1991-1993 Nissan NX: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1991-1993 Nissan NX and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Steering/handling
- Acceleration (NX 2000)
Cons
- High trunk liftover
- Noise
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Twin Nissan subcompact sports coupes debuted during 1991, replacing the Pulsar NX. Built on the same front-drive chassis as the Sentra sedan, they came only in a 2-door hatchback body style. Two engines were available. The NX 2000 carried a 140-horsepower, twin-cam 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, also found in the sporty Sentra SE-R and the Infiniti G20 sedan. The NX 1600 borrowed the Sentra's 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter four. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, with 4-speed automatic optional on both models. In addition to a larger engine, the NX 2000 got a firmer sport suspension, bigger wheels and tires, rear disc brakes, and a viscous limited-slip differential. A rear spoiler and fog lights were standard, rather than optional as on the NX 1600. A T-bar roof was optional only on the NX 2000. Antilock braking was available only on the manual-shift NX 2000, but both models had a driver-side airbag.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan NX 1600/2000 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| 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 1991-1993 Nissan NX. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-1993 Nissan NX.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Nissan NX 1600/2000:
A new Power Package option for 1992 featured electric windows and door locks, as well as cruise control. The T-bar roof was now optional on both models.
1993 Nissan NX 1600/2000:
A T-bar roof became standard on the top-line version of Nissan's sporty front-drive coupe. Otherwise, changes were few in what would be the model's final season on the market.
Our road test for the 1991-1993 Nissan NX includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-1993 Nissan NX and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-1993 Nissan NX is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Regardless of model, Nissan's NX hatchback coupes offers sporty appearance, sound ergonomics, a driver's airbag, and the promise of frugal fuel economy. Performance, as expected, varies with the engine and transmission. Rivals to the NX 1600 include the Toyota Paseo, as well as base versions of the Geo Storm, Hyundai Scoupe, Mazda MX-3, and Mitsubishi Eclipse/Plymouth Laser. With its stronger engine, the NX 2000 is a close performance match for Honda's Civic del Sol, likely to please enthusiast drivers. Neither NX has much punch below 3500 rpm or so, and even the NX 2000 is taxed with an automatic transmission, demanding a lot of throttle-to-the-floor driving in urban traffic. Though eager to rev, the 2.0-liter sounds "busy" turning 2900 rpm at 60 mph. For decent around-town pickup and safe merging onto fast-moving expressways, especially with the 1600 engine, the easy-shifting manual is a better choice. A stick-shift NX 1600 will whip around town and merge/pass with little drama. Gas mileage is a bonus. We averaged 27.5 mpg in city/highway driving with a new 5-speed NX 2000. Optional antilock braking on that model stopped the coupe with good control. Overall noise levels are high, but handling is as nimble as the car's light weight and small size suggest. Skinnier tires and a softer suspension ensure that the NX 1600 can't match its higher-powered mate's grip in turns, nor in its playful, responsive feel. Ride quality with the NX 1600 is above average for its class, and the NX 2000 doesn't sacrifice an undue amount of comfort to handling prowess. Well-shaped bucket seats embrace the driver, who faces an array of simple gauges and controls. However, the low seating position isn't so great for outward visibility. Even 6-footers have good leg room and adequate head room up front. Like nearly every small sports coupe, the NX rear seat is toddler-tiny. Still, that back seat can be folded to create fine luggage space, though a high rear sill hampers getting to it. Even with its T-top removed, the NX feels solid.
Value for the Money
Not a strong seller, especially in its final seasons, the NX delivers a measure of sporty behavior for relatively few dollars. Best value is the NX 2000, which promises more spirited performance, especially if equipped with antilock braking.
Not a strong seller, especially in its final seasons, the NX delivers a measure of sporty behavior for relatively few dollars. Best value is the NX 2000, which promises more spirited performance, especially if equipped with antilock braking.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan NX 1600/2000 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| 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 NX 1600/2000 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan NX 1600/2000 .
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.
Brakes:
On models without antilock brakes, the brake pedal may feel soft or spongy because of a problem with the power-brake booster. (1991-92)
Fuel gauge:
The fuel gauge is inaccurate (not reading full when full, reading empty when 8-9 gallons are left, etc.) requiring the sending unit to be replaced. (1991-93)
None:
Cam lobe wear was common on the NX-2000. (1991)
Timing belt:
The timing-chain guides break on the GA16 engine and a revised guide is available for service. (1991-93)
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 | $505 |
| Alternator | $350 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $820 |
| Brakes | $270 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $410 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,150 |
| Exhaust System | $380 |
| Radiator | $415 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $900 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $155 |
Our price chart for this generation Nissan NX 1600/2000 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1993 | |||
| NX 1600 | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| NX 2000 | $1,400-1,700 | $900-1,100 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| NX 1600 | $1,100-1,400 | $700-800 | $100 |
| NX 2000 | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| NX 1600 | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| NX 2000 | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
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 NX 1600/2000 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 95.7 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 162.4 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.1 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.4 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2350 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.9 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.3 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.2 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 25.7 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Model suffixes denote approximate engine size, in cubic centimeters. A 1.6-liter, 110-horsepower 4-cylinder engine went into the NX 1600, while the NX 2000 got a 2.0-liter four that made 140 horsepower. Either model could have a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 110 | 108 | 5-speed manual: 28/38 4-speed automatic: 27/36 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 140 | 130 | 5-speed manual: 23/30 4-speed automatic: 22/29 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
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 NX 1600/2000 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.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 1991-1993 Nissan NX directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991-92 NX 1600/2000:
In hot weather, plastic welds securing release button to spring in rear-seatbelt buckles can fail, resulting in partial engagement of tongue in buckle, or inability to latch seatbelt.
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