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1988 Chevrolet Nova Hatchback

All Chevrolet Nova trims (1985–1988) → All Chevrolet Nova generations →
1988 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 1988 Chevrolet Nova Hatchback is a 1.6-liter inline-4 hatchback with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $9,340 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 2,258 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$9,340 ($25,659 *)
Engine
Engine Type1.6L inline-4, 2-barrel carbureted (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 Weight2,258 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 1988 Chevrolet Nova Hatchback with similar size, power and price from around the same years.

1987 Toyota Corolla

1987 Toyota Corolla

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75 hp · $9,348
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1988 Ford Escort Unverified

1988 Ford Escort

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1987 Mercury Lynx Unverified

1987 Mercury Lynx

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1989 Pontiac LeMans Unverified

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1985 Honda Accord Hatchback Unverified

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1990 Plymouth Sundance Unverified

1990 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 1988 Chevrolet NOVA.

11 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1988 Chevrolet NOVA

Owner Complaints

11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1988 Chevrolet NOVA (2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Power Train4
Seat Belts3
Electrical System2
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Seats1
Tires1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Mar 5, 2002 · Power Train 1 injury
“FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP AND THE CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY. RESULTING IN A REAREND COLLISION. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE MOTOR WOULD CRANK AND RUN BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE IN ANY GEAR. REPLACE THE…”
May 20, 2001 · Latches/Locks/Linkages, Tires
“VEHICLE HOOD LATCH FAILED DUE TO TIRE VIBRATION AT 65 MPH, CAUSING HOOD TO CRUMPLE INTO WINDSHIELD. *AK”
Oct 14, 1997 · Seat Belts
“SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE.”
Jan 22, 1997 · Seats Crash 3 injuries 1 death
“UPON FRONTAL IMPACT ITEMS IN TRUNK MOVED FORWARD, STRIKING REAR SEAT BACK, CAUSING SEAT BACK TO COLLAPSE, ITEMS STUCK CHILD, RESULTING IN DEATH.”
Jan 6, 1997 · Electrical System
“REAR LIGHTS BURNE DOUT DUE TO A SHORT IN FUSIBLE LINK”

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 1988 CHEVROLET NOVA. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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