Used 1997 Nissan Maxima Consumer Reviews
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I want my 95 back
Sam , 01/17/2006
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I totaled a 1995 Maxima GLE, so I decided to step up to a 97 SE. Over the last 6 months I have had over $1500 in repairs, granted it has never left me stranded, but that is what I spent on my 95 over the course of 1.5 years and it had 70,000 more miles on it. Also since my 95 was much less expensive, plenty of money was left over for aftermarket performance parts. Do yourself a favor and find a higher mileage that has had all the common problems fixed and use the money saved to increase performance.
Solid and Fun
TheTrev, 12/02/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an older car, but there are no squeeks or rattles even after five years. The trim has held up extremely well (leather seats). It looks new on the inside. The car handles well for a family sedan and the engine is silky smooth and exciting. The fuel economy is bad - about 14mpg city. Part of the problem is my lead foot. Highway mileage is good at 29mpg. The real problem is that it requires premium fuel (92 octane or better). I will buy another maxima when this one gets tired.
Maxima 1997
mrfoxy57, 03/18/2006
1997 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best used car i have ever owned. I'm 57 years old... The performance is awesome, the ride is smooth. the gas mileage is amazing when you consider the acceleration. I would HIGHLY recommend this car.
Nissan Fan
Nissan Lover, 10/29/2006
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am a Nissan fan...I have owned my Maxima for 5 years. It's time to upgrade and Nissan is at the top of the list. I didn't take the best care of my car but it has taken care of me. Not many repairs needed - I should have been more proactive and those my have been prevented....never left me stranded and always starts in the mornings. It's stylish I look good behind the wheel and allows me to show off with pick-up & GO! when needed. I would tell anyone that the Nissan Maxima is a great buy!
Amazing Car
rapidmax, 06/02/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I can't think of a better used car for the money. Great performance with room for 5 people. A lot of fun to drive. My only regret is not getting a manual tranmission.
nissan maxima
ecsengland, 01/05/2003
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
haven't had any problems...reliable, fast, safe. Had 1991 prior - manual which was more powerful, but automatic also powerful.
my '97 maxima
Robert T, 01/07/2003
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been great. I changed a few things to make my max "mine". I put on 17 inch wheels, and lowered her 1 inch. I also added a front strut tower brace. Fun car and nice looks.
Did anyone have this problem?
himileagemaxowner, 12/12/2003
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have 135,550 miles on this 5 speed 97 SE, right now its in the shop with wheel bearing/axle problems. Mechanic said somehow the boot near CV joints broke and grease leaked out. Its going to be a $1200 plus repair. Does anyone know if maintenance is required on those parts? Owner's manual sure don't state that it is. Kinda envy people on this post with 150k miles without these major headaches. It's been a great car until now...!! Wonder if this was owner's neglect or manufacturer flaw. Anyone care to shed some light?
13 yrs & still going strong
cool blue, 07/13/2010
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very reliable, reasonable yearly maintenance costs, still looks good. Moves very quickly even though it only has 190 hp. I wish I was more talented mechanically to do a few mods to tighten handling; It's handling is decent but could be better.
1997 Maxima
winston1, 12/17/2003
1997 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned 4 Maximas, and Nissan continues to do a good job of building a quality comfortable, dependable car.
Best Car I've Ever Owned
DonsMax, 05/14/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my third Maxima...owned from new an '88, '95 and this '97. Just normal maintenance was performed and very, very, minimal repairs on the '88. No problems ever with the '95 and this '97. All have been a true pleasure to drive under all conditions. My wife has had two Infiniti I-30s--a 9 '97 and '99 (virtually the same car as the Maxima). Not a single problem with either of them! So, to sum up: Nissan makes a terrific, fun, super-reliable auto.
Best car I've ever owned
Maximalover, 01/09/2004
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned American, German, Japanese and Swedish cars, and without question my 1997 Maxima SE is the most reliable of all. In 45,000 miles we literally had one part that malfunctioned under warranty, and other than standard service it has never been in the shop. It's a great car that family and friends have asked to buy, but we're not letting go.
