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1997
Nissan Altima

Starts at:
$15,649
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New 1997 Nissan Altima
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  • 4dr Sdn XE Manual
    Starts at
    $15,649
    24 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    24 City / 30 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    Gas I4 Engine Type
    2.4L/146 Displacement
    150 @ 5600 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    154 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM

    Suspension

    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Front
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Rear
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)

    Weight & Capacity

    2,800 lbs Base Curb Weight
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    16 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx

    Electrical

    550 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
    80 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)

    Brakes

    Power Brake Type
    Not Available Brake ABS System
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    Not Available Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    10.9 x 0.87 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Not Available in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Yes Drum - Rear (Yes or )
  • 97.5 4dr Sdn XE Manual
    Starts at
    $15,849
    24 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    24 City / 30 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    154 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM
    150 @ 5600 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    2.4L/146 Displacement
    Gas I4 Engine Type

    Suspension

    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Rear
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Front

    Weight & Capacity

    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    16 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    2,800 lbs Base Curb Weight

    Electrical

    80 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
    550 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

    Brakes

    Yes Drum - Rear (Yes or )
    Not Available in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    10.9 x 0.87 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Not Available Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Not Available Brake ABS System
    Power Brake Type
  • 4dr Sdn XE Auto
    Starts at
    $16,479
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    21 City / 29 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    Gas I4 Engine Type
    2.4L/146 Displacement
    150 @ 5600 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    154 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM

    Suspension

    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Rear
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Front

    Weight & Capacity

    2,869 lbs Base Curb Weight
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    16 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx

    Electrical

    80 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
    550 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

    Brakes

    Not Available Brake ABS System
    Power Brake Type
    Yes Drum - Rear (Yes or )
    Not Available in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    10.9 x 0.87 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Not Available Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
  • 97.5 4dr Sdn XE Auto
    Starts at
    $16,649
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    21 City / 29 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    154 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM
    150 @ 5600 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    2.4L/146 Displacement
    Gas I4 Engine Type

    Suspension

    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Rear
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Front

    Weight & Capacity

    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    16 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    2,869 lbs Base Curb Weight

    Electrical

    80 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
    550 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

    Brakes

    Yes Drum - Rear (Yes or )
    Not Available in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    10.9 x 0.87 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Not Available Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Not Available Brake ABS System
    Power Brake Type
  • 4dr Sdn GXE Manual
    Starts at
    $16,999
    24 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    24 City / 30 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    154 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM
    150 @ 5600 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    2.4L/146 Displacement
    Gas I4 Engine Type

    Suspension

    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Rear
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Front

    Weight & Capacity

    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    16 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    2,851 lbs Base Curb Weight

    Electrical

    80 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
    550 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

    Brakes

    Yes Drum - Rear (Yes or )
    Not Available in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    10.9 x 0.87 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Not Available Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Not Available Brake ABS System
    Power Brake Type
  • 97.5 4dr Sdn GXE Manual
    Starts at
    $17,399
    24 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    24 City / 30 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    Gas I4 Engine Type
    2.4L/146 Displacement
    150 @ 5600 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    154 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM

    Suspension

    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Front
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Rear
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)

    Weight & Capacity

    2,851 lbs Base Curb Weight
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    16 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx

    Electrical

    550 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
    80 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)

    Brakes

    Power Brake Type
    Not Available Brake ABS System
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    Not Available Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    10.9 x 0.87 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Not Available in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Yes Drum - Rear (Yes or )
  • 4dr Sdn GXE Auto
    Starts at
    $17,829
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    21 City / 29 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    Gas I4 Engine Type
    2.4L/146 Displacement
    150 @ 5600 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    154 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM

    Suspension

    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Front
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Rear
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)

    Weight & Capacity

    2,915 lbs Base Curb Weight
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    16 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx

    Electrical

    550 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
    80 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)

    Brakes

    Power Brake Type
    Not Available Brake ABS System
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    Not Available Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    10.9 x 0.87 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Not Available in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Yes Drum - Rear (Yes or )
  • 97.5 4dr Sdn GXE Auto
    Starts at
    $18,199
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    21 City / 29 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    Gas I4 Engine Type
    2.4L/146 Displacement
    150 @ 5600 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    154 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM

    Suspension

    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Front
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Rear
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)

    Weight & Capacity

    2,915 lbs Base Curb Weight
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    16 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx

    Electrical

    550 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
    80 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)

    Brakes

    Power Brake Type
    Not Available Brake ABS System
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    Not Available Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    10.9 x 0.87 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Yes Drum - Rear (Yes or )
    Not Available in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
  • 4dr Sdn SE Manual
    Starts at
    $19,299
    24 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    24 City / 30 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    154 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM
    150 @ 5600 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    2.4L/146 Displacement
    Gas I4 Engine Type

