Used 1998 Nissan 200SX
Pros & Cons
- Reliable and economical transportation.
- Looks stodgy.
Other years
Edmunds' Expert Review
Vehicle overview
Enthusiasts have long lamented the loss of the econo-sport sedan that paved the way for cars like the Volkswagen GTI, the Dodge Omni GLH and the Ford Contour SE. That sedan was called the BMW 2002, and it blended performance with function, offering within its sedate three-box shape the ability to speed, undetected, past police who were looking for brightly colored, finned and spoilered muscle cars to yank over to the side of the road.
The BMW was affordable fun, and most of the souped-up hatchbacks that followed it never adhered to the basic formula that the Bimmer embraced: simplicity in style, with an emphasis on performance and the driving experience. Most of the pocket-rockets that followed the 2002 were painted in bright hues, with spoilers, ground effects and hood vents to give them the boy-racer look, which only attracted attention from speed enforcers.
Then along came Nissan, in the midst of a corporate change in philosophy that dictated that cars should be good looking and fun-to-drive. In 1991, Nissan gave us the 140-horsepower Nissan Sentra SE-R, a version of the Sentra coupe stuffed with a big four-cylinder engine, fat tires and a tweaked suspension. Discreet fog lights, a small rear spoiler and attractive alloy wheels were the only external clues that indicated this was more than a regular Sentra coupe. The press affectionately labeled it the modern-day BMW 2002.
Nissan replaced the Sentra coupe with the 200SX in 1995. Three versions are available, and all of them are more roomy and refined than the old Sentra coupe. Base and SE models are affordable, sporty runabouts, but our favorite continues to be the SE-R. This is a smoother car than the brash and scrappy model it replaced in 95, but we still find ourselves wishing for the earlier model's clean looks. Still, performance is its virtue, and it continues to possess the stealthy anonymity that made the Sentra SE-R so desirable.
Despite the rather dull styling and measly 115 horsepower engine, base and SE versions of the 200SX are more appealing than the coupe they replaced. Interiors are ergonomically correct, offering a fine driving position and room for four. SE models are well-trimmed, and can be equipped with antilock brakes, power sunroof and a rear spoiler. All models get exterior styling tweaks that help clean up the 200SX's somewhat dumpy image - our only real complaint about the car since its introduction.
We conducted an extensive road test of a 200SX SE-R this fall and walked away from the car very impressed. Its responsive handling, free-revving engine and tight build quality left several of our staff members wondering if it might make a perfect second car for their families. Some were smitten enough to contact Nissan directly about purchasing this press vehicle after its tour of duty. If that isn't the highest compliment we can pay, we don't know what is. The Nissan 200SX is a great car with a lot more personality than one would expect from its frumpy looks. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
1998 Highlights
Exterior enhancements include new headlights, taillights, front and rear bumpers and revised grille. Three new colors are available for 1998.
Scorecard
| Overall | undefined / 5 |
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 1998 Nissan 200SX.
Trending topics in reviews
- appearance
- reliability & manufacturing quality
- driving experience
- fuel efficiency
- handling & steering
- engine
- interior
- transmission
- comfort
- acceleration
- sound system
- spaciousness
- seats
- ride quality
- visibility
- maintenance & parts
- value
- lights
- climate control
- dashboard
- oil
- warranty
- cup holders
- steering wheel
- emission system
- doors
- wheels & tires
- electrical system
- brakes
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.875/5 stars, Still love my car after 11 years
CapsHockeyFan,
SE 2dr Coupe
I've been very happy with this car that looks just like the one pictured :) It's going strong after 11 years and 128,000 miles, with little maintenance. I have had some minor repairs done, but it beats having to buy a new car.
4.25/5 stars, Great car overall
my200sxowns,
SE 2dr Coupe
I've had this car for 2 years now and she's running fine so far. One of the obvious yet best things about this car is the gas mileage. When it comes to tuning, there aren't a ton of mods out there for it, but you can purchase mods for a 95-98 Sentra with the same engine size and type and it'll be fine. So far I've got a cold air intake, cat-back exhaust, and street springs. Performance was a little lackluster stock, but when modified... well, I'm left speechless. Great car and lightweight as well.
4.625/5 stars, Ten Years and still going strong!
Marty,
SE 2dr Coupe
I have 201,189 miles on my car. I replaced the computer chip, kind of expensive. But, overall just standard maintenance, tires, oil, brakes and 1 battery. Starts always! Not very fast, but once it gets up to speed, you can lock the cruise at 80 and go. Averages 36 mpg!! I think I will keep it until it falls apart, or 500,000 which ever comes first.
4/5 stars, An ackward looking sleeper.
Terrence Bunce,
SE-R 2dr Coupe
Quick 5 speed manual. OK MPG. Poor rear visibility.
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- N/A
- MPG & Fuel
- 25 City / 35 Hwy / 29 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 0 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 115 hp @ 6000 rpm
- Torque: 108 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- N/A
- Dimensions
- Length: 171.8 in. / Height: 54.2 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: N/A
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 66.6 in.
- Curb Weight: 2363 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 10.4 cu.ft.
Safety
FAQ
Is the Nissan 200SX a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 1998 200SX both on the road and at the track. You probably care about Nissan 200SX fuel economy, so it's important to know that the 200SX gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg to 29 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the 200SX has 10.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Nissan 200SX. Learn more
Is the Nissan 200SX reliable?
To determine whether the Nissan 200SX is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the 200SX. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the 200SX's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 1998 Nissan 200SX a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 1998 Nissan 200SX is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 1998 200SX is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 1998 Nissan 200SX?
The least-expensive 1998 Nissan 200SX is the 1998 Nissan 200SX 2dr Coupe. Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $0.
Other versions include:
What are the different models of Nissan 200SX?
If you're interested in the Nissan 200SX, the next question is, which 200SX model is right for you? 200SX variants include SE 2dr Coupe, SE-R 2dr Coupe, and 2dr Coupe. For a full list of 200SX models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more