So reliable!
bemmoftn, 09/01/2010
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nissan built a fun to drive, ridiculously reliable vehicle in 1997. We are the original owners of this 13 yo car, and never had any major issues. It has always performed, never let us down, lots of power under the hood, and there are absolutely no complaints here. It was the most eye popping exterior design year for the Maxima, but it has to be one of their best in durability. I have loved it from day 1, and I still love it on day 4,655. We finally decided to get a new car. So what did we buy? Another Maxima! And it will be ours for the next 15 years.
Good Workhorse
rtreviewing, 09/06/2008
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car when it was 6 years old with 107K miles. I kept it for 5 years, putting another almost 70K miles on it. Besides regular maintenance, I did have to replace a few parts. All the maintenance and repairs averaged out to less than $1,000 per year. Not exceptional, but pretty good.
My Maxima is falling apart....
Peter, 11/08/2009
1997 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
WOW!!
mrmc1, 01/20/2003
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This cars whole personality revolves around its incredible engine. Acceleration, economy, and reliability are all well above average. Its smooth and delivers abundant power through a broad rev range. In contrast to other power plants which seem to complain when pushed, the Maxima always sounds eager to run hard. This engine is always a joy!
i love my maxima
evm912, 02/06/2004
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 1997 Nissan Maxima GLE almost 1 year ago and I am so happy with my decision. I had a 4 cylinder honda and the maxima is a 6, i will never go back to a 4 after this maxima. I purchased tme max with 38,000 miles, the car was like new. It runs amazing, drives very well, great acceleration and handling.I love everything about the car, the mechanics and also the interior... the leather, heated seats, moonroof, BOSE stereo (great quality sound system).
It just keeps on running
JHR, 08/15/2008
1997 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Maxima for 11 years. During that time I have only had minor repairs even after 187K miles. What a great car! This is the second of two Maximas and the 4th Nissan/Datsun product I have owned. Great vehicles. Too bad the newer model Maxima's turning radius was so short. I would never own one due to that.
Excellent Car
Nismo2010, 12/07/2008
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Today I bought a 2010 Maxima
BHM, 01/04/2010
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best car that I have ever owned. The style and performance today are nearly as good as when I bought it new in 1997. You can not find a more reliable car and a cheaper one to own. It has never needed any major repairs and has never left me stranded. I have 218,000 miles and it still starts right up, handles beautifully, and runs great. My wife has had 3 new cars (not Maximas)since I bought it. This car will not nickel and dime you like some American cars. I get 50,000 miles on the brakes. I love my Maxima so much that I just bought a new one. I will miss my "97" but I am confident that some lucky kid will enjoy another 200,000 plus miles. 1997 NISSAN-MAXIMA...What a car
excellent
allmaxedout, 01/14/2003
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
it is the fastest 4 door in its class. leave accords and camrys in the dust.
Make sure it's a good one
LeVeL, 07/21/2006
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I made the big mistake of getting this car at an auction and have had nothing but problems - stereo, ac, shocks, exhaust, i can go on and on. Clearly the previous owner took no care of this vehicle, so I can't really blame these things on the car. The ride and handling suffered greatly because of broken shocks, fuel economy is hovering around 16-17 mpg in the city due to a lack of a tune-up. The car is fun to drive though and has good power. I think my next car will be another Maxima SE, this time a mint-condition one from a dealer. Highly recommended as long as its in good condition.
I Love this car
Streetmax1, 08/15/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm 17 years old, and i'm lucky enough to have this as my first car. This car is fast, sporty, while not sacrificing comfort, and luxury. I would buy a new one in a heartbeat. This car has never broken down on me, and i don't see it happening within the next 5 years. Nissan makes an awesome sport sedan, and the quality is unbelievable!
WOW
KeeponpatH, 06/26/2008
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have taken over my uncle's car who drives a lot, now I got this car at 300,000 miles. Now it's at 330,000 miles, and it still runs great. Replaced starter, need to replace alternator now, and other stuff like brakes and such. It still gives the people "wow.." when I tell them how much mileage is on the car.
Best Car I've Owned
tdigeorge, 05/03/2004
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it brand new. Still as tight and responsive and fun to drive as the day I drove it off the showroom floor. No rattles or noises of any kind. It's been driven 134,500 miles and never a repair or part replacement, just routine maintenance (brakes, etc.). More than lives up to it's reputation for reliability and performance!
good
racyhell, 09/09/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
so far so good.
