1997 Nissan Altima Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Nissan Altima did not change for the 1997 model year. Later in the year, Nissan offered a 1997 1/2 model that included side-impact door beams to meet federal regulations. A new Altima was on tap for 1998.
The 1997 and 1997 1/2 Altima came in four trim levels: the base XE, the midrange GXE, the sporty SE, and the luxurious GLE. All Altimas in the lineup shared a 2.4 liter, 150 horsepower four cylinder engine. Fuel economy is 21/29 mpg.
Drivers like the 1997 Nissan Altima because it is a good value, gets good gas mileage, and is extremely reliable. Some drivers find that it can be cramped for larger drivers and passengers, and others have had problems with the paint chipping.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1997 Nissan Altima
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by Anonymous
Sep 03, 2014
I like how quick it is and how much power it feels like it has, It handles very well and looks great especially when it was just washed!! I can drive forever without having to get gas and thats a good timeSep 03, 2014
by Andrea M
Jun 25, 2013
I have owned this car since 1998 and it has been sturdy, reliable, and comfortable. The paint is crap after this long, but have only had to replace tires, battery, brakes, and radiator. I would have replaced the antennae, but have to take the side rear panel off to do so.Jun 25, 2013
by Damien R
Oct 28, 2010
i didnt own this car for very long unfortunetly but for the time i did have it it was one of the best cars ive owned. mine was a 5 speed so it made it real fun to drive, it picked up speed really well an braked just as good it was super nice on the outside an the inside, with a classy look to the interior. mine was super good on gas even tho ive herd that others r not as good. but then with out warning it just stalled out an would not start up, i looked thru every thing an replaced a bunch of things an still nothing, i brought the car to nissan an even they couldnt figure out what was wrong with it. so i gave up an got rid of it. while it did run tho it was a very fun car to drive more than likely just cuz it was standerd but hey what the hell rightOct 28, 2010
User rating:
by Anonymous
Sep 03, 2014
I like how quick it is and how much power it feels like it has, It handles very well and looks great especially when it was just washed!! I can drive forever without having to get gas and thats a good timeSep 03, 2014
by Andrea M
Jun 25, 2013
I have owned this car since 1998 and it has been sturdy, reliable, and comfortable. The paint is crap after this long, but have only had to replace tires, battery, brakes, and radiator. I would have replaced the antennae, but have to take the side rear panel off to do so.Jun 25, 2013
by Damien R
Oct 28, 2010
i didnt own this car for very long unfortunetly but for the time i did have it it was one of the best cars ive owned. mine was a 5 speed so it made it real fun to drive, it picked up speed really well an braked just as good it was super nice on the outside an the inside, with a classy look to the interior. mine was super good on gas even tho ive herd that others r not as good. but then with out warning it just stalled out an would not start up, i looked thru every thing an replaced a bunch of things an still nothing, i brought the car to nissan an even they couldnt figure out what was wrong with it. so i gave up an got rid of it. while it did run tho it was a very fun car to drive more than likely just cuz it was standerd but hey what the hell rightOct 28, 2010
by Brandon H
Mar 15, 2010
it runs and sounds good with the speakers and amp i do not kno what more to say but there is rust on it in some parts of the car. good cd in it that from 2003 i think yepMar 15, 2010
by 석 정
Dec 06, 2009
Love the enjoy rev noise. That's about all I can say about this car.
But since they require me to write more.
