This year's reclining front seats are more supportive than last year's and the head restraints are adjustable.
Tilt steering has been added. All models now get Nissan's sporty white-faced instruments with a big speedometer
and tachometer. Also, the nice seat fabric is carried through the entire model line.
The SE comes standard with nicer seats, air conditioning, cruise control, a new AM/FM/CD stereo, power windows
and door locks and split fold-down rear seats. Fog lights, side sill extensions, along with a rear spoiler, give
it a sporty look.
The SE-R takes the trappings of the SE and adds a nice leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and a
remote keyless entry system.
It's easy to get in and out of the 200SX, which offers more headroom than other cars in its class, something
taller drivers should appreciate. The sporty seats are very comfortable, providing better than average lateral
support. The 200SX offers an excellent view of the road and no distracting squeaks or rattles.
The instrument panel is straightforward, with a large tachometer and gauges that are easy to read. The dash is
attractive and functional, almost like a German car with its straightforward approach. We've always liked the
sporty black-on-white instruments that were introduced on the Maxima SE and we're glad to see them on the 200SX
line; they turn into a traditional white-on-black display at night. The heating and ventilation knobs are easy to operate, and commuters will enjoy one of the best cup holders in this class.
The 200SX offers roomier back seats than most of the other cars in its class. The trunk doesn't hold as much as some, but it offers a generous cargo capacity when the 60/40 split rear seatbacks are folded down. The trunk lid lifts from the top edge of the bumper, making it easier to load groceries and other cargo.
The 200SX SE-R is a lot of fun to drive on winding roads. It offers predictable handling in slippery conditions,
inspiring confidence in the driver and it is stable at high speeds. Its rigid chassis and well-tuned suspension
help it corner better than the competition, yet jolts from potholes and rough roads are well damped.
It maintains its composure in abrupt maneuvers and transient response (left, then right, then left) is excellent.
Aggressive tires, the stiffer front anti-roll bar and the limited-slip differential give the SE-R an edge over the
other two models In the handling department.
That edge is broadened by the SE-R's more powerful 2.0-liter engine that revs freely to 7100 rpm. This engine is silky smooth and works in concert with a smooth-shifting five-speed gearbox for a great back road driving experience. The SE-R's engine produces slightly more torque and nearly the same horsepower as the smaller 1.8-liter engine in the $19,000 Acura Integra LS, and delivers excellent throttle response, particularly in fifth gear. The limited-slip front differential puts the SE-R's power to best use by limiting wheelspin when powering around a corner.