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE
Steven Miller, 06/12/2004
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I would highly recommend a used Maxima as I only have good things to says about my 97. It's still quick, gets good fuel mileage for its class and as a tall person, there's plenty of room.
Great all-arounder
bigtex144, 03/20/2009
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Excellent Car, Still going strong
reclark, 08/18/2004
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in 97, and is has been a great experience. 150k miles and have never had it in the shop for any repairs, other than brakes, tires, and general maint. This has been a great car, the best I have ever owned.
Love My Maxima!
ycwinpa, 04/29/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my fully-equipped 97 Maxima SE with 7-8 miles on it in May of 97. Have had it for almost 5 years now and the only problem I've had is a failed alternator at around 50,000. The Maxima is a smooth and fun car to drive, with pretty good handling and acceleration. The cabin is ergonomically designed, comfortable, and roomy, altough it could be better insulated from road noise. Nissan could improve the Maxima's gas mileage. I don't seem to get good gas mileage. Maybe it's because I enjoy driving the car and pushing it to its limit so much.
Good value for the $
5speeder, 04/30/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
All in all a very good car. Fun to drive and reliable, except mine's eaten 3 O2 sensors in 3 years, and those puppies are expensive! Gas mileage not as advertised. The power driver seat is a dumb feature (For us, anyway--I'm 6'2, my wife is 5'3. Seems to take that little motor forever to move the seat when we change drivers)
Better Brakes but otherwise solid
carl, 10/30/2008
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought used in 2002, with 60K miles. Replaced muffler, brakes, wheel bearings, tires. Redid alignment. For an old car, seems to be doing okay. People claim that these cars seem to go forever. A/C stopped working, power steering seems to have corroded. However the dings and scratches from life seem to be doing it in rather than mechanical things. Maybe now that Altimas made in the US, replacement parts might be cheaper.
hate it
3333, 02/23/2003
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car has given me nothing but problems since i bought it. i had to replace the whole engine.
1997 Maxima SE
Wesley, 06/17/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice Car. If I had to do it again, I would opt for the Infiniti I30 and get the add'l perks at the dealership and more comfort. This Maxima however, has proven to be a reliable car. With all the freeway miles on it, I expect this car to last to at least 150K without any problems. If you're considering buying a used car, you can't go wrong but look into a comparably priced I30. You may get more bang for your buck.
Max
Sarah, 03/11/2005
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is truly an amazing car. I have driven many cars and trucks in the past but this one turly takes the cake. For a 1997 modle this is a very modern car. You realize the comfort and respect every time you get into it. This car is very reliable and I would trust it in any condition.It works great in snow and on dirt roads. It has a lot of space in all the right places. This is truly a great modle of car.I would even be comfortable to recomend at as a first car for your teen. It is just amazing, all the things that you can accomplish with this car. If you are looking into this car I would recomend you getting prepared for the ride of your dreams. This car doesn't leave any rock unturned.
Best Kept Secret!
kuoyc, 04/17/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My first car was a 91 Maxima, lots of fun and very reliable. My little sister got a 96 Maxima GLE in 1995. My parents sold their 89 Century for another 96 Maxima GLE. In May of 1997, my other sister got a 97 Maxima SE. I followed w/ my second Maxima in Oct. of 1997. No, we are not associated w/ Nissan in anyway. But our history of 5 Maximas in 7 years speaks for itself.
My Car
Tina, 08/10/2005
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After all of these years my car is still running like a champ. I am just breaking in my 1997 Nissan Maxima.
Best car I ever owned
RV, 02/26/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One owner, never had a problem. Next car will be a Maxima, and never in 35 years have I ever bought the same model twice in a row.
Reliable, Comfortable, Fun
Fandango, 01/27/2007
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my fourth Maxima SE 5-speed. All were bought used and ran for many miles without significant mechanical problems. All this one required besides the usual wear items was an alternator. The car now has 201,000 miles on it and is still going strong. With reasonable care, the power train on these will go practically forever, and the horsepower and fuel economy are great. The handling in corners is good enough to be fun, but as a sport sedan it should be somewhat better. Still, the car is comfortable, reliable and fun and a great value, especially when bought used. It's sort of a poor man's beamer.
