1990-1996 Nissan 300ZX: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Steering/handling
- Acceleration
Cons
- Cargo room
- Fuel economy
- Ride
- Noise
- Visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Nissan redesigned its rear-drive sports car for introduction in spring 1989, adding a turbocharged model that fall. Two curvaceous body styles were offered: a 2-passenger coupe, and a 2+2 coupe with a small back seat. A 222-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 was standard in all models except the 300ZX Turbo, which came only in 2-seater form. Equipped with twin turbochargers and twin intercoolers (one set for each cylinder bank), the four-cam, 24-valve 3.0-liter engine developed 300 horsepower with 5-speed manual shift, or 280 horsepower when fitted with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Automatic also was available with the less-powerful engine. Turbos had intercooler inlets in the front air dam, a rear spoiler, Z-rated tires, and super HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering) 4-wheel steering. That meant the rear wheels first turned slightly in the opposite direction from the front wheels, then in the same direction, to improve stability in fast lane-changes. Antilock braking was standard. Door-mounted front seatbelts could be left buckled, to deploy automatically. A T-top roof was standard on the Turbo model. Other 2-passenger coupes could have a fixed roof or the removable roof panels.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan 300ZX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1990-1996 Nissan 300ZX includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1996 Nissan 300ZX and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1996 Nissan 300ZX is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
For performance and image above all else, the well-assembled 300ZX is a fine choice--but at a high cost. Then again, its principal rivals--the Mazda RX-7, Mitsubishi 3000GT, and Toyota Supra--are not exactly cheap, either.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan 300ZX Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 8 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 2 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 8 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $730 |
| Alternator | $535 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,620 |
| Brakes | $350 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $450 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,400 |
| Exhaust System | $370 |
| Radiator | $400 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,300 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $340 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1996 | |||
| 300ZX Turbo, conv. | $7,900-9,000 | $7,100-8,100 | $4,000-4,600 |
| 300ZX coupe | $5,800-6,800 | $5,000-5,900 | $2,400-2,900 |
| 1995 | |||
| 300ZX Turbo, conv. | $6,800-7,800 | $6,100-6,900 | $3,200-3,700 |
| 300ZX coupe | $4,800-5,800 | $4,000-4,900 | $1,800-2,200 |
| 1994 | |||
| 300ZX Turbo, conv. | $5,800-6,800 | $5,000-5,900 | $2,400-2,900 |
| 300ZX coupe | $4,000-5,000 | $3,300-4,100 | $1,300-1,600 |
| 1993 | |||
| 300ZX Turbo, conv. | $5,000-6,000 | $4,300-5,100 | $2,000-2,400 |
| 300ZX coupe | $3,500-4,400 | $2,800-3,500 | $900-1,200 |
| 1992 | |||
| 300ZX | $3,100-4,000 | $2,400-3,100 | $700-1,000 |
| 300ZX Turbo | $4,300-5,100 | $3,600-4,200 | $1,500-1,700 |
| 1991 | |||
| 300ZX | $2,700-3,500 | $2,000-2,600 | $600-800 |
| 300ZX Turbo | $3,800-4,600 | $3,100-3,800 | $1,200-1,400 |
| 1990 | |||
| 300ZX | $2,400-3,800 | $1,700-2,700 | $500-800 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 96.5 | 96.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 169.5 | 169.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.5 | 70.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 49.5 | 48.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3446 | 3299 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 5.8 | 23.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.2 | 18.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.1 | 36.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.0 | 43.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 222 | 198 | 5-speed manual: 18/24 4-speed automatic: 18/23 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 280-300 | 283 | 5-speed manual: 18/24 4-speed automatic: 18/23 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1993 300ZX |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | -- |
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%.








