Looking at a Specific 1997 NISSAN ALTIMA XE/GXE/SE/GLE?
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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 1997 > Nissan > ALTIMA

1997 NISSAN ALTIMA XE/GXE/SE/GLE
Sedan 4 DR
Front wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 1997 NISSAN ALTIMA XE/GXE/SE/GLE. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used NISSAN.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

This information will help you select a vehicle model that meets your expectations for safety and security.

CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 4 of 5  
Passenger Rating 4 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Not Tested  
Rear Seat Not Tested  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Not Tested  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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IIHS Crash Test Results for the 1997 NISSAN ALTIMA XE/GXE/SE/GLE are not available in CARFAX Safety & Reliability Ratings.




Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 1997 NISSAN ALTIMA XE/GXE/SE/GLE bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 139 Substantially worse than average
Collision Index 112 Average
Theft Index 147 Worse than average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 1997 NISSAN ALTIMA XE/GXE/SE/GLE are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 1997 NISSAN ALTIMA XE/GXE/SE/GLE by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 1997 NISSAN ALTIMA XE/GXE/SE/GLE still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 36,000
NHTSA campaign number: 96V185000
Defective part or component: INTERIOR SYSTEMS:ACTIVE RESTRAINTS:BELT BUCKLES
Description: Certain buckle assemblies were produced with a ""buckle base"" that was improperly heat treated. This can cause the ""buckle base"" to be brittle failing to comply to FMVSS No. 209, ""Seat Belt Assemblies."" In the event of a collision, these seat belts may not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will inspect the buckle assemblies and replace them if necessary.


This 1997 NISSAN ALTIMA XE/GXE/SE/GLE safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Looking at a Specific 1997 NISSAN ALTIMA XE/GXE/SE/GLE?
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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality No data from source
  Mechanical Quality Rating 3 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 2 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 3 of 5
Overall Appeal No data from source
  Performance Rating 2 of 5
  Comfort Rating 2 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel No data from source
  Style Rating 2 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability No data from source
  Mechanical Dependability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Dependability No data from source
  Body and Interior Dependability No data from source

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine No data from source
Transmission & Driveline No data from source
Steering & Suspension No data from source
Brakes No data from source
Heating & Air Conditioning No data from source
Starting & Charging No data from source
Accessories No data from source
Identifix Legend


This 1997 NISSAN ALTIMA reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 5 years or 60,000 miles  
Emissions 2 years or 24,000 miles  
Corrosion 5 years with Unlimited mileage  
Transferable Transferable: not cost, unlimited owners covered.  
Roadside Assistance No data from source  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint Seatbelts are covered for 10 years with unlimited mileage.  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: not cost, unlimited owners covered. Seatbelts are covered for 10 years with unlimited mileage Adjustments are covered for 12 months or 12,500 miles. Suspension, steering, brakes, and elecrical systems are not part of drivetrain coverage, they are limited to 3 years or 36,000 miles.  

This 1997 NISSAN ALTIMA XE/GXE/SE/GLE warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

Affordable chic.
By Matthew Phillips, NewCarTestDrive.com

The Nissan Altima GLE has an appealing combination of attributes that make it a good choice in the world of small mid-size family sedans. It's understated and stylish. It outperforms many of its four-cylinder rivals. It's fun to drive, well built and with all the available options, does in fact deliver luxury at a sub-luxury price.

The Altima GLE packs a lot of features into its price tag. But if $22,000-plus doesn't quite fit your budget, you can still enjoy this car's solid virtues--as well as some frills--with one of the other models. In fact, from a value point of view, the GXE may be the best bet.

Overview:

Introduced four years ago, the Altima is an ongoing success story for Nissan, filling the gap between the compact Sentra sedan and the larger Maxima. Assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, the mid-size front-wheel drive Altima contends in the fiercely competitive family sedan market against other smaller mid-size entries such as the Ford Contour, Mercury Mystique, Mazda 626, Chryler Cirrus and Dodge Stratus--to name just a few.

Positioned as "The Affordable Luxury Sedan," the Altima promises Japanese-quality construction, spry performance and a touch of cachet--all at an affordable price. The car has been a strong player for Nissan ever since its debut, and was singled out by J.D. Power in 1996 as the Best Mid-size Car Under $20,000 in terms of initial quality. Although newer designs have come along since its introduction, and a major makeover is just around the corner, this is still an appealing sedan that combines solid engineering, competent performance and value in a stylish package.

Read the complete 1997 Nissan Altima review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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The NISSAN ALTIMA XE/GXE/SE/GLE did receive a J.D. Power and Associates Award in 1997. View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.


J.D. Power and Associates Award - 1997 IQS Awardee - Best Entry Midsize Car:

This award is based on the results of the Initial Quality Study , which is based on feedback collected from new vehicle owners regarding problems experienced within the first 90 days of ownership.
View other awardees.


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