zzdcar' Expert Review
by the zzdcar Experts
What’s new
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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Nissan Maxima SE 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$179/mo for Maxima SE
Maxima SE
SE 4dr Sedan (Most Popular) - N/A MSRPGXE 4dr Sedan - N/A MSRPGLE 4dr Sedan - N/A MSRP
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Nissan designers underwent a complete switch in design philosophy during the late eighties, and began producing cars whose styling was as fresh five years after introduction day as it was on introduction day. These cars were a far cry from the carved-from-a-cinderblock styling of previous Nissans. The 1989 Maxima was one of the new generation of cars to roll out of Nissan plants, and it continued to look better year after year, aging more gracefully than Dick Clark. For 1995, Nissan replaced it with an all-new car, one with a stellar drivetrain and first-class cabin, but with a somewhat dowdy exterior and funky-ugly taillights.
First, the good stuff. Under the hood is a twin-cam, aluminum 3.0-liter V6. It puts 190 horsepower to the ground through the front axle. A five-speed is standard on GXE and SE trim levels, but an automatic is optional. This engine is a jewel, providing swift acceleration without penalizing fuel economy.
Inside, the Maxima sports an interior befitting an Infiniti. No coincidence here; the Maxima serves as the basis for the luxo-oriented Infiniti I30. Roomier than the old Maxima, the new one finds nobody complaining about the accommodations.
For 1997, the Maxima receives some minor exterior changes that clean up the front and rear end a bit. New tail lights improve the car's derriere, but we still wish that the trunk weren't so angular. We do, however, really like the new wheels/wheel covers that were introduced for this model year. They make the Maxima more distinctive than last year's model.
Overall, the Maxima lost some of its sex appeal in 1995's redesign, but the new engine, interior, and price structure of the car more than make up for the slight styling shortcomings.
1997 Maxima Highlights
Trim: SEGXEGLESE
Engine Type | Gas |
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Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
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Cost to Drive | $179/month |
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Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.5 cu.ft. |
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Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
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