    Suspension

    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Rear
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Front

    Weight & Capacity

    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    16 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    2,922 lbs Base Curb Weight

    Electrical

    80 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
    550 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

    Brakes

    Not Available Drum - Rear (Yes or )
    10.1 x 0.35 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    10.9 x 0.87 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Not Available Brake ABS System
    Power Brake Type
  • 97.5 4dr Sdn SE Manual
    Starts at
    $19,699
    24 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    24 City / 30 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    Gas I4 Engine Type
    2.4L/146 Displacement
    150 @ 5600 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    154 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM

    Suspension

    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Front
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Rear
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)

    Weight & Capacity

    2,922 lbs Base Curb Weight
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    16 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx

    Electrical

    550 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
    80 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)

    Brakes

    Power Brake Type
    Not Available Brake ABS System
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    10.9 x 0.87 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    10.1 x 0.35 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Not Available Drum - Rear (Yes or )
  • 4dr Sdn SE Auto
    Starts at
    $20,129
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    21 City / 29 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    154 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM
    150 @ 5600 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    2.4L/146 Displacement
    Gas I4 Engine Type

    Suspension

    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Rear
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Front

    Weight & Capacity

    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    16 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    2,972 lbs Base Curb Weight

    Electrical

    80 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
    550 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

    Brakes

    Not Available Drum - Rear (Yes or )
    10.1 x 0.35 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    10.9 x 0.87 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Not Available Brake ABS System
    Power Brake Type
  • 97.5 4dr Sdn SE Auto
    Starts at
    $20,499
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    21 City / 29 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    Gas I4 Engine Type
    2.4L/146 Displacement
    150 @ 5600 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    154 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM

    Suspension

    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Front
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Rear
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)

    Weight & Capacity

    16 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    2,972 lbs Base Curb Weight
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.

    Electrical

    550 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
    80 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)

    Brakes

    10.1 x 0.35 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Not Available Drum - Rear (Yes or )
    Power Brake Type
    Not Available Brake ABS System
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    10.9 x 0.87 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
  • 97.5 4dr Sdn GLE Auto
    Starts at
    $20,899
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    21 City / 29 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    Gas I4 Engine Type
    2.4L/146 Displacement
    150 @ 5600 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    154 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM

    Suspension

    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Rear
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Front

    Weight & Capacity

    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    16 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    2,990 lbs Base Curb Weight
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.

    Electrical

    80 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
    550 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

    Brakes

    Yes Drum - Rear (Yes or )
    Not Available in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    10.9 x 0.87 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Not Available Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Not Available Brake ABS System
    Power Brake Type
  • 4dr Sdn GLE Auto
    Starts at
    $20,999
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

    Highlights

    21 City / 29 Hwy MPG
    5 Seat capacity
    Gas I4 Engine
    Front Wheel Drive Drivetrain

    Engine

    154 @ 4400 SAE Net Torque @ RPM
    150 @ 5600 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
    2.4L/146 Displacement
    Gas I4 Engine Type

    Suspension

    Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
    Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Rear
    Independent Strut Suspension Type - Front

    Weight & Capacity

    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
    N/A Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
    2,990 lbs Base Curb Weight
    N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
    16 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx

    Electrical

    80 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
    550 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

    Brakes

    Yes Drum - Rear (Yes or )
    Not Available in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    10.9 x 0.87 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
    Not Available Disc - Rear (Yes or )
    Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
    N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
    Not Available Brake ABS System
    Power Brake Type

The good & the bad

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Expert 1997 Nissan Altima review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

A good car is as quiet at highway speeds as it is coasting along suburban streets. And it is as effortless — that is, it gives no sense of engine stress or strain at higher rotations per minute.

A good car is tight. Every visible piece fits together perfectly, and not one of those pieces is given to squeaks or rattles during travel.

A good car is attractive — not necessarily “Wow!” attractive, but appealing enough to be as inviting on its last payment due as it was on its first.

A good car feels good over bad roads and good roads. It mutes the bumps and grinds of the rough stuff; and it turns good roads, replete with sharp turns and twists, into a driving experience worthy of a Walter Mitty dream. And that means a good car allows you to escape — if only for the briefest of moments — the cares of your everyday world.

And though it has its moments of poetry, a good car is practical — and safe. It carries five people in reasonable comfort, hauls a reasonable amount of their stuff and handles parking lot, bumper-to-bumper bumps with reasonable aplomb. And should you ever be unlucky enough to be involved in a more violent accident, a good car gives you and your passengers a reasonable chance of survival.

