Nissan 240SX is First Produced

The 240SX is a two-door compact car that was introduced to the North American market by Nissan in 1988 for the following model year. It replaced the outgoing 200SX (S12) model. All versions of the 240SX were equipped with the 2.4-liter inline 4 engine (KA24E from 1989–1990 and KA24DE from 1991–1998). Two distinct generations of the 240SX, the S13 (1989-1994) and the S14 (1995-1998), were produced based on the Nissan S platform. The 240SX is closely related to other S platform based vehicles, such as the Japanese-market Silvia and 180SX, and the European-market 200SX.

The first generation of the 240SX can be divided into two distinct variants: Zenki and Chūki. Each of these variants came in two distinct body styles: hatchback, which was offered in both base and SE trim, and coupe, which was offered in base, LE and SE trim levels. Both styles shared the same front bodywork as the Japanese-market Nissan 180SX, featuring the sloping front with retracting headlights. This bodywork distinguishes the coupe model from its Japanese-market counterpart, the Silvia, which featured fixed headlights. Both styles in all markets share the same chassis, and with few exceptions, most components and features are identical.

The Zenki (前期, lit. early period) or "Pig-Nose" was sold for model years 1989 and 1990. It was powered by a naturally aspirated 140 hp (105 kW) 2.4 liter SOHC KA24E engine with 3 valves per cylinder instead of the turbo-charged and intercooled 1.8-liter DOHC I4 CA18DET offered in Japan and Europe during these years. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard, with antilock brakes available as an option on the SE. Both models were offered with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. "Coupes" offered a Head-Up Display (HUD) with a digital speedometer as part of the optional Power Convenience Group. It shared the same chassis as a z32.

The Chūki (中期, lit. middle period) or "Shark-Nose" was available from model years 1991 to 1994. This gave the ...

Nissan calls it the 240SX.
Better you should refer to it as the baby Z.

Nissan dumped the 200SX designation-along with the car-and came up with the all new 240SX for 1989.

The subcompact SX coupe was resized, restyled and renamed the 240, with the number referring to the 2.4-liter, 12-valve, 140-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine. Psychologically, the 240 designation was used to associate the new car with the original 240Z sports model that proved to be so successful for the Japanese automaker.

That 240Z has evolved into the 300ZX, which also was resized, restyled and re-energized for 1989.

The old 200SX looked sporty but didn`t act it. The 240SX looks and acts like a performance machine. Somewhat a 300ZX in miniature.

The 240SX comes in two versions, the SE fastback (Autos, Oct. 18, 1988) with sharply slanted roof line and the XE notchback with a stand-up formal roof line. We test drove the XE.

In either body style, the 240SX is an attention-grabber. Up front, body- colored wraparound bumpers, concealed headlamps and an air dam provide a clean, crisp but powerful look. In back, the slightly raised, slightly rounded deck also sports body-colored wraparound bumpers.

The 2.4-liter 4 is lively, and one reason the SX performs very Z like. A five-speed manual is standard, a four-speed automatic with overdrive controlled by a push button on the gear lever is optional. Our test car was equipped with automatic, a quiet unit didn`t seem to rob the 2.4 of its pep.

Where the 240 stands out is in ride and handling. Lots of cars look sporty, few have the road manners of the 240SX. It hugs the pavement without wavering in or out of a tight corner or turn. The 15-inch, all-season, steel- belted radial tires grip the pavement. Four-wheel, fully independent suspension and front and rear stabilizer bars smooth rough spots.

The power steering requires very little effort. Turn the wheel, and the car responds quickly and accurately. The driver is in control, no...

For automakers, the entry-level sport coupe market has always been tough going. Technology and performance enhancements change rapidly and enthusiast drivers can hardly be counted on to be loyal to a brand. The 1990s were a particularly dynamic time, as many Japanese automakers began to enter the market. It helped to have an edge, though, and the Nissan 240SX came to market with perhaps the most substantial edge of all: rear-wheel drive.

At the time, most of the Japanese entry-level sport coupes were front-wheel drive. While this layout offers many practical benefits, it is inferior to rear-drive in terms of maximum performance potential. While it's hard to say exactly how directly Nissan's choice of drivetrain helped sales, it sure helped the car deliver on its promise of entertainment. Early reviews praised the 240SX's sharp and balanced handling and made more than a few comparisons to the Porsche 944.

The Nissan 240SX was also composed and comfortable on the road thanks to Nissan's then-new multilink rear suspension -- an obvious advantage over Detroit's rear-drive pony cars and their non-independent rear suspensions. For motivation, Nissan equipped the 240SX with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. Performance was decent, too -- at first. This big four provided a fair amount of torque, but its lack of horsepower and rough, noisy operation became less acceptable as the years went on.

Nissan regrettably reused the engine for the 240SX's second iteration, which also coincided with the company's decision to reposition the 240SX as an "affordable luxury coupe" with less emphasis on sport. Whether due to these decisions, the general decline of the sports coupe market or both, Nissan stopped importing the 240SX to our shores by the end of the '90s.

Looking back on it now, the Nissan 240SX's appeal largely depends on the year and how desirable you happen to find rear-wheel drive. Oddly, many car enthusiasts looking to modify their import car for better per...