1997 Nissan Hardbody Pickup XE 2.4L 4 cylinder

Summary:

Almost too reliable to be true

Faults:

Check engine light came on at about 40,000 miles.

However there is nothing I can detect that is wrong with the engine.

General Comments:

I have owned 9 cars before this one and this is by far the best and most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

It has never been in the shop for any reason.

Nothing has ever gone wrong mechanically or electronically, except for the little "check engine" light.

The clutch still has close to minimum play.

There has never been a leak of any kind from this truck.

The ride and suspension seem, to me, to be just like when I first bought it.

I have always used Pennzoil 10w-30 and Purolator filters.

Great vehicle for $10,350 brand new.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th July, 2004

1997 Nissan Hardbody Pickup XE 2.4 Litre 4-Cyclinder

Summary:

Very well bulit and design for a foreign car

Faults:

Power Steering Gearbox leaked

Starter went bad because it was the original and was worn out.

Oil leak in the pan

Tailgate handle broken

Check engine light stays on, but can't find a problem.

General Comments:

Despite the small problems with the truck, it was very realiable and gets really good gas mileages especially with the way prices are now.

The truck makes for a good race car on a drag strip. Very consistent and has helped me won 4 races already.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd July, 2004

1997 Nissan Hardbody Pickup XE Ext. Cab 4x4 4 cylinder.

Summary:

The best compact pickups made!!! (Well, Toyotas are OK, too.)

Faults:

Nothing really... just minor stuff, but what do you expect when you put almost 50K miles on any truck in less than 2 years!! Overall, I love this truck... my second Nissan truck, and most likely not the last. Unfortunately, the clutch is whining very bad, and will need to be replaced soon. I recently purchased a 94 VW Jetta, strictly so I could lower the amount of miles that I put on my truck! This is a great truck. My first Nissan was still running great with 200,000 miles until I wrecked it (hey, it was my first car). I am sure this Nissan will be around just as long!

General Comments:

Only drawback, not very good gas mileage for a 4-cyl.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th July, 2004

1997 Nissan Hardbody Pickup XE 2.4

Summary:

Super value and performance

Faults:

Cab ceiling felt sagging after 110,000 miles.

General Comments:

Still have original clutch.

Hauled a 750cc Honda Nighthawk in the bed and pulled a 4x6 U-haul trailer over 1200 miles.

Transmission is in great shape.

Use Mobil 5W30 synthetic oil every 3000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th July, 2004

1997 Nissan Hardbody Pickup XE 2.4 Liter

Summary:

Great truck except for a bad manual transmission

Faults:

Only one problem so far... A bearing in the transmission went three days after I bought it at about 70,000 miles.

It will cost me $1,200 to fix.

General Comments:

I love the truck, but crap, the transmission should not need rebuilding at 79,000 miles. The suspension is a little bouncy. It drives great other than than that. The four cylinder engine provides adequate power. The engine revs very smooth and quick. The brakes feel great. The steering is very responsive. Overall, there isn't a much better truck out there except for maybe the Toyota which is comparable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th January, 2004

7th Mar 2009, 23:18

I've had five of them for good reason. Run my fleet (14 rigs soon to be ALL 97-) of ALL five and never have I had to touch the tranny...

Why again were you saying that???

25th May 2010, 11:51

I believe what the first person said, because I have 97 Nissan pick up and I've already repaired the trans, at 140,000K, and now with 173,000K on the truck, I've got the same problem. To buy a used or new transmission is expensive, so this will be my last Nissan pick up...

23rd Nov 2010, 18:53

This is a 4x4 4 cylinder 1997 XE. A bearing in my transmission went out and damaged my "flex plate" according to the mechanic. It is hard to get an aftermarket plate. Can't seem to find a picture of it to verify what the mechanic says. I was driving along when the gear shift popped out and I lost gears. Clutch is perfect. Fluid was pouring into the clutch and front of trans causing the slippage. Any technical comments? We have already pulled the trans. Seems like another small piece is missing but can't figure out what it would be. Yes, I have the manual.

23rd Feb 2012, 14:42

About 20,000 miles or so after I bought my new truck, I took it to get its oil changed (usually change it myself), but the guys in the shop happened to check the oil in the manual transmission and the differential. They had me come out and look at it, and it was some kind of thick gooey crud. I had them change both that day, and never again after that.

My truck just clicked over 195,000 miles, and I haven't had problem 1 with my transmission. Don't know what they were putting in for oil at the factory, but I'm sure it isn't contributing to the longevity of the transmission.