The 1987 Nissan Sentra, part of the B12 generation introduced in 1986, offered a compact and economical choice. Available as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, and 5-door station wagon, it appealed to budget-conscious buyers. Key trims included the entry-level E, the more equipped GXE, and the sporty SE. Pricing at launch was generally in the $7,000 to $10,000 range. Its popularity stemmed from its fuel efficiency, decent practicality, and Nissan's reputation for reliability in this era.
The Good
The 1987 Sentra excelled in fuel efficiency and straightforward reliability, offering a dependable and low-cost ownership experience. Its compact size made it easy to maneuver, and for those seeking basic transportation with a touch of sporty flair (especially in the SE trim), it provided solid value.
The Bad
Potential buyers should be wary of rust, particularly in the wheel wells, rocker panels, and suspension components. Older models may also exhibit issues with aging suspension parts, exhaust systems, and electrical components due to age and wear.
1987 Nissan Sentra: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: The 1987 Nissan Sentra primarily offered two engine choices:
- A 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine (E and GXE trims).
- A 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine (SE trim). - Horsepower:
- The naturally aspirated 1.6L engine produced approximately 70-73 horsepower.
- The 1.6L turbocharged engine in the SE trim offered a more spirited output, around 110-115 horsepower. - Fuel Economy:
- Fuel economy was a strong suit, with estimates typically ranging from 25-30 MPG in city driving and 30-35 MPG on the highway, depending on the engine and transmission (manual or automatic). - 0-60 Times:
- For the naturally aspirated models, 0-60 mph times were generally in the 12-14 second range, reflecting its economy-focused nature.
- The SE model with the turbocharger could achieve 0-60 mph in approximately 9-10 seconds, offering a noticeable performance upgrade. - Towing Capacity:
- The 1987 Nissan Sentra was not designed for towing, and therefore, no official towing capacity was specified. Its compact unibody construction is unsuitable for significant towing loads. - Trim-Level Features:
- E Trim: The base model, featuring essential amenities like manual windows, manual locks, basic cloth upholstery, and a simple AM/FM radio.
- GXE Trim: Offered upgrades over the E trim, potentially including power steering, air conditioning (often optional), a more sophisticated sound system, and perhaps intermittent wipers. Some GXE models might have had optional power windows and locks.
- SE Trim: The sport-oriented trim, distinguished by the turbocharged engine, sportier suspension tuning, distinctive badging, and often more aggressive styling cues. It would typically include features found in the GXE trim as well, possibly with sport seats and alloy wheels.
1987 Nissan Sentra Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 1987 |
| Make | Nissan |
| Model | Sentra |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 4-Door |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Compact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Japan |
| Manufacturing City | ZAMA |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 1.6L I4 |
| Engine Size | 1.6L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Vehicle
Specifications
Specifications
Ownership
History
History
All History
Events
Events
NMVTIS Title
History Check
History Check
Salvage/Rebuilt
Check
Check
Accident
Check
Check
Theft
Check
Check
Open Lien
Check
Check
Past Sale
Listings
Listings
Safety
Recalls
Recalls
Odometer
Check
Check
Market Price
Analysis
Analysis
What Problems Does the 1987 Nissan Sentra Have?
The 1987 Nissan Sentra, while generally considered reliable for its era, is not immune to age-related issues. One of the most significant concerns for any vehicle of this vintage is rust. The Sentra, particularly in areas exposed to road salt and moisture, is prone to corrosion on its undercarriage, rocker panels, wheel arches, and around the windows. This can lead to structural weakness and costly repairs if left unaddressed.
Beyond rust, common mechanical issues that owners report over time include:
Engine and Drivetrain: While the engines are generally robust, aging seals and gaskets can lead to oil leaks. Clutch wear is also a consideration for manual transmission models. The automatic transmissions are typically durable but can develop shifting problems if not maintained.
Suspension and Steering: Like many cars of this period, worn-out suspension components such as ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings are common. These can manifest as looseness in the steering, clunking noises, and poor handling. Power steering pumps can also fail.
Electrical System: The electrical systems, while not overly complex, can suffer from issues as wiring insulation degrades and connectors corrode. This might lead to intermittent problems with lights, wipers, or the ignition system.
Exhaust System: The exhaust components, being exposed to heat and moisture, are susceptible to rust and eventual failure. This can result in noise and exhaust leaks.
