From city streets to collector garages, 1997 saw Nissan field a wide mix of cars and light commercial models that still turn up in classifieds and at meets today. If you’re checking specs, sourcing parts, or just curious which models were sold where, a clear, compact list makes researching faster.
There are 25 1997 Nissan Car Models, ranging from 240SX,Vanette to illustrate the lineup’s scope. For each entry you’ll find below the key details organized by Body style,Engine/trim,Markets so you can quickly compare which versions appeared in which regions.
How can I identify a specific 1997 Nissan model from a VIN or trim code?
Start with the VIN plate and any build stickers; the VIN contains manufacturer and model codes that, when decoded, point to the exact model and engine family. Use reliable VIN-decoder tools or factory build-sheet references, and cross-check trim codes against period brochures or club archives for market-specific names.
Were engines and trims different between markets in 1997?
Yes — emissions rules and local demand led to different engine options, tune levels, and trim names across regions, so the same model badge could mean different specs in the US, Europe, or Japan; consult the Body style,Engine/trim,Markets columns below to see those variations.
1997 Nissan Car Models
| Model | Body style | Engine/trim | Markets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altima | Sedan | 2.4L I4 (KA24DE); XE/GXE/SE trims | US,Canada |
| Maxima | Sedan | 3.0L V6 (VG30DE); SE/GLE trims | US,Canada,Australia |
| Sentra | Sedan/Hatchback | 1.6–2.0L I4; SE-R 2.0L (SR20DE) | US,Canada,Europe |
| 240SX | Coupe/Hatchback | 2.4L I4 (KA24DE) NA; SR20DET in Japan | US,Canada,Japan |
| Primera | Sedan/Wagon | 1.6–2.0L I4; 1.9L diesel options | Europe,Japan,Australia |
| Almera | Hatchback/Sedan | 1.4–2.0L I4 petrol | Europe,Australia,Latin America |
| Micra (March) | Hatchback | 1.0–1.3L I4 | Europe,Japan,Australia |
| Sunny | Sedan/Hatchback | 1.3–1.6L I4 | Asia,Middle East,Export markets |
| Pulsar | Hatchback/Sedan | 1.5–2.0L I4 | Australia,Japan,Europe (select) |
| Skyline | Sedan/Coupe | 2.6L twin‑turbo I6 (RB26DETT) plus other RB engines | Japan,Australia (imports) |
| Stagea | Station Wagon | 2.0–2.6L I6 options, turbo variants | Japan |
| Cefiro | Sedan | 2.0–3.0L V6 | Asia,Australia,Middle East |
| Laurel | Sedan | 2.0–2.5L I4/V6 options | Japan |
| Silvia | Coupe | 2.0L I4 NA/turbo (SR20DE/DET) | Japan,Europe (select) |
| 300ZX | Coupe | 3.0L V6 NA/twin‑turbo (VG30DE/DETT) | Japan,Europe,Some exports |
| Patrol | Full‑size SUV | 3.0L diesel, 4.2L diesel, 4.5L petrol options | Australia,Middle East,Africa,Japan |
| Pathfinder | SUV | 3.3L V6; 2.4L I4 in some markets | US,Canada,Australia |
| Terrano | SUV | 2.7L diesel, 3.0L petrol I6 options | Europe,Asia,Australia |
| Caravan | Van/Passenger Van | 2.0–3.0L petrol and diesel options | Japan,Asia,Australia |
| Serena | MPV/Van | 2.0L I4 common; petrol variants | Japan,Asia,Europe (select) |
| Vanette | Van | 1.6–2.0L I4 petrol/diesel | Europe,Asia,Australia |
| Pickup (Hardbody) | Pickup Truck | 2.4L I4, 3.0L V6 options | US,Canada,Latin America |
| Navara/Frontier | Pickup Truck | 2.4–2.7L diesel, 2.4–3.0L petrol | Europe,Australia,Asia,Latin America |
| Avenir | Wagon | 1.8–2.0L I4 | Japan |
| Cedric/Gloria | Sedan | 2.0–3.0L I6/V6 options | Japan |
Images and Descriptions
Altima
Mid-size family sedan and Nissan’s bread-and-butter in North America; 1997 was the final year of the first generation, noted for its roomy cabin, dependable 2.4L engine, and value-oriented trim levels.
Maxima
Near-luxury four-door sedan positioned above the Altima; the 1997 Maxima featured a smooth 3.0L V6, sporty handling bias, leather options, and upscale appointments aimed at buyers wanting performance and comfort.
