1988 Chevrolet Nova Twin Cam Sedan
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 1988 Chevrolet Nova sedan, front right, 08-02-2025 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1987 Chevrolet Nova sedan in White, front right, 08-22-2026 2 by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1986-1988 Chevrolet Nova sedan -- 11-26-2011 by IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Chevrolet nova 1986 by Sinteriano, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1987 Chevrolet Nova sedan in White, rear right, 08-22-2026 by Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1988 Chevrolet Nova Twin Cam Sedan is a 1.6-liter inline-4 sedan with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $11,685 MSRP and is rated at 24 mpg combined.
EPA fuel-economy estimates are 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (24 mpg combined).
The Nova measures 166.0 inches long on a 95.6-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,211 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $11,685 ($32,102 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 1.6L inline-4, fuel injected (FFS) |
| Displacement | 1.6 L |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 22 MPG |
| Highway | 27 MPG |
| Combined | 24 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 13 in |
| Wheels Rear | 13 in |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 166 in |
| Width | 64 in |
| Height | 52 in |
| Wheelbase | 95.6 in |
| Curb Weight | 2,211 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 37 in |
| Headroom Rear | 36 in |
| Legroom Front | 42 in |
| Legroom Rear | 31 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 53 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 53 in |
| Hip Room Front | 50 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 50 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1988 Chevrolet Nova Twin Cam Sedan with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
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
| Power Train | 4 |
| Seat Belts | 3 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 1 |
| Seats | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
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.