manufacturers)
Great Little Car
jbeverly, 02/19/2003
1997 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the 200SX when I took a new job with a 50 mile commute. It has never disappointed as a fun little car to drive with great handling, mileage and reliability.
An excellent 2-door econocoupe
SE-R wannabe, 09/22/2003
1997 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
In over 2 years, I've had just a few unscheduled maintenance issues: a wiper linkage repair, a front-end crankshaft seal, and a dead battery. Total cost: less than $400 (including an oil change) at a Nissan dealership. For this market segment, the car is fun to drive (manual transmission), although more power and a tighter suspension (i.e. the SE-R) would be nice. Despite my fast driving habits, I get between 30 and 35 mpg in city driving (even with the A/C on.) I have K&N, high-flow air filter and a killer aftermarket sound system, and plan to keep the car for at least a couple more years.
Unbelievable little car. 24 years later.
Mark Ratony, 12/22/2020
1997 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
What can I say except it's December of 2020 and this little Nissan continues to go and go. It looks like hell because the people I bought it from didn't take very good care of the exterior and carved out part of the drivers side quarter panel. The interior is in great shape except the both power window motors gave way. I replaced them and it's fine now. There is a small rip in passenger seat and looks like it started out very small and someone kept tugging on it and made it bigger. Other then that the interior is in great shape. No cracks in dash ( I live in Arizona) even though temperatures get to120 degrees in Phoenix. The engine purrs like a kitten still. Not a miss or roughness in the idle. No engine lights on and not a single leak anywhere. I have the 5 speed manual that gives it extra get go and it just had the clutch changed around 160,000 miles. It's now at 180,000 and I am almost positive it's going to be fine for another 200,000 miles. I am sold on this car and unless it blows up or gets totaled, I plan on keeping it for the long haul. It's great to know that I can park it anywhere because no one is going to steal it. It's a reliable car that I would not hesitate to travel long distances with. I can't say enough good about it. If you find one, buy it and keep it. You won't be sorry.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
100000+
JT_IB, 05/27/2003
1997 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my 200 sx se in june 2001, it had 30,000 miles on it with no previous service repairs. 70,000 miles later it starts on the first try. This car has treated me very well considering all the punishment that i have put it through. This car has treated me very well and very fun to drive.
Excellent Car!
Joe, 06/21/2007
1997 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my Nissan new in 1997 and have not had any problems since I purchased it. I now have 250,000 miles on it and it still runs great and gets 37 mpg. The car is fun to drive and would recommend it to any of my friends. I plan on keeping my Nissan as long as I can.
my little ninja
Tea, 06/30/2009
1996 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my teal nissan in '02 when I graduated high school. I put on 22,857 miles per year for 7 years. No major problems till this past year. I'm looking for another nissan because this lasted to 160,000 miles. I loved it, and hate to see it go
Wish I could get another one!
ErikN, 02/22/2003
1997 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've owned my Nissan 200sx since May of '97 and have never had ANY problems with it (machanical or otherwise). The engine was always ready to pick up and go, even if I drove her hard through snowy, mudy mountain passes. Still got an average of 35 to 40 mpg and showed no signs of degrading. Unfortunately a wreck took her from me, so now I've got to find another!
Commuter's economical dream car
walloping, 07/16/2003
1996 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent commuter car; great on mileage, agile in traffic or curving roads. With routine maintenance, it has served my needs well and I've confidently paid to have new struts, feeling it will continue to deliver over 4 more years of commute driving.
The poor man's BMW?
DrLeon, 05/22/2003
1996 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun car that handles well. Only major concern is acceleration can be sluggish even on slight inclines.
Been driving it for 7 years!
Julessez, 06/04/2003
1996 Nissan 200SX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had a standard base model of this car (the same one) for 7 years now, and have had very few problems with it. I am now fast approaching 100,000 miles, and it is still been extremely reliable. I would recommend this as a great first car!
450000 miles and still going
Dale W Clark, 02/09/2016
1996 Nissan 200SX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new as a left over in March of 97. I was a Navy Seabee reservist and drove from cost to cost for the next 17 years. I have hit 4 deer and one jeep and the jeep just put a scratch on my front bumper but the deer did several thousand $$$$$ damage each time, but the value of the car was still high enough that the insurance company fixed it. Since I have retired I have continued to drive my Nissan 200sx as it still gets 53 mpg going over the Rockies. I get 45+ on local trips. Yes, I have rebuilt the engine just recently and replaced the 5 speed trany, wore the 5th gear teeth off and the 4th gear down also. I got 235000 miles out of the original timing chain. If you have one of these cars, keep it its worth it weight in gold as far as I'm concerned. I just replaced a length of brake line and a section of AC pressure line. AC will freeze you. Heater is so good I leave it set on low and still lower the window some. I have a MB and even though it is a great car my Nissan is my choice for me when I'm alone for the ride. Its like the everyready battery commercial "It just keeps going, going, going."
