The 1997 Nissan Maxima sits in the era when the Maxima had matured into a roomy, driver-focused sedan with a strong reputation for combining everyday comfort with a more athletic feel than many midsize four-doors of its time. Tire choice on this car starts with identifying the exact trim, because the GLE and GXE use 205/65R15 radials while the SE moves to 215/55R16 radials. That split also changes wheel diameter, not just section width and profile. Available choices include traditional blackwall performance styling as well as redline and wide whitewall treatments, so the right selection depends on whether the goal is stock-type road use, a custom look, or careful trim-specific replacement.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1997 Nissan Maxima
The 1997 Nissan Maxima uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct choice depends on the specific sub-model and wheel diameter. GLE and GXE models use a 15-inch setup with 205/65R15 tires, while the SE uses a 16-inch setup with 215/55R16 tires. Before choosing a tire, confirm the trim and the actual wheel on the car, especially if it has ever been updated or modified.
205/65R15 is a metric radial size in which 205 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1997 Nissan Maxima, this size belongs to the 15-inch-wheel fitment used on GLE and GXE models. Available choices in this size include BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial options with redline or wide whitewall sidewall styling. This size is the right place to focus if the car retains its original 15-inch wheel setup and the goal is to match that trim-specific fitment with the appearance you want.
215/55R16 is a metric radial size with a 215-millimeter nominal section width, a 55-series profile, radial construction, and a 16-inch wheel diameter. On the 1997 Nissan Maxima, this size applies to the SE, where the lower-profile 16-inch fitment supports that model's distinct wheel package. Product choices include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall presentations from BFGoodrich and American Classic across different tire series. This is the size to evaluate when the car is an SE or when a 16-inch wheel is already in place and trim-specific replacement is the priority.
Trim level matters on the 1997 Nissan Maxima because tire fitment is not the same across the range. The GLE and GXE share one size, while the SE uses a different tire and wheel diameter, so identifying the exact sub-model is the first step before comparing products.
1
1997 Nissan Maxima GLE
The 1997 Nissan Maxima GLE uses the 205/65R15 radial fitment on a 15-inch wheel. That keeps tire selection centered on matching the correct metric size first, then deciding between available sidewall treatments such as redline or wide whitewall.
The 1997 Nissan Maxima GXE also uses the 205/65R15 radial size on a 15-inch rim. Because it shares fitment with the GLE, the main choice becomes the tire's appearance and product style rather than sorting through multiple primary sizes.
The 1997 Nissan Maxima SE uses a 215/55R16 radial on a 16-inch wheel, separating it from the GLE and GXE fitment. That means tire selection should start with wheel confirmation, then move to the available blackwall, redline, or wide whitewall options in the correct size.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1997 Nissan Maxima Tires for Sale
Available 1997 Nissan Maxima tires span both primary sizes, with BFGoodrich and American Classic offerings across Silvertown Radial, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and Asymmetrical Tread series. Sidewall choices include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall, giving both trim-correct and custom-appearance options.
Showing 5 of 5
Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2 Inch Whitewall | 205/65R15
These FAQs focus on the trim-specific tire sizes used on the 1997 Nissan Maxima, along with wheel diameter, radial fitment, sidewall choices, product selection, and the checks that matter before putting a car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1997 Nissan Maxima?
A 1997 Nissan Maxima uses either 205/65R15 or 215/55R16, depending on the sub-model. The GLE and GXE use 205/65R15 radials, while the SE uses 215/55R16 radials. Both are modern metric radial sizes, but they are tied to different wheel diameters and should not be treated as the same fitment.
The first thing to confirm is whether the car is a GLE, GXE, or SE and whether it still has the correct wheel diameter for that trim. Many older sedans have had wheel swaps over time, so checking the tire sidewall and the actual rim before ordering helps avoid choosing the right size for the wrong wheel.
What size rim does a 1997 Nissan Maxima use?
The 1997 Nissan Maxima uses either a 15-inch or 16-inch rim, depending on trim. GLE and GXE models use the 205/65R15 size on a 15-inch rim, while the SE uses 215/55R16 on a 16-inch rim. The rim diameter is built into the tire size itself in the final number after the R.
Wheel diameter should be verified before comparing tire options because a 15-inch tire cannot be mounted on a 16-inch rim, and the reverse is also true. If the car has aftermarket wheels, inspect the wheel markings or measure carefully so the selected tire matches the wheel already on the vehicle.
Do all 1997 Nissan Maxima sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1997 Nissan Maxima GLE and GXE share the 205/65R15 radial size, but the SE uses 215/55R16. That means tire fitment varies by sub-model, and the difference includes both tire size and wheel diameter. The SE is not simply using a different brand or sidewall treatment within the same size family.
