1997 Nissan Maxima GXE V6 3.0 DOHC 24 Valve from North America

Summary:

I will never buy anything, but a Maxima

Faults:

I have maintained this car really well. The only thing I replaced were the front CV axles at 98,000 miles.

General Comments:

Nissan's VQ30DE is a gem of an engine. It has the sweetest V6 growl in the world. This engine has enormous potential for tuning. This engine was basically plucked from the Nissan 300ZX. A modern version of this same engine in Japan, in the 2005 Skyline GTR, produces 450HP with twin turbo chargers.

I personally beat a 2000 Ford Mustang on Interstate 25 at 127 MPH. The driver of the Mustang was shocked! It's just a stock 1997 Maxima! 0-60 in 7.0 seconds was unbeatable for a entry sports/luxury sedan back in 1997.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th May, 2005

14th May 2005, 21:48

"It has the sweetest V6 growl in the world"

I've heard better. But its OK.

1997 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

Great Car for the Money

Faults:

Bad Drivers Window Motor Regulator.

Sticking Rear Brake Caliper.

Slight 5th gear grindage when shifting from higher RPMs.

General Comments:

The Max has been a great car in the somewhat short time that I have had it. The V6 has great mid-range power for what it is; the engine sounds great with an aftermarket air intake, and definitly adds some top end power. I have the fully loaded SE. It's got a great sound system and is very comfortable for long trips. The only downside is the handling. Of course, its not a sports car, but it would have been nice if Nissan had implemented an independent suspension design on the Max. I get around 25-27mpg on the highway and average 19-22 with city driving. Overall this is probably the best all around car you can get for such a low price. Make sure you get it in stick, you won't regret it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th May, 2005

1997 Nissan Maxima 6 cylinder from North America

Faults:

In the year I have owned the car I have not had any repairs.

General Comments:

Great car.

Looks good and preforms even better.

Highly recommended.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd March, 2005

1997 Nissan Maxima GXE 3.0 liter from North America

Summary:

I would buy it again

Faults:

The only item needing repair/replacement has been the starter, which went out around the 80,000 mile mark. Everything else has been normal maintenance (brakes, tires, etc.)

There is also a minor rattle/squeak from around the instrument cluster that I notice from time to time.

It pings on any gasoline that isn't premium grade.

General Comments:

We bought the car used, and it has been one of the best automotive bargains we have ever made. The car remains reliable, comfortable, economical, quick and relatively quiet.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th June, 2004

1997 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0 from North America

Summary:

Maximus excellent

Faults:

Absolutely no problems that are not normal wear issues.

I have recently at 102,000 miles replaced the tires with Kuhmo HP4's after getting 43,000 miles on the first set of tires.

I had the front brake pads replaced at the same time. The rear pads are the originals and still in good shape.

General Comments:

I just got back from a 1,720 mile road trip to Maine. This car easily ate the interstate in 400 mile chunks while cruising at 80 mph. My lowest mileage was 26 mpg in stop-and-go traffic in Connecticut. This car grows on me the longer I own it. Its performance, comfort, and relatively low cost of operation have made this my favorite car to own-even if it is an automatic. I have no intentions of getting rid of this car any time soon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th January, 2004

17th Jan 2007, 23:29

An addendum, three years later... still have the wonder Maxima. It's closing in on 160k; the last three years have been much harder on it: roughly half of the additional mileage has been accrued in city driving, I have towed a trailer cross-country with the car, I have had hit a deer, and I have had some maintenance issues. The worst is that the a/c failed. I have also had to have the following items replaced: both cv's, the exhaust aft of the catalytic converter, an O2 sensor, a knock sensor, all four rotors, and another set of tires. I would say that most of these have failed or wore out due to hard use. Yet the car continues to be driven above the speed limit and has never stranded me. We'll see if I can add more when (if) the car reaches 200k.