Cooling System: Radiators, hoses, and water pumps can degrade over time, leading to overheating issues. It is crucial to ensure the cooling system is in good working order.
Regarding recalls, specific recalls for the 1987 model year are not widely documented as major, widespread issues, unlike some other vehicles. Nissan historically had a good reputation for building dependable vehicles during this period. However, as with any vehicle, it's always advisable to check for any outstanding recalls with the manufacturer or relevant government agencies, especially for a car of this age. Long-term reliability heavily depends on diligent maintenance and how well the car has been preserved from the elements, particularly rust.
Beyond rust, common mechanical issues that owners report over time include:
Engine and Drivetrain: While the engines are generally robust, aging seals and gaskets can lead to oil leaks. Clutch wear is also a consideration for manual transmission models. The automatic transmissions are typically durable but can develop shifting problems if not maintained.
Suspension and Steering: Like many cars of this period, worn-out suspension components such as ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings are common. These can manifest as looseness in the steering, clunking noises, and poor handling. Power steering pumps can also fail.
Electrical System: The electrical systems, while not overly complex, can suffer from issues as wiring insulation degrades and connectors corrode. This might lead to intermittent problems with lights, wipers, or the ignition system.
Exhaust System: The exhaust components, being exposed to heat and moisture, are susceptible to rust and eventual failure. This can result in noise and exhaust leaks.
Cooling System: Radiators, hoses, and water pumps can degrade over time, leading to overheating issues. It is crucial to ensure the cooling system is in good working order.
Regarding recalls, specific recalls for the 1987 model year are not widely documented as major, widespread issues, unlike some other vehicles. Nissan historically had a good reputation for building dependable vehicles during this period. However, as with any vehicle, it's always advisable to check for any outstanding recalls with the manufacturer or relevant government agencies, especially for a car of this age. Long-term reliability heavily depends on diligent maintenance and how well the car has been preserved from the elements, particularly rust.
How long will the 1987 Nissan Sentra last?
Estimating average mileage for a 1987 Nissan Sentra is challenging due to its age, but well-maintained examples can still be found with well over 150,000 miles, and some even exceeding 200,000 miles. The long-term durability of the Sentra is largely contingent on consistent and proactive maintenance. Key to its longevity are regular oil changes, timely replacement of wear items like belts and hoses, and crucially, diligent attention to rust prevention and treatment. Weaknesses that emerge over time are primarily related to the degradation of rubber components (bushings, hoses, seals), potential electrical gremlins as wiring ages, and the inevitable corrosion that affects vehicles in certain climates. However, its simple mechanical design and readily available parts contribute to its potential for extended service life when cared for.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 1987 Nissan Sentra represents the era of automotive technology before the widespread adoption of sophisticated electronics. As such, its built-in tech, entertainment, and driver-assistance features are quite basic by today's standards.
Entertainment: Standard entertainment typically consisted of an AM/FM radio. Higher trims or optional packages might have included a cassette player, offering a more engaging audio experience for the time. Speaker count was usually limited to two or four.
Tech Features: Beyond the radio, technological features were minimal. Power steering was often an option on lower trims and standard on higher ones. Air conditioning was also an option. Features like power windows, power locks, and cruise control were generally not standard and often only available on the top-tier GXE or optional packages. Digital dashboards were not a feature of this model year.
Driver-Assistance Features: Driver-assistance systems as we know them today did not exist in the 1987 Sentra. There were no electronic stability control, traction control, lane departure warning, or adaptive cruise control systems. The focus was on fundamental driving mechanics.
Safety Features: Safety features were also rudimentary. Standard equipment would have included seatbelts (likely lap and shoulder belts in the front). Antilock Braking System (ABS) was a rare and expensive option on some vehicles in 1987, and it is highly unlikely to have been available on the Sentra, or if it was, it would have been an extremely rare option. Crumple zones and a reinforced passenger cabin were designed into the vehicle structure, but without modern safety testing protocols and advanced materials, their effectiveness cannot be directly compared to contemporary vehicles.
Crash-Test Ratings: Comprehensive crash-test data for vehicles from 1987, especially from organizations like the NHTSA or IIHS, is often not readily available or presented in the same detailed format as it is today. The testing methodologies and reporting standards have evolved significantly. Therefore, specific crash-test ratings for the 1987 Nissan Sentra are difficult to ascertain and would not be comparable to modern safety benchmarks.