But perhaps as important as all of the aforementioned qualities, a good car is affordable. Put another way, any car costing $25,000 or more has NO excuse for being anything other than good. But a car of exceptional quality with a price tag well under $25,000 (and well under $20,000 if you forgo the bells and whistles), well, that car is a gem. It is this week’s testmobile, the 1997 Nissan Altima sedan.

Background: The mid-size car market constitutes the biggest battleground for automakers. This is where they capture most families at various stages of economic progress.

If those families are of limited means, a good, affordable mid-size car could hold their loyalty until they become richer. If they’re already affluent, an enjoyablemid-size car could lead them into a more expensive purchase — say, a luxury sport-utility vehicle, or maybe a fancy sports coupe after the kids have left home and the tuition bills have been paid.

Auto companies, as a result, have developed a general formula for snaring those core car buyers. To wit: Two parts good design (exterior/interior), one part real luxury (such as leather seats), plus a good engine and a good suspension system, all at a good price equal a hot-selling vehicle and fanatical customer loyalty.

It is a formula that Nissan has perfected with the front-engine, front-wheel-drive Altima sedan, introduced in 1992, and which is now offered in four trim levels — the base XE, more upscale GXE, sporty SE, and this week’s tested, top-of-the-line GLE.

Those models share a standard engine, a 2.4-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder job rated 150 horsepower at 5,600 rpm with torque rated 154 pound-feet at 4,400 rpm. It is one of the best, basic four-bangers I’ve driven ? remarkably smooth and quiet at low and high rpms.

Standard brakes include power front discs/rear drums. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are optional. If you get ’em — and I recommend that you do — practice using ’em in a parking lot or some similar vacant space to learn how they function in panic stops.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all Altima models, except the GLE, which gets a standard four-speed automatic. The GLE also gets certain other standard spiffs, such as leather seating surfaces.

Dual front air bags are also standard. And as always, folks, remember to put kids under12 in the rear seat. Those front bags are for adults.

1997 Nissan Altima

Complaint: The nittiest of nit-picks: The pullout cup holders are located in precisely the wrong place ? right in front of the console-mounted, sound system controls, where things can spill and jam up the works.

Praise: I love the Altima. It is everything a mid-size family car ought to be.

Head-turning quotient : A thing of lasting appeal. Never looks old. Never looks grubby.

Ride, acceleration and handling: Triple aces in the mid-size car category. Kudos to the four-wheel, independent, multi-link suspension system that really smooths out the bumps. Braking was very good on wet and dry roads. The test car was equipped with optional anti-lock brakes.

Mileage: About 27 miles per gallon (15.9-gallon tank, estimated 420-mile range on usable volume of regular unleaded), running mostly highway with three occupants and light cargo.

Sound system: Four-speaker, AM/FM stereo radio and cassette. Installed by Nissan. Good.

Price: Base price on the 1997 Altima GLE is $20,899. Dealer invoice on that model is $18,602. Price as tested is $22,717, including $499 for optional anti-lock brakes,$849 for the power-slide sunroof and a $470 destination charge.

Purse-strings note: Excellent value for the money, which becomes an even better value in the lower trim levels. Compare with 1997 Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable, Chevrolet Malibu/Oldsmobile Cutlass, Mazda 626, Pontiac Grand Am, Subaru Legacy, Chrysler “weather series” (Dodge Stratus, Chrysler Cirrus, Plymouth Breeze).

1997 Nissan Altima review: Our expert's take
By

A good car is as quiet at highway speeds as it is coasting along suburban streets. And it is as effortless — that is, it gives no sense of engine stress or strain at higher rotations per minute.

A good car is tight. Every visible piece fits together perfectly, and not one of those pieces is given to squeaks or rattles during travel.

A good car is attractive — not necessarily “Wow!” attractive, but appealing enough to be as inviting on its last payment due as it was on its first.

A good car feels good over bad roads and good roads. It mutes the bumps and grinds of the rough stuff; and it turns good roads, replete with sharp turns and twists, into a driving experience worthy of a Walter Mitty dream. And that means a good car allows you to escape — if only for the briefest of moments — the cares of your everyday world.

And though it has its moments of poetry, a good car is practical — and safe. It carries five people in reasonable comfort, hauls a reasonable amount of their stuff and handles parking lot, bumper-to-bumper bumps with reasonable aplomb. And should you ever be unlucky enough to be involved in a more violent accident, a good car gives you and your passengers a reasonable chance of survival.

But perhaps as important as all of the aforementioned qualities, a good car is affordable. Put another way, any car costing $25,000 or more has NO excuse for being anything other than good. But a car of exceptional quality with a price tag well under $25,000 (and well under $20,000 if you forgo the bells and whistles), well, that car is a gem. It is this week’s testmobile, the 1997 Nissan Altima sedan.

Background: The mid-size car market constitutes the biggest battleground for automakers. This is where they capture most families at various stages of economic progress.