That distinction matters because product choice starts only after the trim-specific size is confirmed. A GLE or GXE owner can focus on 15-inch options in 205/65R15, while an SE owner needs to stay within 16-inch 215/55R16 offerings. If the trim badge is missing or the car has been altered, checking the existing wheel and tire is the safest next step.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 205/65R15 tire for a 1997 Nissan Maxima?
Start by confirming that the car is a 1997 Nissan Maxima GLE or GXE with a 15-inch wheel, since 205/65R15 is the trim-specific fitment for those models. From there, the main choices are sidewall appearance and product style, with BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial options available in redline and wide whitewall form.
Beyond size, compare the wheel-width compatibility and the tire's intended look on the car. A restoration-minded owner may want a more traditional presentation, while a custom build may lean toward a stronger sidewall accent. Matching the correct size first, then choosing the appearance that suits the car's character, usually leads to the best result.
What sidewall styles are available for 1997 Nissan Maxima tires?
Available sidewall styles for 1997 Nissan Maxima tires include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall, depending on the size. The 205/65R15 fitment is offered with redline and wide whitewall styling, while 215/55R16 options include blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall choices. That gives the Maxima a wider appearance range than many late-1990s sedans.
Sidewall style does not change the required tire size, but it does change how the car presents visually. A blackwall generally keeps a more understated or performance-oriented look, while redline and wide whitewall choices create a more customized or nostalgic appearance. Select the sidewall treatment after confirming the trim-specific size and the wheel diameter already on the car.
What brands offer tires for the 1997 Nissan Maxima?
Tires for the 1997 Nissan Maxima are available from BFGoodrich and American Classic in the supported sizes. BFGoodrich appears in both the 205/65R15 and 215/55R16 fitments, while American Classic is available in 215/55R16. The available series include Silvertown Radial, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and Asymmetrical Tread.
Brand choice should be considered alongside size, series, and sidewall style rather than as a stand-alone decision. A buyer looking for a more traditional sidewall presentation may focus on redline or wide whitewall offerings, while a blackwall performance-style option points in a different direction. The correct approach is to narrow the fitment first, then compare the character of the available products.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1997 Nissan Maxima?
A period-style 1997 Nissan Maxima tire choice starts with the correct trim-specific size: 205/65R15 for GLE and GXE, or 215/55R16 for SE. From there, the most appearance-driven options are the redline and wide whitewall radials available in those sizes. Those choices can give the car a more distinctive late-classic custom presentation without changing the basic fitment approach.
The key is to separate period-style appearance from exact originality. If the goal is simply to capture a certain era feel, sidewall treatment becomes the main visual decision once the proper size is confirmed. If exact restoration accuracy matters, compare the car against original sales literature, marque references, or other vehicle-specific historical sources before settling on a sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1997 Nissan Maxima?
On the 1997 Nissan Maxima, the primary fitments are radial tires, so construction change is not the main visual issue the way it can be on much older vehicles. Appearance is shaped more by the tire's size, profile, and sidewall treatment, with blackwall, redline, and wide whitewall options creating very different looks on the same car.
That means a restoration or custom-oriented owner should think first about whether the car is being presented as a stock-style late-1990s sedan or as a personalized build. Keeping the correct trim-specific size preserves the basic stance of the car, while the sidewall style does most of the visual work in changing how formal, sporty, or nostalgic the finished Maxima appears.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1997 Nissan Maxima?
Yes. Modifications can change tire fitment on a 1997 Nissan Maxima even when the original trim-specific size is known. Aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, altered ride height, or body modifications can all affect whether 205/65R15 or 215/55R16 remains the right practical choice for the car as it sits today.
A modified Maxima should be checked for actual wheel diameter and width, plus steering and fender clearance at full lock and full suspension movement. Even a correct-looking size can create issues if the wheel setup has changed. Inspecting the car as equipped now is more useful than assuming it still matches its original GLE, GXE, or SE configuration.
What should I inspect before driving a 1997 Nissan Maxima on new tires?
Before driving a 1997 Nissan Maxima on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the car's trim and rim diameter, and make sure inflation is set appropriately for the tire in use. It is also wise to check for obvious suspension or alignment issues that may have contributed to wear on the previous tires.
A short, careful road test can reveal vibration, pulling, rubbing, or other signs that the setup needs attention. Older vehicles may also have worn bushings, tired shocks, or bent wheels that only become noticeable after fresh tires are installed. Catching those issues early helps the new tires wear evenly and keeps the car more stable in regular road use.
How should tires on a collector 1997 Nissan Maxima be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1997 Nissan Maxima should be maintained with regular pressure checks, visual inspections, and attention to age as well as tread depth. Even a low-mile car can develop sidewall cracking, flat-spotting, or air loss if it sits for long periods. That is especially important on cars kept more for preservation than daily driving.
Storage conditions matter almost as much as mileage. Keeping the car away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone sources can help preserve tire condition over time. It also helps to move the vehicle periodically and inspect for cuts, bulges, or uneven wear before returning it to service, particularly before a highway drive or seasonal outing.
