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 Alexander M
Feb 28, 2026
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.Feb 28, 2026
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 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
User rating:
by Alexander M
Feb 28, 2026
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.Feb 28, 2026
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 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 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
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