Every single 97 Altima I have seen loses their Nissan logo which covers the key entry for the trunk.Dec 06, 2009
by John B
Sep 09, 2009
the first gear hesitation is a little annoying but when im out of first its great. Passing cars like no other racing with new passats and keeping up. its a fast fun car, only problem is cops don't like this and my muffler and headlights are bad and i need to fix them really soon if not get a new car.Sep 09, 2009
by Adam D
Aug 17, 2009
This car is fun to drive, good acceleration, and smooth shifting. The interior is nothing fancy, but its nice, the AC is really cold in ours, its great. Gets about 25-30 mpg and does well in city driving. The build quality is ok, nothing major that you wouldn't expect with a car of this age.Aug 17, 2009
by Razor C
Jan 10, 2009
its got a big amp and subs and handles great. needs body work tho. i want to get a body kit for it its very fun to drive and it was very cheep i only spent about 1700 so its all goodJan 10, 2009
by Adrien B
Oct 01, 2008
I wish that I will have it soon. It's my uncle who have it and he want to change it for a subbie outback the sooner possible. I have been in it a lot of time and the interior is clean and mechanic run very well. More than 150K kilo.Oct 01, 2008
by Moin A
Aug 07, 2008
amazing fun engine, but the looks and size of the car did not warrant a full performance investment. it was definitely fun to drive, had pretty decently quick acceleration, and i've gone on many many impromptu races with fellow drivers on the road. it always made me very proud. because of this car, i have a very special spot for nissan in my heart.Aug 07, 2008
by Paul A
Jul 16, 2008
I bought the car used in late 2004 with 86,000 miles. The car currently has over 130,000. Acceleration is brisk enough with plenty of low-end grunt. Build Quality is fairly good considering its age and mileage, few trouble spots. Appearance could be better; the design is typical mid-90's, and its age is showing in the paint and body panel fitment. The interior is fairly plain, gray on gray with little trim to offset it. Cost of Ownership has been very good, after fixing some trouble spots and neglected maintenance, the car has run basically trouble-free for years. Fun Factor is subjective, but I enjoy tossing the car around and driving it hard, and it's never let me down.Jul 16, 2008
by Nick S
Jul 02, 2008
Decent acceleration, handles great, brakes confidently. Pretty good build quality, it's still held up after all of these years. Good gas mileage, low maintenance, and to be honest, you can make anything fun to drive. It just amounts to how big your balls are.Jul 02, 2008
by Michael S
Jul 01, 2008
I'm about ready to sell this guy, but I've been quite a proud owner during it's life. Good performance, great steering, mileage was very nice, and for a 4-cyl car, it packed a good punch when the pedal got pounded.Jul 01, 2008
by Matt M
Jun 27, 2008
I love this car, it could have a little more get-up and go, but besides that the brakes are more than adequate and it handles great! Solid build quality, the interior never gets boring to stare at and it is not a "surprise!" car like we all know Alfas can be. I added some H&R springs, Tokico struts, Nissan Sentra SE-R 17's, a Magnaflow muffler and K&N intake, and a Fidanza short-throw shifter, couldn't be happier!Jun 27, 2008
by Dustin L
May 31, 2008
Inherited this car from my grandma. Wouldn't have purchased it myself
but it is very reliable and reasonably fun to drive.May 31, 2008
by Jitendra C
Apr 10, 2008
Using it since past 1 year and had almost no problems so far. Apr 10, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 10, 2008
Car Is Alright, Im All About Imports :)Apr 10, 2008
What users have asked
Replaced old Ignition Lock And Cylinder Switch
Just replaced Ignition Lock And Cylinder Switch Because the key broke off inside the truck keyhole after putting the new Ignition Lock And Cylinder Switch new new keys car won’t start just hear the ding ding ding sound as if the lights was still on need help
22 views
Nissan Altima ac turns off
I have a 97 Nissan Altima. The ac works fine (super cold) for for a few minutes when the engine is not hot. After a while, in city driving, it stops working. If I am driving over 75 miles an hour it seems to stay on. At slower highway speeds, if I push the button to turn it off before it stops by itself, and I wait a few minutes and then turn it on, I can keep it somewhat comfortable. If it turns off, but I don't push the "off" button, it takes much longer to "cool down" (I actually have to turn it off myself to start the cool down cycle of whatever component has to cool down. is there some sort of thermostat on the system or by the compressor that is affecting this? One more point, if the engine is cold and I have it running for a few minutes, the first time the problem happens I can put it in neutral and rev the engine really high until I hear the belt squeak and it starts working again. This only will work a few times until it gets too hot. Would appreciate a professional or semi- professional opinion.
229 views
I have an 1997. Nissan Altima
I have an new battery and spark plugs but my car will not true over no kind of fire would turn it over to start please help me. Thank You
6 views
My 97 Altima cranks but won't start. Help?
My 97 Altima manual just died as I was pulling up to a light. It cranks but sounds like it is not getting fuel. I turn the key over and I can not hear the fuel pump kick in. I replaced the fuel pump but it still will not start. I checked the relay and it is in working condition. I opened the distributor cap, and it was not dirty, but I cleaned the inside with carb cleaner to make sure. I also checked the 15 amp fuse to make sure it was good and it is. Any other suggestions? I do get spark to the plugs.
283 views
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1997 Nissan Altima Pricing
Original MSRP
$16,119 to $21,469Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent