Used 1997 Nissan Maxima Consumer Reviews
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1997 Maxima SE - Great Car!
corona1373, 08/13/2013
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
24 of 24 people found this review helpful
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.
AWESOME '97 MAXIMA GLE
tan5, 01/15/2012
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
...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.
UPDATE TO BEST MAX EVER
jerrymax, 02/27/2011
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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!
beyond excellent
lockout3, 06/30/2013
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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.
Bulletproof Car
97vq30de, 07/24/2012
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 188k miles. It now has 231k miles. This is my second car. I've replaced wear and tear parts like any other car would go through. I've done some upgrades. Fun to drive. 120mph + stays glued to the ground. I get 24mpg 70city/30hwy. The engine is very quiet, even under load. Awesome Bose audio system. Great looking exterior, especially when lowered with wide wheels ;). Plenty of cargo space. A lot of visibility; easy to park. My girlfriend liked it over her Ford Focus. I plan to keep this car until it literally starts to fall apart. Very good job Nissan.
What a vehicle
It just won't die!, 10/13/2010
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my Max with 42k miles in 2001 off a lease from a single previous owner. Almost 10 yr later it is still going strong with 234k miles on it! Yes it has issues with the sunroof leaking, and things that just go wrong with a car with its age but overall I am in awe at how good the engine still is. I bought this after a short stint with a 1989 maxima (my first car) which I loved and have no regrets. Every time I go looking at a newer ride I just cant justify the payments and contently crank up my trusty maxima and go about my business. This thing moved with me from Atl to TX (2 trips back to ATL and back) been to FL, DC, AL, MS, NC, SC and the states in between with no issues!
1997 GLE ... At 26 years old ...
97 Maxima, 11/11/2023
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car has been in the family since it was new, mostly in Oregon where they do not use salt on the roads- but there's plenty of moisture - no issues with rust. At 26, and 180K, it's still a great car that I love to drive and it hasn't lost a step. From long experience, I know I can get exactly 10 8ft 2x4s in there. Of course, any car at this age will have "things" that will happen when keeping a car this number of years - but no big engine or transmission problems and it has NEVER EVER stranded me while out and about- just the standard "battery finally died" morning. The list of things below isn't a rant or a gripe fest - it's simply a list of things I've tackled to keep up on an aging vehicle - things I would not bother with if the car itself wasn't still great at 26! Just replaced the suspension and I wish I'd done it about 5 years ago - because it drives like brand new again. Yes, the hood struts gave up and with about 10 minutes of work and $20 bucks on ebay - fixed. That's one of the things I appreciate most about this car- a very small tool kit will get a lot of things done. 10mm wrench !!! Last year we had to re-weatherstrip the moon roof as it was leaking down into the passenger side of the vehicle- predictable. One of the door latches gave up and would not lock- but excellent youtube videos and full-on manuals - did that myself... but no new parts available - so used one from an old Sentra. The leather is showing wear- the driver's seat is split to the foam - just about to tackle the re-foam and a new leather upholster on at least that seat. All the non-contact leather surfaces, like the seat backs and the sides of the seats are pristine. Last year the Bose head-unit gave up. Driving along it would sporadically turn itself on and off every minute or two - and that did get annoying. So I got an aftermarket - installed myself with the help of the folks at Crutchfield and their super convenient adapter kit and good youtube videos. I will say that undoing the 26 year old screws from the bracket that holds the head unit in place ... the innocent looking short little screws - ended up having to be drilled out. (no easy source to find new brackets for my car) - but worth the effort - because the new one hooks to all the current-day toys and now I too can use the phone through my sound system after running the microphone behind the dash, up the A-pillar and running it through the visor screw. The speakers are still excellent- when the head unit gave out, I toyed with buying new speakers but decided to give the old ones a shot- and I'm so glad I left the old Bose ones in place. Oh- and the tachometer now floats freely about, but doesn't cause any problems. It might be as simple as taking the instrument panel out and tightening 3 little screws - but I haven't done it yet. It's almost an entertainment. At 26, it will still beat pretty much anything off the line at the traffic light and has great power and acceleration on the freeway. The only downside to that much take-off power is it will easily spin tires when stopped on a hill in wet weather- without trying. This year the original clear coat started giving up on the hood and a front fender - as a car that hasn't had a garage the last 15 years or so - if I'd been more attentive it probably would have lasted longer. So- because I love this car so much - now it will get a new paint job and who knows how many more years the beast will continue!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
4DSC
mhorn325is, 12/16/2014
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought my 97 SE with a 5 speed manual trans in 2006 with approximately 90K miles. The car appealed to me for a variety of reasons: silky 3.0 liter V6, plush creature comforts, impressive factory Bose unit and the relative ease of finding a reasonably priced variant with a proper 3rd pedal. I certainly indulged in a bit of wrench time - Koni struts, Eibach springs, Centerforce clutch, front/rear Brembo cross drilled rotors and a few Stillen add-ons - that greatly increased the pleasure of being behind the wheel, but the car was a solid, quick-ish workhorse even with the OEM equipment. Be mindful of rust and leaks (oil, coolant, etc.), but I'll miss the old girl when I trade her in this week
That's my baby!