Japan's Finest
Nissan Fan, 02/27/2008
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
225k miles and still strong. Idles and runs just as smooth as my '03 I35. I drive from Southern VA to Northern VA daily. Everything works well. Bose sounds great. Seats are still comfortable although worn real bad. It needed a little work when I purchased it (struts, cv boots, clutch, tune up) but it was expected with 200k+ miles. All buttons still intact, nothing is cracked or broken. Nissans are amazing vehicles. I would recommend Nissan products to anyone. Love the car. I am a Nissan fan forever. This makes our 4th Nissan we own right now.
Great Car
microage, 11/23/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had only one problem with my Maxima in over 90,000 miles - a sensor needed to be replaced. That is it! Amazing.
Good Dependable Car
wingcomdr, 01/31/2006
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought as lease return with 29K-now has 94K. Great window visibility over the Camry and is a big reason we got it. Plenty of power. Drives very well and holds the road. Replaced muffler at 59K & 74K, starter at 61K & 88K, otherwise regular maintenance-fluid changes at regular intervals-have kept this car relatively free of costly repairs. Gas mileage city is 21-24 and hwy 26-30 based on records of every fillup since we bought it. Replaced original tires at 49K and put on Michelin xOne and have 45K on them-they need replacing in another 5-10K. All accessories work well other than antenna. A good solid performer.
1997 Maxima
Aaron, 01/06/2008
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car performed great for the first 95,000 miles. - 95,000 front left strut (covered by the 100,000 warranty I added at purchase) - 130,000 the radio volume knob doesn't work well, speakers deteriorated - 140,000 starter ($480) - 145,000 alternator ($470) - 157,000 right front wheel bearing, both axle boots ripped so replaced axles ($830) - 158,000 (currently) the front brakes are creaking horribly (brakes are quite new) So after $1780 in the last two years, I won't be spending anymore money on this car. And will not be buying another Nissan, too unreliable. I treated this car like a baby and it basically started shutting down on me.
I Love Nissan Maxima
cjli, 04/20/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a 97' Maxima and I love it. I used to drive a 84' maxima with 112K on it. For both Maximas, I never wonder if my Max is going to start when I get in to it, no matter in winter or hot summer. I love everything the Maximas offer, mileage, power, comfort, overall performance, reliability etc. Driving my maximas, I enjoy the interaction between my hands and the road furface. They seem never break down or say, never upset you. My next new car will still be Maxima. I have a 99' Toyota Corolla, but the performance is just so bad. Forget Toyota!
1997 Nissan Maxima SE Review
Tinbird, 07/10/2003
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Attractive, fun, safe car. [Engine] performance superior in many regards to most competitors, though suspension is merely adequate (unforgivable for Nissan to forego true 4-wheel independent suspension when many competitors have been doing so for years). Also, while the car is enjoyable to drive and reliable, fit- and-finish is merely "average." Finally dealership support is very typical: long waits; dubious sales/service tactics; premium prices. Overall, definitely a GOOD car (safe and reliable); in some ways a VERY GOOD car (potent engine and nice [optional] "creature comforts"); but not quite a GREAT car (mediocre suspension, fit-and-finish).
Best Car I've ever owned
Chelle415, 08/05/2003
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car because it was a good price for a well built car. It has all of the luxury ammenities of a larger car, without the cost, and also without the cheap feel of lower cost sedans. The car feels solid, runs strong, and responds well.
Sweet Ride
Drew H. 23, 09/29/2003
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is pretty awsome if you are looking for a car with good power and a smooth ride.
still going
tothemax, 02/22/2010
1997 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have 286,000 miles on my Max. It has been a great to commute in. Average about 27 mpg most of the time. With the price of cars now, it pays to keep running what you have. Great car!!!
1997 MAXIMA
BLADE, 10/08/2003
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
FIRST JAPANESE CAR I HAVE BOUGHT. BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED.
Fun, Reliable, and Economical
AZShawn, 11/25/2003
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
At 170,000 miles, my Maxima SE 5-speed is still running strong. Average 27mpg is great and the car is still fast and fun to drive. The reliability of this car is outstanding; however the suspension and steering are less than adequate. I can't think of a better value.