1997 Nissan Altima Review & Road Test at Automotive.com
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Nissan
Altima
1997

1997 Nissan Altima Review

Below is a full, detailed review and road test of the 1997 Nissan Altima written by either the experts at New Car Test Drive or by one of Automotive.com's very own. A full evaluation of the driving experience, price, equipment, and specs are here in ...     read more
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1997 Nissan Altima Review

Affordable chic.
Introduction
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. Next Page


1997 Nissan Altima