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 21 through 30 of 123.00

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  Great Car! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Dano - June 28 - 3:16 pm

  Bought it with 50k and it now has almost 150k. No real problems to speak of other than having to have the stereo head rebuilt because the CD player quit. Premium gas is a bummer with prices being so high. Gets a pretty solid 25 mpg with the driving I do.

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  disappointed - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By will - March 22 - 1:43 am

  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

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  What a vehicle - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By It just wont die! - December 4 - 10:00 am

  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!

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  Every day its better - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By wollomombi - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is probably the best equation for a car out there courteousy of the VQ power plant. I found the clutch differnt (used to eurpoean) but once you compensate for that, it is a joy to drive. It really does accelerate to 60 in around 7 seconds and doesnt have any nasty surprises on dirt, snow or mud. Best tyre combo: Michelin Alpine (excellent with this chassis) Suspension is easy to stiffen and if you are a Mod nut you can go with the 267hp turbo kit. Last note, My wife drives this car better than I can and I had to teach her stick and Ill be shooping for a new engine before a new car with this one.

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  1997 Nissan Maxima SE Review - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Tinbird - December 29 - 10:00 am

  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).

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  All around good car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By higginsps - October 31 - 6:30 pm

  I bought this car 2 years old with 22K, it now is approaching 200K. Its been a very reliable, safe, and fun car. It is easy to park and I still get 27 MPG... use 91 or higher octane youll see the difference! Exhaust is still factory original.

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  Better Brakes but otherwise solid - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By carl - October 16 - 2:20 am

  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.

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  fast, reliable, good looking car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By manero - October 12 - 2:00 am

  fast car with a stiff ride