If those families are of limited means, a good, affordable mid-size car could hold their loyalty until they become richer. If they’re already affluent, an enjoyablemid-size car could lead them into a more expensive purchase — say, a luxury sport-utility vehicle, or maybe a fancy sports coupe after the kids have left home and the tuition bills have been paid.

Auto companies, as a result, have developed a general formula for snaring those core car buyers. To wit: Two parts good design (exterior/interior), one part real luxury (such as leather seats), plus a good engine and a good suspension system, all at a good price equal a hot-selling vehicle and fanatical customer loyalty.

It is a formula that Nissan has perfected with the front-engine, front-wheel-drive Altima sedan, introduced in 1992, and which is now offered in four trim levels — the base XE, more upscale GXE, sporty SE, and this week’s tested, top-of-the-line GLE.

Those models share a standard engine, a 2.4-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder job rated 150 horsepower at 5,600 rpm with torque rated 154 pound-feet at 4,400 rpm. It is one of the best, basic four-bangers I’ve driven ? remarkably smooth and quiet at low and high rpms.

Standard brakes include power front discs/rear drums. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are optional. If you get ’em — and I recommend that you do — practice using ’em in a parking lot or some similar vacant space to learn how they function in panic stops.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all Altima models, except the GLE, which gets a standard four-speed automatic. The GLE also gets certain other standard spiffs, such as leather seating surfaces.

Dual front air bags are also standard. And as always, folks, remember to put kids under12 in the rear seat. Those front bags are for adults.

1997 Nissan Altima

Complaint: The nittiest of nit-picks: The pullout cup holders are located in precisely the wrong place ? right in front of the console-mounted, sound system controls, where things can spill and jam up the works.

Praise: I love the Altima. It is everything a mid-size family car ought to be.

Head-turning quotient : A thing of lasting appeal. Never looks old. Never looks grubby.

Ride, acceleration and handling: Triple aces in the mid-size car category. Kudos to the four-wheel, independent, multi-link suspension system that really smooths out the bumps. Braking was very good on wet and dry roads. The test car was equipped with optional anti-lock brakes.

Mileage: About 27 miles per gallon (15.9-gallon tank, estimated 420-mile range on usable volume of regular unleaded), running mostly highway with three occupants and light cargo.

Sound system: Four-speaker, AM/FM stereo radio and cassette. Installed by Nissan. Good.

Price: Base price on the 1997 Altima GLE is $20,899. Dealer invoice on that model is $18,602. Price as tested is $22,717, including $499 for optional anti-lock brakes,$849 for the power-slide sunroof and a $470 destination charge.

Purse-strings note: Excellent value for the money, which becomes an even better value in the lower trim levels. Compare with 1997 Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable, Chevrolet Malibu/Oldsmobile Cutlass, Mazda 626, Pontiac Grand Am, Subaru Legacy, Chrysler “weather series” (Dodge Stratus, Chrysler Cirrus, Plymouth Breeze).

Safety review

Based on the 1997 Nissan Altima base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Nissan and non-Nissan vehicles less than 10 years old and less than 100,000 miles. (Nissan vehicles less than 6 years from original new car in-service date must have more than 60,000 to qualify for Certified Select.)
Dealer certification
84-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.1
Interior 3.9
Performance 4.2
Value 4.2
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 4.2

Most recent

This is a great car to have.

This is a great car to have..I purchased a used one back in 2021 for $600 bucks..one person owner.. when i got it ..it had a bad mass air flow sensor..I ordered it online..and i can say..that car hasnt disappointed me yet..it's still getting me around and out of town 😀
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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My daughter died october 8 th 20200 last yr., in

This car murdered my daughter19 teen just graduated from highschool worked at Panera restaurant .the seatbelt snapped and she was ejected from her DADS 1997 nissan altima !
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
Comfort 1.0
Interior 1.0
Performance 1.0
Value 1.0
Exterior 1.0
Reliability 1.0
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1997 Nissan Altima?

The 1997 Nissan Altima is available in 4 trim levels:

  • GLE (2 styles)
  • GXE (4 styles)
  • SE (4 styles)
  • XE (4 styles)

What is the MPG of the 1997 Nissan Altima?

The 1997 Nissan Altima offers up to 24 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 1997 Nissan Altima?

The 1997 Nissan Altima compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 1997 Nissan Altima reliable?

The 1997 Nissan Altima has an average reliability rating of 4.2 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1997 Nissan Altima owners.

Is the 1997 Nissan Altima a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1997 Nissan Altima. 90.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.1
  • Interior: 3.9
  • Performance: 4.2
  • Value: 4.2
  • Exterior: 4.0
  • Reliability: 4.2

Nissan Altima history

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