Overview & Reviews

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.

• High levels of luxury and performance for thousands less than comparable sedans

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 123.00

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  1997 Maxima - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Aaron - April 11 - 9:53 pm

  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 doesnt 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 wont 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.

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  The best! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By bonton - November 7 - 4:06 pm

  I bought this car when it had 40K miles on it and now, 5/07, it has 202K and still runs as good as the day I bought it. I have replaced an oxygen sensor, the starter, and the brakes. This is without a doubt, the best car I have ever owned in my 32 years of driving. I will keep it until they push me off the road.

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  Excellent Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Nismo2010 - November 18 - 10:40 pm

  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 its 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!

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  My Maxima is falling apart.... - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Peter - October 9 - 2:16 pm

  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. Im going to trade it soon. Sad, what a powerful and smooth vehicle. :-( Peter

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  Good Workhorse - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By rtreviewing - May 4 - 10:46 am

  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.

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  Poor man BMW wannabe, that was never RWD - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By MaxRX7 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Good bang for buck. no comparsion to toyota and honduh.

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  still going - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By tothemax - April 30 - 2:23 pm

  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!!!

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  Good car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By MAXIMAGUY - January 28 - 12:16 am

  I purchased the maxima @ 60k miles. It now has 130k. This has been a very good car for me. At around 110k i replaced one individual cylinder coil, 120k i had to replace the alternator and 125k the starter. The cv joints are going, but thats not unexpected. I get around 23 mpg mixed between city and hwy. I drive too fast to get good mileage.

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  Good Dependable Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By wingcomdr - November 25 - 5:10 pm

  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.

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  Love this car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By brandon1031 - September 6 - 5:31 am

  Bought this car with 120k, and now just hit 161k in a year and a half I can only say one thing-this car is awesome. Ive driven brand new cars that dont drive as great as this. Normal things had to have been replaced but nothing that its to expensive. Love this cars power, reliability, roomy interior, and the bose stereo is phenomonal. Not completely crazy about the outside looks, thats the least of my problems. Would reccommend this car to anyone!