← Back to Search

1986 Chevrolet Nova Hatchback

All Chevrolet Nova trims (1985–1988) → All Chevrolet Nova generations →
1986 Chevrolet Nova – front Unverified
Photo: 1988 Chevrolet Nova sedan, front right, 08-02-2025 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the S-body (1985–1988); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
  1. Photo: 1988 Chevrolet Nova sedan, front right, 08-02-2025 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  2. Photo: 1987 Chevrolet Nova sedan in White, front right, 08-22-2026 2 by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
  3. Photo: 1986-1988 Chevrolet Nova sedan -- 11-26-2011 by IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
  4. Photo: Chevrolet nova 1986 by Sinteriano, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  5. Photo: 1987 Chevrolet Nova sedan in White, rear right, 08-22-2026 by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1986 Chevrolet Nova Hatchback is a 1.6-liter inline-4 hatchback with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $8,249 MSRP and is rated at 29 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway (29 mpg combined).

The Nova measures 166.0 inches long on a 95.6-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,253 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$8,249 ($24,461 *)
Engine
Engine Type1.6L inline-4, naturally aspirated (FFS)
Displacement1.6 L
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City26 MPG
Highway33 MPG
Combined29 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Gasoline
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front13 in
Wheels Rear13 in
Dimensions & Weight
Length166 in
Width64 in
Height52 in
Wheelbase95.6 in
Curb Weight2,253 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front37 in
Headroom Rear35 in
Legroom Front42 in
Legroom Rear31 in
Shoulder Room Front53 in
Shoulder Room Rear53 in
Hip Room Front50 in
Hip Room Rear50 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Similar cars

Rivals to the 1986 Chevrolet Nova Hatchback with similar size, power and price from around the same years.

1987 Toyota Corolla

1987 Toyota Corolla

FX Hatchback
75 hp · $8,188
Compare
1986 Mercury Lynx Unverified

1986 Mercury Lynx

XR3 2dr Hatchback
$8,501
Compare
1985 Honda Accord Hatchback Unverified

1985 Honda Accord Hatchback

Base MT
86 hp · $8,074
Compare
1985 Ford Escort Unverified

1985 Ford Escort

LX 4dr Hatchback
$8,456
Compare
1986 Mazda 323

1986 Mazda 323

Luxury Hatchback
82 hp · $8,504
Compare
1986 Isuzu I-Mark Unverified

1986 Isuzu I-Mark

Hatchback
70 hp · $8,308
Compare

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

No recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1986 Chevrolet NOVA.

4 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1986 Chevrolet NOVA

Owner Complaints

4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1986 Chevrolet NOVA (2 mention a crash, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Fuel System1
Gasoline1
Seat Belts1
Steering1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Aug 19, 1999 · Seat Belts Crash
“CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN REAR END ACCIDENT. SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK, CAUSING DRIVER TO HIT WINDSHIELD. *AK”
Mar 26, 1996 · Fuel System, Gasoline
“FUEL TANK REPLACED 2 TIMES DUE TO GASOLINE LEAKING FROM SEAM. *SD”
Jun 7, 1995 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“LOUD WHINING NOISE IS HEARD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT”
Jan 24, 1995 · Steering Crash 1 injury
“WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS NOT EXCEEDING 20MPH VEHICLE BEGAN SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL RESULTING IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, AND CAR BEING TOTALED. TT”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1986 CHEVROLET NOVA. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

← Back to Search