Sentra
Compact economical car sold worldwide in multiple body styles; 1997 Sentra offered fuel-efficient engines, a sportier SE-R variant with a 2.0L engine, and practical interiors for commuting and budget buyers.
240SX
Affordable rear-wheel-drive sports coupe (S14 in many markets); in 1997 the U.S. 240SX used a 2.4L naturally aspirated engine, while Japanese Silvia cousins featured SR20 turbo options for enthusiasts.
Primera
Mid-size family car for Europe and export markets; the 1997 Primera P11 emphasized handling and comfortable cabins, offering petrol and diesel engines and hatchback, sedan, or wagon bodies depending on market.
Almera
Compact family car sold primarily in Europe and Australasia; the 1997 Almera filled the mainstream small-to-midsize segment with conservative styling, practical interiors, and a range of petrol engines.
Micra (March)
Subcompact hatchback known as March in Japan; the 1997 Micra/March was a city-friendly car with small efficient engines, simple equipment, and wide availability in Europe and other markets.
Sunny
Small, affordable family car sold in many export and Asian markets; the 1997 Sunny emphasized low running costs, reliable small-displacement engines, and straightforward practical features for daily use.
Pulsar
Compact hatch/saloon positioned between micra and almera in some markets; 1997 Pulsar offered a mix of economical and higher-performance engines, aimed at buyers seeking practicality with a touch of sportiness.
Skyline
Performance flagship for Nissan in Japan; the R33 Skyline in 1997 ranged from sporty sedans to the GT‑R twin‑turbo model, delivering advanced drivetrains and strong enthusiast appeal, mostly for domestic and grey-import markets.
Stagea
High-performance wagon based on Skyline mechanicals; the 1997 Stagea combined practical estate bodywork with straight‑six engines and performance versions, targeting buyers wanting sportiness with family utility in Japan.
Cefiro
Mid-size executive sedan often offered with V6 engines for smoother power delivery; 1997 Cefiro was marketed as a comfortable, well-equipped alternative to European rivals in Asian and Australasian markets.
Laurel
Mid-size near-luxury sedan for the Japanese domestic market; the 1997 Laurel emphasized comfort, rear‑seat space, and refined engines, appealing to buyers seeking quiet, premium transport without limousine pricing.
Silvia
Two-door sports coupe focused on handling and tuning potential; in 1997 Silvia variants offered naturally aspirated and turbo SR20 engines, making them popular with enthusiasts and motorsport fans in Japan and export markets.
300ZX
High-performance sports coupe; while U.S. sales had waned, 300ZX continued in production in 1997 in Japan and select markets, notable for its advanced V6 engines and driver-focused chassis.
Patrol
Large rugged 4×4 built for heavy use and off-road duty; the 1997 Patrol was a workhorse in tough markets, offered with durable diesels and larger petrol engines for towing and commercial roles.
Pathfinder
Midsize body-on-frame SUV introduced mid-1990s; the 1997 Pathfinder combined truck-like durability with family-friendly interiors, available with a 3.3L V6 and four-wheel-drive layouts for recreation and utility.
Terrano
Compact-to-midsize off‑road SUV (Terrano/Terrano II in some markets); 1997 models were marketed for durability and basic off-road capability, popular in Europe and Australia with diesel engine choices.
Caravan
Long-running light commercial van with passenger variants; the 1997 Nissan Caravan served as a workhorse and people-mover across Asia and Oceania, available in multiple lengths and interior layouts.
Serena
Compact multi-purpose vehicle focused on family transport; the 1997 Serena offered sliding doors, flexible seating, and practical packaging aimed at buyers needing passenger space rather than performance.
Vanette
Small van/compact commercial vehicle offered in passenger and cargo forms; in 1997 Vanette models were practical low-cost transport for small businesses and family duty in tight urban environments.
Pickup (Hardbody)
Narrow-cab compact pickup sold as Nissan Hardbody in North America; the 1997 model was known for toughness and simple mechanics, popular with tradespeople and light-duty hauling tasks.
Navara/Frontier
Global compact/midsize pickup line introduced with the D22 platform around 1997 in many markets; marketed under Navara or Frontier names, it offered modern chassis and diesel options for work and recreation.
Avenir
Practical midsize wagon sold mainly in Japan; the 1997 Avenir offered roomy cargo space and family-oriented features, often chosen by buyers wanting car-like handling with estate-style utility.
Cedric/Gloria
Large executive sedans for the Japanese market, the 1997 Cedric and Gloria models emphasized rear-seat comfort, refined engines, and traditional luxury appointments for corporate and taxi use.
