1988 Chevrolet Nova Hatchback review from North America

Brake cylinder, fixed it myself for about 20 bucks.

Outer CV boots (the car is 14 years old... it's about time), fixed for 16 dollars a piece

Radiator.

This is my first car. I bought it for about 500 dollars because the previous owner said it didn't pass emissions. After I did a tune up and replaced the oxygen sensor it passed with flying colors. It gets 28mpg city and almost 35mpg on the interstate.

The 85hp engine pushes it from 0-60 in a hair under 15 seconds up here at 5000 feet above sea level. Definitely not built for speed, but it will go 85 on the interstate with some pedal to spare. Passing people on a two lane highway can be frightening as the engine loses it's mojo past 50mph.

Size is this cars forte. I can park in the smallest parking spaces and it has a very small turn radius to maneuver out of the way of hulking SUVs.

The hatchback provides ample trunk space and the seats fold to accommodate large loads for this small car. I can sit very comfortably (I am 6'4) in front, but only kids can sit behind me. My average sized friends have no problem fitting in this car.

I've done a few things to perk up my little car, such as new ignition, platinum 4 spark plugs, pace setter exhaust, and a K&N air filter. I also bought a lowering kit, black paint job, 5% tint in the rear and 15% on the driver/passenger windows, 4 inch 2way pioneers up front, 6X8 3 way pioneers in back, 11 inch sub and 16 inch rims with 6 inch wide tires (i thought they looked cool). It is still no race car, but it was fun. Next I'm thinking of putting in forged pistons and a 75hp wet-shot nitrous system to make a sleeper out of this car.