Chevrolet

Chevrolet Nova

Chevrolet Nova
Photo: Joe Haupt from USA / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

The official data lists 9 versions of the Chevrolet Nova (1985–1988), in the United States. Each market publishes its own figures, measured on its own test procedure.

At a glance

Years in the data
1985–1988
Markets
United States
Engines
1.6 L
Fuels
Petrol
Lowest consumption (United States)
8.1 L/100 km (EPA)

What is the Chevrolet Nova?

The Nova returned to Chevrolet’s range as a compact sedan and hatchback for 1985–1988. This front-wheel-drive car was a fresh take on a name previously used for larger, rear-wheel-drive models.

The fifth-generation Nova

The 1985–1988 car is the Nova’s fifth generation. It was built at NUMMI, the joint venture between General Motors and Toyota in California, and was based on the Toyota Sprinter. The Nova was among the early products of the partnership.

Engines and fuel consumption

US EPA listings cover a 1.6 L petrol engine. The best combined rating is 29 MPG, and the lowest listed consumption is 8.1 L/100 km under the EPA procedure. Test procedures differ by market: Europe uses WLTP or NEDC, while Canada uses the 5-cycle procedure.

Where was the Nova sold?

The Nova versions described here are for the United States. This generation ran through 1988, when the Nova name left Chevrolet’s compact range.

Questions and answers

When was this Nova sold?

The fifth-generation Nova covers 1985–1988 in the United States.

What engine did it use?

The listed versions use a 1.6 L petrol engine.

What is its best EPA fuel economy?

Its best combined EPA rating is 29 MPG.

Nova fifth generation (1985–1988)

Chevrolet Nova fifth generation
Photo: Joe Haupt from USA / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

Model codes: X-body · Sold in: United States · References: en.wikipedia.org, news.chevrolet.com

United States 9 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxDriveConsumption (combined)CO₂
1988(FFS) 2 barrel carb1.6 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive29 MPG (8.1 L/100 km) EPA190 g/km
1988(FFS)1.6 LPetrol3-speed automaticFront-wheel drive26 MPG (9.0 L/100 km) EPA212 g/km
1988(FFS), 2MODE 2LKUP1.6 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive23 MPG (10.2 L/100 km) EPA240 g/km
1988(FFS) fuel injection1.6 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive24 MPG (9.8 L/100 km) EPA230 g/km
1986–1987(FFS)1.6 LPetrol3-speed automaticFront-wheel drive26 MPG (9.0 L/100 km) EPA212 g/km
1987(FFS)1.6 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive28 MPG (8.4 L/100 km) EPA197 g/km
1986(FFS)1.6 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive29 MPG (8.1 L/100 km) EPA190 g/km
1985(FFS)1.6 LPetrol3-speed automaticFront-wheel drive26 MPG (9.0 L/100 km) EPA212 g/km
1985(FFS)1.6 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive29 MPG (8.1 L/100 km) EPA190 g/km

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.