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Business & Money • Automobile

Nissan 240SX

The Nissan 240SX is a rear-wheel-drive sports compact car sold by Nissan in North America from the 1989 model year through the 1998 model year.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Nissan 240SX is a rear-wheel-drive sports compact car sold by Nissan in North America from the 1989 model year through the 1998 model year. It was offered in two generations, the S13 and S14, and is closely related to Nissan's Silvia and 180SX models in other markets.

History

The Nissan 240SX entered the North American market for the 1989 model year and remained in production through 1998. It replaced the 200SX (S12) and was offered in two generations during its run.

Design and platform

The 240SX was built on Nissan's S platform and used a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. This configuration contributed to its reputation for balanced handling.

Engines and variants

The car used Nissan's KA24 series 2.4-litre inline-four engine in North American specification. The model line included the S13 and S14 generations, with body-style and trim differences depending on year and market.

Motorsport and enthusiast use

The 240SX became popular in drifting and tuning communities because of its rear-wheel-drive layout and large aftermarket support. Its popularity has made it a common reference point in enthusiast car culture.

Key facts

  • The 240SX was introduced in North America for the 1989 model year as a replacement for the outgoing 200SX (S12).
  • It was based on Nissan's S platform and came in two main generations: S13 and S14.
  • The model used a 2.4-litre inline-four engine from Nissan's KA24 series.
  • It was rear-wheel drive and became well known among enthusiasts for drifting and aftermarket modification.
  • The 240SX was the North American counterpart to Nissan's Silvia-family cars sold in other markets.
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Canadian context

The 240SX was sold in North America, so it was available to Canadian buyers and is still familiar to Canadian car enthusiasts and drifting communities.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Nissan 240SX?
It is a Nissan sports compact car sold in North America from the 1989 to 1998 model years.
What cars are related to the 240SX?
It is closely related to the Nissan Silvia and 180SX sold in Japan and other markets.
What engine did the 240SX use?
North American 240SX models used Nissan's 2.4-litre KA24 series inline-four engine.
Was the 240SX rear-wheel drive?
Yes. The 240SX used a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
Why is the 240SX popular with enthusiasts?
It is popular for drifting and modification because of its handling balance and aftermarket support.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_240SX
    Supports: North American introduction, replacement of 200SX (S12), S13 and S14 generations
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Silvia
    Supports: Relationship between the 240SX and Silvia-family export models
  3. Datsuns.com — http://www.datsuns.com/modelguide/240sx_N.html
    Supports: Rear-wheel-drive layout and KA24E/KA24DE engine information
  4. Carinf.com — https://www.carinf.com/en/583048064.html
    Supports: Technical specification details including rear-wheel drive and engine displacement