1997 Nissan Hardbody Pickup LX 2.4L from North America

Faults:

Front brake caliper piston frozen/looks like it sat for a long time.

Engine light comes on for air cleaner temp sensor. Is a wiring problem.

Has rust holes in corners of the bed.

Runs rough compared to other 4 cylinders I have owned.

Gas mileage is 19 combined.

Brake lines rusted through, leaving me no brakes.

This truck is a rough ride on bumpy roads. You will be slowing down to compensate.

This would make excellent second transportation, and it's not very good on the highway; it is too buzzy and jumpy.

My 97 Toyota 2.2 LE sedan outperforms this truck in all areas by a wide margin. The truck has 75k miles, and the Camry has 120k miles.

Thanks, Dino.

General Comments:

This truck has very poor on on ramp performance; the rear end kicks out real easy. Extra weight helps, but is not a cure.

Handling has a rubbery feel.

This is a low mileage truck with Michelin tires.

This truck is a good looking EXT cab.

Steering is light, and it drives nice, no major problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th December, 2009

1997 Nissan Hardbody Pickup XE 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Great truck with rust being its only real problem

Faults:

Wiring harness at 44,000 - bulletin out on it.

Clutch at 98,000.

Body rusting at 100,000.

Bumpers rusting at 100,000.

General Comments:

Great reliable vehicle that endures all sorts of punishment, but can be difficult to diagnose problems that do arise, especially electrical.

Gets around 16 miles per gallon city with the 4 cylinder motor, and is a bit lacking in power.

Goes like a tractor in mud and snow.

Spark plugs and wires last 70,000 miles, as long as you use NGK brand.

Definitely use Nissan parts where possible, especially with brakes.

Would keep indefinitely if the body would hold up. Rust is an issue around the wheel wells, especially in the Northeast.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2009

1997 Nissan Hardbody Pickup XE 2.4 litre from North America

Summary:

It is a respectable little truck

Faults:

When we got the truck, It had a laundry list of problems. We chased the check engine light problem... After replacing the Coil, distributor cap and a tune-up, an oxygen sensor and taking the truck on a long highway trip (3 hours long each way) It began to run good.

There was an intermittent problem where the tachometer would read about 2000 rpm higher than it should normally read (although the actual rpm at the time was normal). This problem went away after replacing the oxygen sensor... (very odd)

Low pressure a/c hose had a leak at the bend (was told this was normal for this model)

General Comments:

After working the bugs out... It is a good solid truck with no rattles or squeaks. Runs real smooth and is quiet. I am hoping this will last for a long time - based on the usual Japanese quality. The only drawback is the gas mileage... averaging about 17 mpg... I guess it is because it is a 4x4...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th November, 2008

1997 Nissan Hardbody Pickup Basic TD 27 diesel from Mauritius

Summary:

Could be cheaper, as far as value for money is concerned

Faults:

The linings on the lower part of the windows(on all 4 doors) have started rusting, in spite of the rubber sheath.

Lower ball joints have to be replaced every 15000Km or so.

Front disc brakes assembly freezes because a small piston gets rusted, probably due to water penetrating into the cylinder. Rubber dust cap gets out by itself.

General Comments:

Engine-wise it's very reliable and powerful.

Consumption is moderate.

Catches noises easily, due to the custom made back.

Back seat is too straight.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd November, 2008

26th Oct 2012, 13:28

I sure wish we could get a small turbo diesel pickup in the United States.

1997 Nissan Hardbody Pickup xe, shortbed 2.4 gas from North America

Summary:

One word-enduring

Faults:

When I bought it, it had an idle problem, fixed free under warranty.

Clutch at 125k

At 150k the alternator went bad. my fault the power steering was leaking onto it, and I did not get that fixed until...

Powersteering leak, turned out to be a loose hose (crap).

Clutch at 250k

Front rotors wore out at 285k

Starter went at 298k

Timing chain slap at 325k repaired at 332,069.

General Comments:

This truck has paid for itself 5 fold. All I do is maintain it like it was my religion.

It handles equally beautiful on the highway or the back-roads.

25 mpg, is as constant as the sun.

In the 297,000 miles that I have driven this truck, the closest thing to leaving me stranded was having to push start it when the starter went out. period.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th December, 2007