Fresh new styling includes new taillights, grille, bumper fascias, multi-parabola headlights, and a sporty
exhaust tip. Three new colors have been added and the interior cloth has been upgraded.
The styling changes are subtle, but welcome, and the 200SX remains an attractive car.
Three models are available: value-oriented 200SX, sporty SE and high-performance SE-R. They appear identical
at first glance, right down to their rear spoilers. But closer inspection of the SE-R reveals subtle side sill
extensions, along with unique five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels and an SE-R badge on the trunk lid.
The 200SX and 200SX SE models are equipped with a 115-horsepower 1.6-liter dual overhead-cam 16-valve
four-cylinder engine with fuel economy rated at 39 mpg on the highway.
A bigger, more powerful 2.0-liter dohc engine comes on the SE-R. The 2.0-liter engine produces 140 horsepower
and 132 foot-pounds (lb.-ft.) of torque. Its fuel economy, rated at 31 mpg highway, is still respectable, and
it's a small price for substantially improved performance. The SE-R accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.8
seconds, almost a full second quicker than the 1.6-liter models. Last year, the SE-R was not sold in states
that mandate California emissions standards, but this year it has been refined and can be found in all 50
states.
Kicking tires, or at least examining them, can tell a lot about the sporting intentions of a car. While the
1.6-liter models come with 14-inch all-season tires, the sporty SE-R is fitted with low-profile 195/55VR-15
Goodyear Eagle high-performance all-season radials mounted on five-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels.
Other signs of the SE-R's sports car leanings: A thicker front anti-roll bar reduces body roll in corners.
A viscous limited-slip differential reduces front wheelspin by transferring power to the tire with the best
traction. Four-wheel disc brakes improve braking performance over the standard disc/drum brakes.
An antilock braking system (ABS) is optional for both the SE and SE-R.
The 200SX and 200SX SE compete with Honda Civic, Saturn Coupe, Mitsubishi Mirage and VW Golf. With its higher price tag and higher level of performance, the 200SX SE-R model will likely be shopped against Acura Integra, Hyundai Tiburon, VW GTI and Dodge Neon.
The 200SX SE-R was well equipped without any options. Its price allows it to compete very favorably against those other cars. The stylish Tiburon can be picked up for less, but its owner will make do with significantly less interior room.
This year's reclining front seats are more supportive than last year's and the head restraints are adjustable.
Tilt steering has been added. All models now get Nissan's sporty white-faced instruments with a big speedometer
and tachometer. Also, the nice seat fabric is carried through the entire model line.
The SE comes standard with nicer seats, air conditioning, cruise control, a new AM/FM/CD stereo, power windows
and door locks and split fold-down rear seats. Fog lights, side sill extensions, along with a rear spoiler, give
it a sporty look.
The SE-R takes the trappings of the SE and adds a nice leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and a
remote keyless entry system.
It's easy to get in and out of the 200SX, which offers more headroom than other cars in its class, something
taller drivers should appreciate. The sporty seats are very comfortable, providing better than average lateral
support. The 200SX offers an excellent view of the road and no distracting squeaks or rattles.
The instrument panel is straightforward, with a large tachometer and gauges that are easy to read. The dash is
attractive and functional, almost like a German car with its straightforward approach. We've always liked the
sporty black-on-white instruments that were introduced on the Maxima SE and we're glad to see them on the 200SX
line; they turn into a traditional white-on-black display at night. The heating and ventilation knobs are easy to operate, and commuters will enjoy one of the best cup holders in this class.
The 200SX offers roomier back seats than most of the other cars in its class. The trunk doesn't hold as much as some, but it offers a generous cargo capacity when the 60/40 split rear seatbacks are folded down. The trunk lid lifts from the top edge of the bumper, making it easier to load groceries and other cargo.
The 200SX SE-R is a lot of fun to drive on winding roads. It offers predictable handling in slippery conditions,
inspiring confidence in the driver and it is stable at high speeds. Its rigid chassis and well-tuned suspension
help it corner better than the competition, yet jolts from potholes and rough roads are well damped.
It maintains its composure in abrupt maneuvers and transient response (left, then right, then left) is excellent.
Aggressive tires, the stiffer front anti-roll bar and the limited-slip differential give the SE-R an edge over the
other two models In the handling department.
That edge is broadened by the SE-R's more powerful 2.0-liter engine that revs freely to 7100 rpm. This engine is silky smooth and works in concert with a smooth-shifting five-speed gearbox for a great back road driving experience. The SE-R's engine produces slightly more torque and nearly the same horsepower as the smaller 1.8-liter engine in the $19,000 Acura Integra LS, and delivers excellent throttle response, particularly in fifth gear. The limited-slip front differential puts the SE-R's power to best use by limiting wheelspin when powering around a corner.