1988 Nissan Stanza GXE 2.0 Liter I-4

Summary:

Comfortable, reliable runner

Faults:

Over time, the electric window mechanisms have broken, but I was able to repair them rather than replacing them.

The transmission finally went out at 269,000 miles, but I had it rebuilt and it continues to run fine.

Replaced water pump one time (at 239,000 miles) and the timing belt twice.

Rust is finally becoming an issue here in northern Illinois, but a little mud and paint will make it look better this summer.

General Comments:

I drive this car 90 miles per day at interstate speeds, and it rides like it is floating on whipped cream.

The engine is strong and has never been opened up. Just change the oil religiously at 3,000 miles (with a can of GUNK engine flush every time) and this engine will last forever. It doesn't leak a drop of oil, and now (at 313,000 miles) burns about one-half of a quart between oil changes.

Interior remains almost perfect, and seats are comfortable with more than adequate headroom.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th March, 2003

1988 Nissan Stanza GXE Sedan 2.0 L

Summary:

A good bargain that is often overlooked

Faults:

* Clutch replacement

* New fuel pump (the original was still in there after 165k)

* Factory tape deck died, but I wanted a CD player anyway

* AC failed due to a leak, haven't bothered to fix it

* Typical old car rattles and squeaks

General Comments:

It's a great little car. It's closing in on 200k and going strong, I don't see why it won't make it to 300k. Despite having a 97HP 4 cylinder, it performs quite nicely with the manual transmission, and it is fun to drive.

The ride isn't bad, though, and I find the seats to be comfortable in the front and the back. There is enough room for me, at 6' 5", which I can't say for many other smaller cars.

I get great fuel economy, usually about 27mpg in the summer, and 22mpg in the Minnesota winters. In the winter is always starts right up, and gets warm pretty quick, though on the cold days you have to let it warm up or it's too stiff to shift (plus you should let cars warm up anyway).

The winters have taken it's toll on the body, which is rusting in various places. The rear passenger door and driver's door seem to rust the worst on most Stanzas I have seen, though I don't know why. Despite the rust it still looks good, especially considering the miles.

The only thing I can't figure out is why Nissan didn't sell very many Stanza's. I think it's a much better car than the Honda Accord 4 cylinder, which (if you ask me) is built and handles like a cheesy economy car. I'd say it is a lot more like a 4 cylinder version of it's cousin, the V6 Maxima, and very much like the late 80's 4 cylinder Toyota Camry.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st May, 2001

1988 Nissan Stanza E 2.0 gas

Summary:

A great economy commuter!

Faults:

- Timing belt replaced.

- Valve cover gasket replaced.

- Various squeaks and rattles.

General Comments:

So far, this is a great car. The ride is a little punishing if you're used to cushy American cars, but new struts would probably help.

This car handles like a dream! The engine gives plenty of power, and the handling is very flat. It will easily drift through high-speed turns.

Only driveability complaints are the cruising speed (can't cruise comfortably over 80) and the ubiquitous Nissan passenger door rattle.

This car averages 27-28 mpg consistently, regardless of driving style.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th April, 2001

7th Apr 2001, 11:10

I have found the car to work very well. It is very old and I drive it about 150km every day. The only complaint I have is it does take the bumps rather hard. I find overall though it is a very tough car. Interesting to note that everyone mentions the passenger door being noisy. I thought It was just me.

27th Apr 2006, 18:39

My late mother said of her 1988 Nissan Stanza, that it was the best car she'd ever owned. A hard city driver who rode the brakes and punched the throttle, she maintained her vehicle faithfully.

With a new battery the car immediately started after sitting for approx. four years in my garage and after filling the remaining 1/2 tank with 91 octain fuel in order to offset four year old 'stale' gasoline, I drove it immediatley to a nearby California State 'Test Only' Smog check location where it passed thus completing the last requirement needed, besides the fees, to legally register the vehicle.

I was advised to replace all four struts by my friend, and mechanic, who also test drove this car at highway speeds that briefly reached 90 mph (kids, don't try this at home). Because of the high speed combined with the softness of the suspension, the Stanza swerved visibly. A timing belt and two thermostatic fan sensors were replaced and a needed oil change was performed.

The car runs well within legal limits with a bid that has been placed upon it by a Florida couple for the wife's mother.

If this purchase does not reach fruition the car will remain with us as a 3rd vehicle for our family and may be passed on to our 17 year old son.

Finally, I've felt a noticeable degree of integrity and quality control went into the production of the 1988 Nissan Stanza as it was assembled in Japan. We own 2 other Nissan cars and my brother-in-law drives a 'trouble free' 1995 Nissan Maxima that was also built in Japan.