Overview & Reviews

The 1997 models are virtually identical to 1996 models, except for the addition of new emissions equipment.

• Luxurious, sporty, and well-constructed, the Nissan Altima is the perfect car for those who want an Infiniti, but are stuck with a Nissan budget.

• It will never happen, but we would still like to see a V-6 engine offered in the Altima.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 61.00

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  Passes Crash Test with flying colors - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By AnarKaotik - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I had heard bad things about Altimas in crash tests. Yesterday I hit an SUV, a telephone poll, and landed on my roof. I climbed out myself and aside from being a little banged up, Im fine. Thats what I call passing a crash test. I always enjoyed the car, it was very quick for its class, smooth ride, good handling, very roomy and comfortable. Great buy. I will say I did have to get a few repairs, axels and what not, but probablems didnt start until about 70000 miles.

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  Decent car with maintenance issues - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By nncincinnati - October 22 - 8:03 pm

  The Altima was very reliable early on, but as it aged, needed many more costly repairs and fixes. At ten years and less than 100,000, it has cost $600-1500 per year for the last five years to keep it running (not including tires!). My mechanic says there a few fundamental design flaws that show as this car ages that are costly (because they are labor intensive) to fix.

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  Very good perfomance and reliability - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Alexban - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Superb reliability. I did not have any mechanical/electrical problem yet. Some disadvantages: small cabin for the sedan class and slow acceleration. Plus: very good riding (somehow better than high altitude contemprorary cars) and quality of interior materials.

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  Great Car! - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Andrea - April 3 - 5:13 pm

  I bought my 97 almost 4 years ago for $2800 with 162,000 miles on it. Its up to 215,000 now and is running great. I did have some major repairs the first year but since I switched mechanics I havent had any problems. Definitely worth the money.

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  Best bang for buck that runs forever! - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Snowie - September 16 - 10:16 am

  I got this car as a graduate student in 2000 already with 100000 miles on. 7 years later and now at 253000 miles, it still runs like the first day I got it! Ive only started to use premium maintenance parts on it 6 months ago (synthetic oil, good filters, good spark plugs which I doubt played any part in the reliability). It is still giving me up to 36 mpg hwy!! It has no rust - tiny spots on the front due to stone chips easily fixed with a tiny scraper and a touchup paint pen. Engine uses timing chain, superb reliability. Major maintenance in the 7 years was a starter, a clutch, a muffler, CV joint (shaft). Usual parts: batteries, brakes, fluids and oil, filters and struts.

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  Reliable--just keeps on going - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Patricia - July 17 - 8:03 am

  I have had few problems. The air bag light had to be repaired;luckily, it was still under warranty. Also, there was a gasket something-or-other which was repaired also under warranty. Otherwise, it has been super--extremely reliable. The manual is great, too. The yummy grey velvet upholstery is still in excellent condition as are the dashboard and all the compartments. Still running great at 65,000 miles!

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  Very Satisfied owner - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Very satisfied owner - May 28 - 3:36 pm

  I purchased my Nissan Altima 97 with little over 8000 miles. It currently has 286,437 miles on it. The car has treated me very well even though I didnt take care care of it. It still runs just as good as it did when I bought it. i havent had to do very much work on it thus far. Just minor repairs and regular tune ups. I have driven it literally all over the country due to being in the army.

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  Great Car but beware of certain Dealers - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Hurricane - May 19 - 11:36 pm

  After buying the car in Apr. 1998 for $13k I am happy i have put 140K miles on the car to a total of 174K miles. As with some reviews my car has dash gremlins which can be obnoxious. In the past month I have had the shock joints changed and the battery cables replaced. Carriage Nissans service has been very unsatisfactory. The car has had electrical problems since the replacement of the battery cables. Leaving me stranded twice. I hop after the fourth set of battery cables that it is fixed. Other than that every thing seems to working great.

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  Its been a great car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By GB - February 7 - 5:53 am

  I just handed my 1997.5 Altima down to the kids with 158000 miles on it and expect many more good miles from it. The car has been very comfortable and reliable over the years. I did all the scheduled maintenance and the car has been great. I upgraded to the 2007 Altima and the kids are happy to have my old faithful. It should get another 100k miles easy.

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  average car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Rad - January 16 - 2:00 am

  It seems to be an average car. Good and reliable for commuting but definitely lacks any personality. Have not had any problems for last 30K that I drove it but it is not a car that I would look forward to get into and drive everyday. Yet, I am sure that it is better then any other American alternative in this price range.