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love our Pookie
towpreg, 09/09/2002
1996 Nissan 200SX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This tough little car is amazing. Base powertrain doesn't amaze with power, but feels solid as an Army Jeep's. Nicely appointed for an economy vehicle - has a more upscale feel. After several years of pounding in AZ sun, had to replace a thermostat and the tires.
Gotta have a NISSAN
agoostrey, 03/16/2004
1996 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I absolutley love my Nissan, it has been the very best car I have ever owned. The only problem is that I just recently had another baby. With one it's great but(a four year old who can climb in and buckle herself), two no way. My husband and I are really at odds about trading it in for a four door. I love my car and really want to keep it.
96 SE-R
Klofty, 04/02/2021
1996 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The best car I ever owned, It was solid and comfortable, and very responsive. I felt safe on the road. I don’t think you could get a car like that now in that price range.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
200sx se 1997 stocker/modder
danmanrn, 06/02/2008
1997 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great little car! Both my 1st new car and 1st car! Never expected to have such good fuel economy 30-40mpg depending on conditions and driver. This car is 11 yrs old! Driven hard! Modified for performance increase with header, CAI, 17" rims and low profile tires. Added some chrome accents to the wheel wells and bought aftermarket headlights. Short shifter, crank pulley and flywheel. Gone through 2 clutches (excluding a race clutch). Worth every penny to replace. My fault for burning it. Had to learn to shift on this car. Otherwise no broken parts! For 11 years! I will be buying Nissan from here on out.
SER is the best bang for the buck.
Mike FHR , 05/15/2002
1996 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have driven this car HARD. On the streets and on the Road Race Tracks all over California. In heat and cold. And the car has never let me down. As long as you change the oil and keep up with the maintenance the car is basically indestructable.
i love my car
gargiol, 10/13/2002
1996 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
all in all a good round about car.
Worthy Nissan
Import Lover, 05/11/2004
1996 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car a year and two months. Over that time I have put 29,000 miles on this car. Bought with 85,000 now have 114,000 miles on it. I have never had any problems but regular scheduled maintence. When i first purhcased the car I fully tuned it up and have not had any problems. Found out by my mechanic the car was wrecked in the front and back and the car still runs good. I have driven the car to North and South Carolina, Philly, and my everyday driving. Car averages 32-35 miles per gallon.
I love my 200SX SE!
modee, 02/17/2011
1996 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 200SX SE new in '96. It's now almost 15 with 100,000 miles on it. It's been very reliable and still looks great (it has gathered a few door dings over the years and the clear coat has started to peel in two spots). I love the way it looks and the way it drives. Although I recently had to upgrade to an SUV, due to my growing family, I decided to keep it...the car is simply worth much more to me than what a dealership would give for a trade in. When it's just me (no kid or dogs) I leave the SUV at home and take my first baby.
I'm going to miss my baby
nobe1152, 02/12/2004
1996 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had the car since 1999 & enjoyed driving it in 2004 as much as I did the first day I go it. I've driven over 107,000 miles & never had problems. Besides rountine maint., the car's reliable and just really cute. I have to part from it due to an accident..hit in the back by a SUV. Get this, it still runs great!! If it weren't for the insurance comp. demanding to total my car, I'd drive this thing another 145,000 miles. Oh well, gonna miss my baby....moving on to a Toyota Solara V6 SLE..
211000 miles and still going.
vexed9, 04/27/2008
1996 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
bought this car new in 96... now 12 years and 211000 miles later engine still runs good.it has had an oil leak now for about 100000 miles though(has always been a pain)...and a few minor repairs...changed cv joints,starter,alternator,front tie rods,tires and the routine maintenance and that's really about it. never once changed the clutch or timing belt...because it is a chain. a/c still blows cold as ice. this car has been through everything with me over the years... i finally bought a new car and i'm selling it ...people at my work are literally fighting over the chance to buy it....overall has been a great car.
Reliability
bobmiller, 05/08/2002
1996 Nissan 200SX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is so reliable but it gets a bad rap due to its exterior that is sort of similar to a Sentra. I've never had any problems with this car. I save tons of money on gas.
sporty car--fast--good gas mileage
stanislaw, 04/17/2004
1996 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
bought it used in 2002---traded in a camry with 160,000 miles in need of 5,000 in repairs---saved the repairs bought the 200sx with the money. since 10/2002 i put on 24,000 miles-- had to put new brakes and struts and a cv boot since the purchase--along with a wheel alignment and new rotors!!!!!!
Size of a lemur, heart of a LION!!
TomaCzar, 07/09/2004
1996 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has spoiled me. I'm afraid to get another car because I love this one so much. If I weren't 6'6" I'd keep this car forever. If you get one, check and make sure the recall on the winshield wipers was done. If not just take it to a dealership and voila!! No hassles. I life in Upstate NY and the vehicle is GREAT in the snow. Tires make a big difference but I get lazy and don't like to plow, Snowcat (my name for her) plows right through for me. I have bottomed out a few times, LOTS of potholes where I'm from. I don't see that as a fault of the vehicle, just something to keep in mind.
