1997 Nissan Altima Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
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...
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.
What owners say
"The 1997 Nissan Altima receives positive feedback from owners, who appreciate its reliability, fun driving experience, and decent performance. Many liked its solid build quality, handling, and good fuel economy. However, a few mentioned a desire for a bit more acceleration power."
Amazing little car, it has more than 300,000 miles and still going strong. Only things ive replaced where tires and the alternator, fuel efficient and fast for a 4 cylinder.
February 28, 2026Decent 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.
July 2, 2008I 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 time
September 3, 2014What owners say
Amazing little car, it has more than 300,000 miles and still going strong. Only things ive replaced where tires and the alternator, fuel efficient and fast for a 4 cylinder.
February 28, 2026Decent 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.
July 2, 2008I 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 time
September 3, 2014I 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!
June 27, 2008Using it since past 1 year and had almost no problems so far.
April 10, 2008Inherited this car from my grandma. Wouldn't have purchased it myself but it is very reliable and reasonably fun to drive.
May 31, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $21,369 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $21,469 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $16,119 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $16,319 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $17,469 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $17,869 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $19,769 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $20,169 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 14.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
