1990-1992 Nissan Stanza: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1992 Nissan Stanza and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Handling/roadholding
- Visibility
- Optional antilock brakes
Cons
- Rear-seat room
- Noise
Vehicle Highlights
The final generation of Nissan's front-drive compact sedan got a big boost under the hood, as part of its 1990 redesign. A 138-horsepower, 2.4-liter four replaced the former 2.0-liter engine. Wheelbase was unchanged at 100.4 inches, but the sedan wore a more rounded profile and measured 2.1 inches longer overall than the square-rigged 1987-89 Stanza. Base XE and upscale GXE models were available, with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Front-disc/rear-drum brakes were standard, but the GXE could be ordered with an all-disc brake package that included an antilock braking system.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan Stanza SE automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1992 Nissan Stanza. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1992 Nissan Stanza.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Nissan Stanza:
Only one change was evident on the 1991 Stanza: Power mirrors became standard on the base XE model.
1992 Nissan Stanza:
A sporty SE model joined the Stanza lineup for 1992. Offering most of the features of the luxury-oriented GXE, the SE added a blackout grille, rear spoiler, fog lights, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob. Stanza was replaced by a brand-new Altima sedan for '93.
Our road test for the 1990-1992 Nissan Stanza includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1992 Nissan Stanza and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1992 Nissan Stanza is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Standing-start acceleration ranks as average, but competitive. A 1990 GXE with automatic took 10.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. But ample low-speed power yields brisk takeoffs, and the 4-cylinder mates well to the responsive, smooth-shifting transmission, which always seems to be in the correct gear. The big payoff with this engine, however, is swifter, safer passing in the 30-50 mph range. Unfortunately, the engine gets quite raucous under hard throttle. Add constant road noise and suspension thump, and a Stanza grows annoyingly loud. Some find it to be a rough-riding compact as well, though the taut suspension helps handling and high-speed stability. Road manners, in fact, are sportier than most compact sedans. Stanza has firm, responsive steering, nimble handling, and impressive cornering grip, even on wet roads. Essentially a 4-seat automobile, the Stanza will hold five, but it's a stretch. Cargo space comes to 14 cubic feet, but rear seats do not fold down. The modern dashboard has analog gauges with clear white markings on a flat black background. All controls are close by and easy to operate.
Value for the Money
Stanza's not as big inside as some competitors, such as the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, and Dodge Spirit/Plymouth Acclaim. Lack of a V6 engine also was considered a drawback.
Stanza's not as big inside as some competitors, such as the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, and Dodge Spirit/Plymouth Acclaim. Lack of a V6 engine also was considered a drawback.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan Stanza SE automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Nissan Stanza includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan Stanza .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Engine misfire:
Rough running, poor fuel economy, or poor power may be caused by clogged intake manifold runners allowing excessive EGR flow to some cylinders. (1990-92)
Engine stalling:
Contaminated transmission fluid causes the torque-converter clutch to stay engaged, which causes stalling when slowing to a stop. (1991)
Paint/body:
The rear fenders tend to rust out in the area of the fuel-filler door. (1990-92)
Vehicle shake:
Cars with a manual transmission my shake or vibrate as the clutch is engaged due to a problem with the clutch-release lever, while a bad transmission front bearing results in a growling noise. (1990-92)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $675 |
| Alternator | $230 |
| Brakes | $290 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $365 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,410 |
| Exhaust System | $325 |
| Radiator | $410 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $820 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $355 |
Our price chart for this generation Nissan Stanza details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1992 | |||
| Stanza | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Stanza | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Stanza | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Nissan Stanza include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 100.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 179.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2788 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.4 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.6 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.8 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.6 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Stanzas got the new 2.4-liter overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine, which produced 44 more horsepower than the engine that powered 1987-89 Stanzas. Either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic might be installed.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.4 / 146 | 138 | 148 | 5-speed manual: 22/29 4-speed automatic: 21/27 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 21.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Nissan Stanza include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1992 Stanza |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1992 Nissan Stanza directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-92:
In cars registered in specified states, mud/sand mixture could become trapped between fuel-filler tube and wheel housing; corrosion could result in fuel leakage.
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