'85 200SX - Fast and Fun
Pros:
Fast, Fun, Durable, Reliable. A pleasure to drive.
Cons:
Maintenance could be pricey, but better than most sports cars.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
When I was 17, I got my hands on a used 1985 200SX 5-speed with the CA20E engine. I still regret the day I totalled it. For two years, and over a hundred thousand miles, that car was the most reliable, and fastest thing I've owned.
Fast
While I don't really advocate speeding, I will say that this car had no trouble doubling the speed limits. Over about 110, though, don't try the popup headlights, as the increased drag seems to want to lift you off the road.
Responsive
This car could do U-turns completely inside the turning radius of most cars, and with good tires, can whip around corners like you wouldn't believe.
Ergonomic
You don't get into a 200SX, you put it on. The low bucket seats and the easy to reach and handle controls make it obvious how much effort was put into making this a great car. I suspect it was one of those rare cases of having someone with a driver's license involved in designing the car.
Fun
While I can't call it indestructible, I will say the wheels would have fallen off any other car after half what I put that Nissan through. It handled mud better than many light trucks, ice barely fazed it, and despite the hail damage, it looked great clean or coated with mud.
No doubt about it, the 1985 Nissan 200SX was a true sports car. It's too bad they never really go back to an old design.
Note: I consider the reliability rating below excellent for a car of the age and mileage of this car, and a sports car shouldn't be dead quiet :)
Also, the interior was cozy but comfy for us 6-footers, but the trunk was huge for a car this size.
