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1987 Chevrolet Nova Hatchback

All Chevrolet Nova trims (1985–1988) → All Chevrolet Nova generations →
1987 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 1987 Chevrolet Nova Hatchback is a 1.6-liter inline-4 hatchback with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $9,090 MSRP and is rated at 28 mpg combined.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway (28 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$9,090 ($26,006 *)
Engine
Engine Type1.6L inline-4, naturally aspirated (FFS)
Displacement1.6 L
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City25 MPG
Highway33 MPG
Combined28 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 1987 Chevrolet Nova Hatchback with similar size, power and price from around the same years.

1987 Ford Escort Unverified

1987 Ford Escort

GT 2dr Hatchback
$9,124
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1987 Mercury Lynx Unverified

1987 Mercury Lynx

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$9,205
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1987 Toyota Corolla

1987 Toyota Corolla

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75 hp · $9,348
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1985 Honda Accord Hatchback Unverified

1985 Honda Accord Hatchback

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86 hp · $9,024
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1986 Mitsubishi Cordia Unverified

1986 Mitsubishi Cordia

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88 hp · $8,959
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1989 Plymouth Sundance Unverified

1989 Plymouth Sundance

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Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

No recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1987 Chevrolet NOVA.

15 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1987 Chevrolet NOVA

Owner Complaints

15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1987 Chevrolet NOVA (2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Power Train7
Seat Belts4
Hydraulic1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Service Brakes1
Steering1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Feb 6, 2006 · Seat Belts
“1987 CHEVROLET NOVA DOES NOT SECURE PASSENGER PROPERLY. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELTS DO NOT CATCH AND STOP WHEN HE GRABS THEM ABRUPTLY AS HE WOULD EXPECT IN AN ACCIDENT. *JB”
Nov 9, 2005 · Steering, Tires
“{1}NORTH BOUND FREEWAY WORK RIGHT LANE FROM, LINDON EXIT TO SALT LAKE CITY. THERE ARE SEVERAL GROOVES, HOLES AND UNEVEN LANES. I PURCHASED NEW TIRES THIS YEAR, MY RIGHT FRONT AXLE IS BAD AS WELL AS…”
Feb 21, 2001 · Power Train
“THE TRANSAXLE FLUID WAS 1.5 QUARTS LOW (EMPTY) CAUSING THE TRANSAXLE TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING. NLM”
Feb 17, 2001 · Seat Belts
“CONSUMER STATES THAT THE REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT PROPERLY. *SLC”
Feb 15, 2001 · Power Train
“VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FRONT WHEEL LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING AT 50-55 MPH. VEHICLE TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIRS SHOP, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT LOCK UP WAS DUE TO LACK OF FRONT AXLE LUBRICATION. PLEASE…”

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 1987 CHEVROLET NOVA. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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