Nissan Exa Overview: Specs, Generations and Which Version to Buy
Full nissan exa specs guide: the 1986–1990 targa with 70–131 hp, its single generation and the best versions to buy.
The Nissan Exa is a targa produced from 1986 to 1990 with outputs ranging from 70 to 131 hp, front-wheel drive only, and a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. If you are checking nissan exa specs, this compact targa suits drivers who want an open-top 1980s coupe experience in a small, simple front-wheel-drive package.
Nissan Exa generations
1 generation (1986–1990)
The first and only generation of the Nissan Exa was built from 1986 to 1990 exclusively as a targa. Power outputs span from 70 hp to 131 hp across 6 modifications, all with front-wheel drive. Both manual and automatic transmissions were offered. The notable versions are the Nissan Exa 1.6 MT (122 hp), the widely produced variant with a 1598 cc engine and a manual gearbox, and the Nissan Exa 1.8 AT, the most powerful version with a 1809 cc engine, 131 hp and an automatic transmission. Every modification in the lineup, from the 70 hp base to the 131 hp flagship, drives the front wheels.
Which Nissan Exa to buy
- 1.6 MT (122 hp) (1 generation): the mass-market choice — a 1598 cc engine producing 122 hp with a manual gearbox, the configuration most commonly found on the used market.
- 1.8 AT (1 generation): the top of the range — its 1809 cc engine delivers 131 hp, the highest output offered in the Nissan Exa lineup, paired with an automatic transmission.
Because the Nissan Exa was built only from 1986 to 1990 in a single generation, every example on the used market is over three decades old, so condition of the individual car matters far more than the model year. With only 6 modifications and one body style, comparing candidate cars is straightforward: the main decisions are engine size (1598 cc versus 1809 cc) and gearbox type.
Summary of Nissan Exa specs
The Nissan Exa range covers a single generation (1986–1990), one targa body, 6 modifications, power from 70 to 131 hp, front-wheel drive throughout, and both manual and automatic transmissions. The Nissan Exa 1.6 MT (122 hp) represents the common middle of the range, while the Nissan Exa 1.8 AT sits at the top with 131 hp. For buyers who prefer shifting themselves, the manual 1.6 is the natural pick; for those who want the strongest engine, the automatic 1.8 is the only version with 131 hp.