tonia, 10/05/2010
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
i bought a 97 GLE in july of 2010 and it was definitely worth the money! It has almost 160k miles now and it still runs really smooth and handles well. A maxima will give you a "need to speed" feeling. Even though i'm 4'11" and this car is already big, i definitely have the same control of someone who is taller. The only problem i noticed was when i was driving the front passenger side was making a "squeaky" sound so i had that checked out and it was because the sway bar links were rusty so i just sprayed WD-40 on it and it was good! i love this car! I'll be buying another maxima no doubt.
The Best Max Ever
jerrymax, 03/23/2008
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1997 Maxima GLE directly off a two year lease in October 1999. It's still a gorgeous car. Deep brown rosewood exterior, black leather interior, 7 spoke alloy wheels. I've since put 119,000 miles on it for a total of 154k on the odometer and it runs like new. Very light for a car its size - just over 3000 lbs. It takes off like a rocket and seems to intuitively know when to downshift to passing gear. Handles like a sports car. I've gotten out of some tight situations because it's so nimble. Always starts, always gets me where I want to go. I've had only minor problems. Biggest repair was replaced alternator. Best Maxima that Nissan ever built, in my opinion.
My 'forever' car
BevMaxima, 09/29/2008
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
She's had an alternator, a starter, CV joints, & McPherson Struts replaced... lots cheaper than making car payments for 10 years. She still merges effortlessly onto interstates, paint job looks great, just love this car! I'm only at 146,000 miles, plan on driving my maroon beauty another 10 years. And 26 around town, 34 on cruise control at 64 mph on vacation this summer. Can't beat a Maxima.
Great car!
bemmoftn, 09/01/2010
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I loved this car from day 1, and I still love this car on day 4,655. It has always been a reliable car, never let us down. Nissan may not have built the most beautifully designed Maxima in 1997, but it sure built a fun to drive, sturdy one. We finally decided to buy a new one, and let this one go to someone else. We couldn't buy any other car. We bought a 2010 Maxima.
Last of the Great Japanese sedans!
Mike A, 12/22/2023
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought in July 2004. Eventually gave it away to an older gentleman in 2017. Suffice to say the car outlived him at almost 385,000 miles. The engine in this vehicle is an excellent example of Japanese simplified but perfect engineering. It's a V6 that should be emulated by other car makers. Power is generated via the front wheels which can lead to wheel spin due to the prodigious torque. However it's such a free reving engine it can be forgiven for this minor annoyance. It also sounds like a race engine. Handling is adequate for a sedan. This is a very stout reliable engine - regular maintenance should hold you in good stead. It's also chain driven thus eliminating the need for costly timing belt changed. I had a 2001 model as well and There's absolutely no comparison. The 1997 - 1999 is the better car. You hardly see them on the roads nowadays so if you find one that's well kept with miles under 150,000 get it, you won't regret it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best car ever
Ben, 09/16/2018
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
If you can find one buy it
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
Love it!
LoveMyMaxima, 02/23/2010
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from my mechanic last year when my 95 Camry became too expensive to repair. I was leary because the car had 243K miles on it; but my mechanic said it would most likely go to 300K. I'm at 254K now and have had no problems at all. The car is so quiet that I sometimes think it has stalled. It has the original stereo, which I hate, and the interior could have been better maintined (I think the last owner always drove with the sun roof open..dust and dirt caught in places I can't seem to reach). I cannot complain about this car. Mechanically and speed-wise, I love it. It has been quite reliable.
Fun Yet Solid Like a Rock
asktoknow, 02/19/2003
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Never had a day of trouble in five years. Still has the same throaty growl when the 3.0 liter engine accelerates. Wish I had bought three.
All around good car
higginsps, 11/17/2008
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car 2 years old with 22K, it now is approaching 200K. It's been a very reliable, safe, and fun car. It is easy to park and I still get 27 MPG... use 91 or higher octane you'll see the difference! Exhaust is still factory original.