Entertainment: Standard entertainment typically consisted of an AM/FM radio. Higher trims or optional packages might have included a cassette player, offering a more engaging audio experience for the time. Speaker count was usually limited to two or four.
Tech Features: Beyond the radio, technological features were minimal. Power steering was often an option on lower trims and standard on higher ones. Air conditioning was also an option. Features like power windows, power locks, and cruise control were generally not standard and often only available on the top-tier GXE or optional packages. Digital dashboards were not a feature of this model year.
Driver-Assistance Features: Driver-assistance systems as we know them today did not exist in the 1987 Sentra. There were no electronic stability control, traction control, lane departure warning, or adaptive cruise control systems. The focus was on fundamental driving mechanics.
Safety Features: Safety features were also rudimentary. Standard equipment would have included seatbelts (likely lap and shoulder belts in the front). Antilock Braking System (ABS) was a rare and expensive option on some vehicles in 1987, and it is highly unlikely to have been available on the Sentra, or if it was, it would have been an extremely rare option. Crumple zones and a reinforced passenger cabin were designed into the vehicle structure, but without modern safety testing protocols and advanced materials, their effectiveness cannot be directly compared to contemporary vehicles.
Crash-Test Ratings: Comprehensive crash-test data for vehicles from 1987, especially from organizations like the NHTSA or IIHS, is often not readily available or presented in the same detailed format as it is today. The testing methodologies and reporting standards have evolved significantly. Therefore, specific crash-test ratings for the 1987 Nissan Sentra are difficult to ascertain and would not be comparable to modern safety benchmarks.
What Colors Options are Available?
We’re working on this section!
In the meantime, feel free to explore the other sections for more content.
In the meantime, feel free to explore the other sections for more content.
1987 Nissan Sentra Prices and Market Value
When new, the 1987 Nissan Sentra typically ranged from approximately $7,000 for base models to around $10,000 for higher trims like the SE, before options. As with most economy cars of its era, depreciation was significant in the initial years. However, today, the resale value of a 1987 Sentra is highly dependent on its condition, mileage, and whether it has been affected by rust. Well-preserved, low-mileage examples, particularly the sportier SE trim, can command modest prices among collectors or enthusiasts, potentially reaching a few thousand dollars. Average examples in fair condition with higher mileage might only fetch a few hundred to a thousand dollars. Factors affecting resale value include the presence of rust (a major detractor), the originality of parts, maintenance history, and overall mechanical and cosmetic condition. The Sentra generally falls into the category of a depreciated older vehicle, but exceptional examples can defy typical market trends.
1987 Nissan Sentra Cost of Ownership
The 1987 Nissan Sentra is generally an economical vehicle to own. Insurance costs are typically low due to its age, low value, and basic safety features. Fuel costs are also very reasonable, thanks to its efficient 1.6-liter engines. Maintenance is straightforward and affordable; common parts are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Repair costs are also generally low because of the car's simple mechanical design, making it DIY-friendly for many basic tasks. While potential rust repairs or significant mechanical overhauls can add to costs, for routine ownership, the Sentra remains one of the most cost-effective vehicles to keep on the road. It is decidedly economical to own.
1987 Nissan Sentra Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
-
City Mileage
-
Highway Mileage
-
1987 Nissan Sentra Warranty
Basic
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
Powertrain
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
Rust
Original warranty
0 months / No data
Estimated remaining
Expired
1987 Nissan Sentra Insurance
Insurance for a 1987 Nissan Sentra is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1987 Nissan Sentra Compare to Other Sedan?
The 1987 Nissan Sentra competed in the highly contested subcompact segment against rivals such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, and Chevrolet Cavalier.
Performance: The standard Sentra models offered modest performance, adequate for daily commuting but not exciting. The SE trim with its turbocharged engine provided a significant performance advantage over most base models in its class, often outperforming naturally aspirated versions of the Civic and Corolla of the same era. However, rivals like the hot-hatch versions of the Civic or sporty trims of the Escort could offer comparable or superior performance.
