1990-1994 Nissan 240SX: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1994 Nissan 240SX and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Instruments/controls
- Steering/handling
- Acceleration (1991-94)
Cons
- Noise
- Cargo room
- Entry/exit
- Rear-seat room
- Ride (sport package)
Vehicle Highlights
Redesigned for 1989, Nissan's stylish, newly shaped sport coupe carried a 2.4-liter engine rather than the 2.0-liter four that had powered its 200SX predecessor. Still rear-wheel drive, it came in 2-door coupe (XE) and 2-door hatchback (SE Fastback) form. Horsepower for the 12-valve 4-cylinder engine rated an impressive 140. All-disc brakes were standard, with antilocking optional on the SE. Both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions were offered. XE coupes could get a heads-up instrument display, as part of the Power Convenience Group.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan 240SX SE 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 42 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1994 Nissan 240SX. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1994 Nissan 240SX.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Nissan 240SX:
A more potent twin-cam, 16-valve 4-cylinder engine arrived for 1991, as a new LE hatchback replaced the XE. Essentially the SE hatchback with leather upholstery and air conditioning, the LE was the highest-priced 240SX model. The lineup also included hatchbacks and notchbacks in base and SE trim. With new sequential fuel injection, the '91 engine developed 155 horsepower--15 more than before. All coupes got a new nose with an integrated bumper. Antilock braking, previously optional only on the SE hatchback, now could be installed on the LS.
1992 Nissan 240SX:
A convertible debuted during 1992 in "Limited Edition" trim with a rear spoiler, automatic transmission, and power top, windows, and door locks. Otherwise, changes were minimal except for eliminating available antilock braking on the LE model.
1993 Nissan 240SX:
Not much change marked the 1993 models, but the leather-upholstered LE hatchback was gone.
1994 Nissan 240SX:
An SE convertible was the sole body style offered for '94, unchanged except for a new "cherry red pearl" color choice.
Our road test for the 1990-1994 Nissan 240SX includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Nissan 240SX and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Nissan 240SX is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Drivers who prefer a rear-wheel-drive coupe will get a rewarding yet undemanding experience on twisting roads. Responsive steering and a taut suspension help tame demanding pavements. Even with its independent rear suspension, though, the 240SX suffers from a somewhat harsh ride. Still, it's compliant enough to avoid most discomfort; it takes quite a big bump to knock this coupe off course. Watch out for reduced traction in snow-belt areas, too. Early engine performance did not match the coupe's handling capabilities. Acceleration was strong enough at low engine speeds but fell a bit short at the high end, even with a 5-speed. The twin-cam engine introduced in 1991 is better, but still a little rough and rather loud. Torque is sufficient to move the car rather quickly with automatic transmission, though a 5-speed is needed to get the most out of the stronger 4-cylinder engine. Tire noise invades the interior via the open rear cargo area in the hatchback. The driver-oriented interior sports easy-to-read analog gauges and no-nonsense, mostly convenient controls. Seats offer support as well as comfort, though some road testers have found them to be overly firm. As in most sport coupes, rear leg room is nearly nonexistent, but the front seat is sufficiently spacious.
Value for the Money
Although the 240SX does not deliver quite all it promises, its capable engineering and eye-catching design are hard to resist. Still, we'd pick a Mitsubishi Eclipse or its Eagle Talon/Plymouth Laser cousins.
Although the 240SX does not deliver quite all it promises, its capable engineering and eye-catching design are hard to resist. Still, we'd pick a Mitsubishi Eclipse or its Eagle Talon/Plymouth Laser cousins.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan 240SX SE 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 42 |
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 240SX includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan 240SX .
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.
Doors:
The fuel-door catch breaks easily and the door will not stay closed. (1990-92)
Timing belt:
Timing-chain tensioner tends to fail, damaging the timing cover and allowing coolant to leak into the oil pan. (1990)
Transmission leak:
The pinion seal on the differential is prone to leaking. (1992)
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 | $280 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $665 |
| Brakes | $230 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $345 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $345 |
| Exhaust System | $180 |
| Radiator | $410 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $460 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $635 |
Our price chart for this generation Nissan 240SX details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
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| 1994 | |||
| Convertible | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| 1993 | |||
| 240SX | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Convertible | $2,100-2,700 | $1,500-1,900 | $400-500 |
| 1992 | |||
| 240SX | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Convertible | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1991 | |||
| 240SX | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| 240SX | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
|
|
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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 240SX include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door coupe | 2-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 97.4 | 97.4 | 97.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.0 | 178.0 | 178.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.5 | 66.5 | 66.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 50.8 | 50.8 | 50.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2800 | 2699 | 2730 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 8.6 | 8.6 | 14.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 | 15.9 | 15.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.3 | 37.8 | 37.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.0 | 42.0 | 42.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.5 | 34.5 | 33.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 25.4 | 23.8 | 23.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
For its first season only, the 240SX was equipped with a 140-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. For 1991, a new 2.4-liter four went under 240SX hoods, with dual overhead camshafts and a 155-horsepower rating. Any model might have either a 5-speed manual gearbox or optional 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.4 / 145 | 140 | 152 | 5-speed manual: 20/27 4-speed automatic: 20/25 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 22.2 |
| dohc I4 | 2.4 / 146 | 155 | 160 | 5-speed manual: 22/28 4-speed automatic: 21/26 |
5-speed manual: 24.8 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Nissan 240SX include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1993 240SX |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| 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%.
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