My Amazing 30S Touring Maxima! 400,000kms
Tracey, 03/02/2023
1997 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought the 2014 for $2,500 from some tourist who was going home. I've spent $0.00 on her besides Tyres, filters, oils, she is going strong at nearly 400,000kms. My son does all Maintenace, she is solid no dents except faded paint work & I love her to bits. Have decided to do her up & in original condition.
What A Great Vehicle
Pleased Customer, 12/07/2008
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
The Best is Still the Best
94 GXE, 07/01/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased a used 94 GXE back in 99 with 67K on the meter. A preoccupied lady run head on and totalled my trusty Max and I walked away with nary a scratch. Amazing. I put on another 61K with NO problems whatsoever - wearables dont count of sourse. SInce the accident i have been lookinbg for a replacement from other makes and NEVER found a model that is in totality comparable to the Maxima I had in terms of build quality, fun performance, reliability and cost of ownership. I am now convinced that another Maxima is the only way to go for me. The 97 will be my next car when I can find a reasonably priced one.
Fertther
Ferther, 05/18/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought used. Had a 1991 Maxima that I loved, the 1997 Maxima SE disappointed. The ride is not as assuring and the car feels flimsy in turns, especially on the interstate. Could use some suspension tinkering to make it work better with the 16' tires.
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.
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!
The Best Car I've Ever Owned
jgerke, 05/19/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Always a Honda/Acura owner I wasn't too interested in becoming a Nissan owner, until I drove this car. We purchased it new and now have 55,000 miles on ours... and it has never been in for repairs of any kind. New tires and regular maintenance only. What a GREAT engine. For 190 HP it gets good gas milage... 22-23 around town. Very comfortable ride. We feel we got a good one!
MAXIMA IS GREAT
SCOTTIE, 09/08/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THIS CAR IS GREAT. IT HAS EVERYTHING YOU COULD ASK FOR AT A GREAT PRICE. I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR OVER 2 YEARS NOW AND HAVE LITTLE TO NO PROBLEMS. MY CAR HAS OVER 125,000 MILES AND RUNS LIKE IT IS BRAND NEW. THE CAR CAME WITH LOTS OF GOOD AMMENITIES - CAR LOOKS ASTONISHING.
Fun & Reliable
Max Family, 09/20/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Mine is 3rd Maxima in my family. All have been great for us. No major problems in 5+ years. Fun to drive, plenty of room for people and cargo, extremely reliable. Great in snow, sun, rain, whatever.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Very Reliable - Great Performance
vmok, 02/26/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a 1997 Maxima SE 5sp. It has 145k+ miles on it and continues to deliver the smooth fast performance that it did the day I got it. The power delivery and smoothness in the engine makes freeway merging, city driving, and any thing else you can think of a easy. In fact, with the 5sp, it's easy to hit the rev limiter because the engine is so quiet and smooth. It's not the best handling car nor the fastest, but a great sports sedan for the money!
Money Well Spent
watermain, 02/26/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great all around car with a sporty nature. Less expensive (on the used market) than a similarly equiped Camry or Accord. Better quality than a Taurus. Lots of room. Decent power from the silky-smooth V6. Happy with the purchase and would recomend it to friends.
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 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.
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.
disappointed
will, 05/01/2009
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Best Car
MaximumBrian, 02/27/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had Toyota's, Acura's, BMW's, Ford's, and finally this Nissan. It is hands down the best car I've ever owned. It is rewarding to drive, roomy, comfortable, frugal, and VERY reliable. I've had absolutely no problems, and there is hardly any preventative maintence (unlike Honda's and Toyota's). I've owned Integras and Tercels and this Nissan is actually much cheaper to own and operate then both of those.
good
racyhell, 09/09/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
so far so good.
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
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)
A great reliable car
cpk, 05/24/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car because I knew it would be reliable, comfortable, and nice. It has been all of those things and I would definitely buy another Maxima.
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.
What a great car.
steveo, 04/05/2002
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you are looking for a new 4 door sedan look no further than the Nissan Maxima. This is my third one and they really do not have any problems. Time will be the only thing that slows one down. Mileage, power, comfort, etc. it's all there. I never get in my maxima and wonder if it is going to start.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Car is a gem
BrianV, 01/07/2003
1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car has 100K miles and nothing has been changed except tires and brakes once. I have a 5SPD. I out of choice changed the fuel filter at 60K and the Plugs at 65K, but there was no noticeable difference after changing them. My car is fully loaded and has been incredible. I ended up supercharing it at 70K which shortly thereafter required a performance clutch. All in all the car is pretty solid, only a couple little squeaks. My g/f has a 95 camry V6 and the Maxima outshines in EVERY WAY.
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
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.