Features: The Sentra was generally competitive in terms of features for its price point. Base models were spartan, but higher trims like the GXE offered amenities like power steering and A/C, similar to mid-range trims of the Civic and Corolla. The Ford Escort and Chevy Cavalier often offered a wider array of optional convenience features, sometimes at the expense of reliability.
Reliability: Nissan, in this era, had a strong reputation for reliability, often rivaling or even surpassing Toyota and Honda. The Sentra was known for its robust mechanicals and relatively simple design, leading to good long-term durability when properly maintained. The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla were also paragons of reliability, making them very close competitors in this regard. The domestic options like the Ford Escort and Chevy Cavalier, while improving, generally lagged behind their Japanese counterparts in terms of consistent build quality and long-term reliability.
Price: The Sentra was typically priced competitively, aiming to offer excellent value. It was often slightly more affordable than comparable Honda or Toyota models, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Alternatives:
Performance: The standard Sentra models offered modest performance, adequate for daily commuting but not exciting. The SE trim with its turbocharged engine provided a significant performance advantage over most base models in its class, often outperforming naturally aspirated versions of the Civic and Corolla of the same era. However, rivals like the hot-hatch versions of the Civic or sporty trims of the Escort could offer comparable or superior performance.
Features: The Sentra was generally competitive in terms of features for its price point. Base models were spartan, but higher trims like the GXE offered amenities like power steering and A/C, similar to mid-range trims of the Civic and Corolla. The Ford Escort and Chevy Cavalier often offered a wider array of optional convenience features, sometimes at the expense of reliability.
Reliability: Nissan, in this era, had a strong reputation for reliability, often rivaling or even surpassing Toyota and Honda. The Sentra was known for its robust mechanicals and relatively simple design, leading to good long-term durability when properly maintained. The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla were also paragons of reliability, making them very close competitors in this regard. The domestic options like the Ford Escort and Chevy Cavalier, while improving, generally lagged behind their Japanese counterparts in terms of consistent build quality and long-term reliability.
Price: The Sentra was typically priced competitively, aiming to offer excellent value. It was often slightly more affordable than comparable Honda or Toyota models, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Alternatives:
- Similar Alternatives: The 1987 Honda Civic and 1987 Toyota Corolla are arguably the closest competitors. They offer similar levels of reliability, efficiency, and practicality, with the Civic often praised for its driving dynamics and the Corolla for its outright dependability.
- Better Alternatives (depending on priorities): If performance is a higher priority, the turbocharged Sentra SE is a strong contender. However, for outright reliability and perceived quality, the Civic and Corolla remain top choices. If lower purchase price is the absolute priority and some compromises in long-term reliability are acceptable, a well-maintained Ford Escort or Chevrolet Cavalier could be considered, though they generally fall short of the Japanese offerings.
Final Verdict: Is the 1987 Nissan Sentra a Good Sedan?
The 1987 Nissan Sentra is ideal for budget-conscious individuals or first-time car buyers seeking economical and reliable transportation. It's a practical choice for city driving and short commutes, especially if low running costs are a priority. For enthusiasts who appreciate simple, older Japanese cars, the SE trim offers a touch of sporty flair.
Whether it's worth buying depends heavily on condition. A well-maintained, rust-free example, especially the SE trim, can still be a sensible purchase as a used vehicle. However, heavily rusted or neglected models are likely to incur significant repair costs that outweigh their low purchase price. Buying one new in 1987 was a solid value proposition for basic, dependable transport. Today, it's best sought as a used car for those willing to inspect thoroughly for rust and mechanical soundness, prioritizing models with documented maintenance.
Whether it's worth buying depends heavily on condition. A well-maintained, rust-free example, especially the SE trim, can still be a sensible purchase as a used vehicle. However, heavily rusted or neglected models are likely to incur significant repair costs that outweigh their low purchase price. Buying one new in 1987 was a solid value proposition for basic, dependable transport. Today, it's best sought as a used car for those willing to inspect thoroughly for rust and mechanical soundness, prioritizing models with documented maintenance.
Cathleen V
Cathleen is an exceptional freelance writer covering hot topics in the automotive world from a gearhead's perspective. Her articles delve into various aspects of automotive technology and history, offering readers detailed insights into engine performance, reliability, and maintenance. Through her engaging and informative writing, Cathleen provides valuable information to automotive enthusiasts and consumers alike, helping them make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and purchases.