1997 Nissan Maxima Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.59/5 Average
123 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

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

User Reviews:

Showing 71 through 80 of 123.00
  • Love My Maxima! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    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 Ive 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 Maximas gas mileage. I dont seem to get good gas mileage. Maybe its because I enjoy driving the car and pushing it to its limit so much.

  • beyond excellent - 1997 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    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.

  • The Best Max Ever - 1997 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    I bought my 1997 Maxima GLE directly off a two year lease in October 1999. Its still a gorgeous car. Deep brown rosewood exterior, black leather interior, 7 spoke alloy wheels. Ive 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. Ive gotten out of some tight situations because its so nimble. Always starts, always gets me where I want to go. Ive had only minor problems. Biggest repair was replaced alternator. Best Maxima that Nissan ever built, in my opinion.

  • South Dakota Maxima from Iowa - 1997 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    I bought my SE in Jan of 2003. prior to this i owned a POS neon. My first experience was in a 97 GLE which my brother in law owned. I never imagined what i have invested in till now.. The v6 is sweet, sound not so much (neon wins this one). However the leather and the performance is outstanding.. my baby hits the road and i am flying. I am sure one of these days i will get a ticket.. it will be worth it!

  • The best car ever, that is under valued. - 1997 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    I love my 1997 Max! It is the first new car I have ever bought and have had no problems ever. Everything is stock except minor maintenace like belts, brakes, tires and I have driven over 108,000 miles. I bought the GXE model in a 5 speed. She looks great and I have never had a problem out of her. Even today when most cars come with more than the 190HP in this model Max, I still smokem at the light. If you are looking for a car with all the anemities, even better power in the newer models, reliable and attractive, the Maxima is the best bet. Forget about Honda and Toyota, they cant touch the Nissans.

  • My forever car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    Shes 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! Im 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. Cant beat a Maxima.

  • Great Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    I have had only one problem with my Maxima in over 90,000 miles - a sensor needed to be replaced. That is it! Amazing.

  • Grand Cruiser - 1997 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    Just got back from another road trip, this time we drove from Salt Lake City Utah to LA and back. This car certainly made the miles go by fast. Its comfortable, sporty (I have the 5 speed model), reliable, economical. My dad has a 1998 Camry V6 XLE, I would never pick his car to go on a trip like this for as long as I own mine Maxima, and I am sure it will be for a long time.

  • Excellent Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    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!

  • My Maxima is falling apart.... - 1997 Nissan Maxima
    By -

    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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