1997 Nissan 200SX SE 1.6 DOHC

Summary:

Nothing special

Faults:

The CV joint boots busted.

General Comments:

It was a good car. But it had very little acceleration. I had to floor it to get to up some hills. It nothing compared to my 1997 Trans Am I had.

It got good gas mileage, but that just didn't make up for the performance of the car.

Oh yeah, the stock speakers are terrible on this car. They can't handle very much at all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th October, 2007

28th Jun 2008, 23:48

Agreed that the 1.6L engine is underpowered, but this is a vehicle that will last for long periods and wants to be run. My 1997 now has 547K on it and still loves to go.

With regular maintenance this engine will outdistance most of the new "FUEL_EFFICIENT" stuff being put out 10 years later. I get 35-37 city and up to 45 highway on this engine. The only key is that it needs to be run -- it doesn't like to sit for any period of time - it prefers to run and run and run.

Other positives: most items requiring regular maintenance are easy to get to - including spark plugs - right on top of engine block. Air Filters and other regular maintenance are easy to access and replace. Very easy on tires.

Downsides: Hate to say it, but electrical (particularly rheostats) has been a problem. Runs thru an alternator every 200K or so. While easy on tires, too light overall particularly on rear and will fishtail if not familiar with behavior on wet roads.

Overall, planning on buying another Nissan based upon the overall behavior of this one... not too many vehicles that maintain over 500K or 11 years...:)

27th Feb 2010, 19:51

To add to her history - she's now at 572K... and still prefers to be driven, as opposed to being a short trip car. I apologize to her regularly, as I work at home now and we don't have the same opportunities to drive... LOL.

Over the last 2 years, finally had to replace the fuel pump, starter and have the hubs replaced as the CV joints had started to weld. Also had to replace the battery connectors as they get loose over time. None of this unexpected - for them to make it this far is pretty astounding! Fully expecting that she will need a clutch replacement (never been done), but when I compare what I've spent in maintenance and repairs, insurance, etc. and the continued reliability (and still a cute vehicle) against the insurance, payments and hassles of a new vehicle - I'll hold on to her as long as I can...

1997 Nissan 200SX

Summary:

Reliable and easy to care for, its the perfect car for one or two people on the go.

Faults:

Nothing beyond general used car upkeep such as brakes, alternator, and now I think it might need a clutch.

One very noticeable issue is with the paint. It has faded on the hood and started chipping on the bumpers. A friend who has the exact same car (but different color) is experiencing the same thing.

General Comments:

This Nissan has been a surprisingly reliable and fun car.

Although it is a little low in power (eg. it doesn't do well on hills), it keeps going without much extra upkeep.

Its interior is smaller as it's a small sized two-door, but once in there is plenty of space to move.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th March, 2007

1997 Nissan 200SX SE

Summary:

One purchase I will never regret!

Faults:

I was surprised to read in another review that the dash lights flickered because that is the same problem I had with my Nissan! I took it to the dealer twice for this which drove me crazy at night not being able to see my dash. they said they had to disconnect/disable the key-less entry that the previous owner put in so that the lights would not flicker anymore. it still happens occasionally so apparently that wasn't the problem. I have had this car 8 yrs, its got 35k on it and its barely cost me anything at all in maintenance. i did have a flat tire and found out the spare is just a donut so keep that in mind. no space in the back for a REAL tire. better keep a few cans of fix a flat with you at all times.

General Comments:

This car is small inside, but extremely reliable and nearly hassle free!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st May, 2006

2nd Sep 2007, 03:15

What's wrong with having a donut spare tire? you're going to fix the "real" tire, right? I've ridden on the donut and not realized it wasn't a "real" tire.

19th Jun 2009, 16:45

I, as well, have the flickering dashboard. I usually just flip the roller a few times and it comes right back on. Also, a while ago my key no longer opens my doors or my trunk. Can't lock my doors. Hmph. But really it has been a remarkably good car for as little work I've done on it.

1997 Nissan 200SX SE 1.6

Summary:

Excellent commuter: economical and reliable

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Excellent reliability and very economical on gas and maintenance. minor discomfort with the cup holders and stereo, basic inside, but great commuter car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th January, 2004

1997 Nissan 200SX

Summary:

Sporty but comfortable and reliable

Faults:

Paint chips off bumpers rather easily.

General Comments:

A good reliable car.

I thought it would have slightly more power, such as up hills. In all though, I am happy with the purchase.

I have taken 2 very long roads trips and they have both been very comfortable, easy, and cheap due to the good gas mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 14th May, 2003

1997 Nissan 200SX SE 1.4 liter

Summary:

A sporty looking economy car

Faults:

About 6 months after owning the car, the dashboard lights would occasionally go out. After taking it to the dealer, then never really fixed anything, cause the problem happened again... lights would flicker and go out for a second. The problem eventually fixed itself and has been fine ever since!

General Comments:

For an economy car, I really like the styling (both interior and exterior). It could use a little more under the hood, but other than that, the 200 has everything I wanted in a car at the time I bought it in 1997. Keyless remote, sunroof, A/C, power windows/locks, CD/tape, and cruise.

Seats are comfortable and I still enjoy driving the car all over the place, even on long road trips. Not a ton of room inside, but enough that I have always been able to fit my stuff in the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th December, 2001