Kick a** car!
Chrissy96ser, 04/10/2002
1996 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My car has close to 110k on it and it is in perfect mechanical shape. Plus it hauls a** on the street and looks good doing it.
Nissan is the only car I will buy
stephanie , 04/08/2009
1996 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got the car new it had 8 miles on it.The only thing I had to replace since.I had the car was the battery clutch and alternator.The car still run great.I still have the car and drive it around town and long distance.Nissan is the only car I will buy because this car has been so good to me with 235000 miles on it.
SE-R Near Perfection...
Professor, 05/22/2002
1996 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nothing but good news to report about this vehicle. Nice looking, good milage, and enough pep to satisfy. Handling is superb. Paint still looks new to this day without much upkeep. Just plain well thought out...
Good Car Fun to drive
Finefrock, 07/31/2004
1996 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just recently bought this car at an auction in ohio... its been about 3 months and ive put about 10000 miles on it... the car has now almost 130000 mile on it and still huals A**... i bought the car and had to do a full brake job and just a regular tune-up but since then i have been nothing but happy with this sporty little car... i recommend this car to anyone who does alot of driving... i personally get 29 mpg on avg... the only problem i get is the transmission doesnt seem to want to let me downshift to 2nd when going around turns but other than that i love this car its definetly a keeper...
I Wuv My Little 200!
Christen, 08/08/2004
1996 Nissan 200SX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my 200SX! I can count on it 100%, and it gets great mileage. I bought it in Feb. 04 with 58k Miles on it. I got in an accident in Oct, and my Altima, which I also loved, was totaled. I was determind to get another Nissan, and I bought the 200SX for $4400 in perfect condition. It may not be the fastest car on the road, but it's so reliable, and I like the clean body styling..it's just waiting for me to put a kit and some 17 inch rims on it! I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable, inexpensive, fun little car!
Fabulous Car!
Kris, 10/10/2002
1996 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car over a year and a half ago & I have put about 40,000 miles on it within a year. It is a dependable little car that is so much fun to drive & really cute. I am never getting rid of it!
This car is a real money saver
olegarch, 01/04/2005
1996 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 1996 Nissan Altima since 2002 and have never had any problems with it. I just changed the CV boot and generator belt at 60,000 miles. It handles high speeds very well - I'm talking about 85 - 100 mph - and its greast off the line with a manual transmission. Overall this is great car: reliable, fun to drive, and keeps your wallet full.
Fun little sporty car!
Chet, 03/22/2005
1996 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car at 46K from a dealer in early 1999 - it's now at 123K. Have really enjoyed driving it. Lots of pep for a car that gets almost 40 MPG on the highway. Replaced alternator and starter at around 110K. Am giving it to my daughter who is in college away from home.
Civic lovers beware...
Nissan Boy, 05/27/2002
1996 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am 17 years old and this is pretty much my first car. Nissan gave the SE- R the SR20DE engine which is the same engine used in many japanese turbo performance applications. The engine has a long heritage of racing and street performance that nissan has brought to the US. This car is bomb proof and ultra reliable. Every aspect is fun about it (even working on it). The SE-R is fast and nimble which can easily compete with equivilant hondas (i.e. civic). If you like imports, this is a VERY good bet. Be careful of the performance bug (its easy to spend lots of money on upgrades for this car).
Saaawheet
JOe399, 11/24/2002
1996 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Thios car is sweet it is very relibal i have aroud 130,000 miles on it and still runs the same it did when i drove it off the lot
Fun Fun Fun
IsNisLove, 06/22/2006
1996 Nissan 200SX SE-R 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am 16 years old and this is my second car (My first was a '92 Jetta). My parents gave it to me when they got a new car. I am in love with this car. It gets great gas mileage, and has some good power. It accelerates like a monster. I also love how rare this car is. I have traveled from Florida to Michigan and back multiple times and I have only seen 2 or 3 others. I'm really looking forward to getting a job soon and dropping some money into this thing. This car is definitely very fun to drive. It's extremely comfortable and its power can really surprise people. Like many others have said, its only real flaw is the cupholders, which are placed in a really bad spot, and pretty small.
Reliable and Cheap
pyano, 01/04/2003
1996 Nissan 200SX SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a standard base model with few options. You'd think I'd hate the vehicle but I don't. Its a cheap and easy vehicle to ride. Very reliable and fuel efficient. I don't regret buying this vehicle at all.
96 Nissan
DJ , 11/17/2006
1996 Nissan 200SX 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent in reliability, fuel economy and mechanical reliability. During the past 3 years only breaks and a wiper connecting arm has been replaced. Easy access to the rear seats. Fun to drive with the manual transmission. Would buy another one.