My first visit to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit back in early 1987 was more than just an event; it was a turning point. Growing up near Flint, Michigan, car shows were a familiar part of life, especially the Sloan Auto Fair. These local shows, filled with classic automobiles, were enjoyable, but the Detroit Auto Show was in a different league altogether. Detroit felt like a world away from Flint, a major city less than an hour south, and Cobo Center was this enormous, legendary convention space.
Front view of a silver 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX XE parked in Uptown Chicago, highlighting its pop-up headlights and clean lines.Long before instant internet searches, the anticipation of the unknown was palpable. My mom driving my brother and me to Detroit for a car show was a significant undertaking. Detroit in the 80s had a reputation, and the idea of car trouble there was genuinely concerning. But my passion for cars, a safe haven of interest and validation alongside my love for piano, was blossoming. This trip to Detroit felt like a special occasion, a personal holiday dedicated to my automotive fascination.
Side profile of a silver 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX XE showcasing its T-top roof and sporty hatchback design, photographed in an urban setting.The auto show itself was a sensory overload in the best way possible. I eagerly collected brochures from every automaker, stuffing them into a large plastic tote bag provided by one of the brands. By the time we left Cobo Center, the bag was overflowing, and my face ached from smiling all day. The crowds buzzed with excitement around gleaming new models for 1987, presented by charismatic spokespeople. Even the drive home on I-75 felt new and exciting as I tried to spot the new models we’d just seen among the traffic. Those brochures became treasured possessions, carried to school for weeks, trying to hold onto the joy of that day. I still have them stored away.
Rear three-quarter view of a 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX XE emphasizing its integrated spoiler, unique taillights, and hatchback styling in an outdoor Chicago neighborhood.Among the dazzling new cars of 1987, the redesigned Nissan Pulsar NX coupe stood out. Even today, spotting a Pulsar NX evokes a sense of excitement that few cars from that era, domestic or import, can match. The Pulsar NX boasted a remarkably clean design, blending the sharp angles of the 80s with subtle curves. Even now, in 2023, its design retains a surprising degree of modern appeal, especially when you consider its pop-up headlamps are retracted. Tasteful stylistic touches gave it a distinct, almost boutique-like character, making it hard to believe it shared its foundation with the humble Nissan Sentra.
The flush door handles, frameless door glass, integrated rear spoiler, high-mounted brake light, and meticulously crafted body panel lines, particularly towards the rear, showcased a graceful execution. While offering the practicality of a hatchback with its fold-down rear seats, the Pulsar NX was styled to resemble a traditional coupe with a trunk, lending it a slightly more upscale feel. The diagonally striped, body-colored taillight overlays were a particularly inspired design element. Unlike its predecessors – the folded paper-esque earlier NX and the later “jellybean” model – this generation of the Pulsar NX was a true standout. Known as the Pulsar EXA or simply EXA in markets outside the U.S., this model marked the first design from Nissan’s new San Diego design studio, now Nissan Design America.
An Australian print advertisement for the 1989 Nissan EXA, highlighting its sporty design and features for the Australian market.1989 Nissan EXA print ad for the Australian market.
A defining feature of all Pulsar NX models was the T-bar roof with removable panels, along with a removable rear hatch, offering an open-air experience akin to a convertible hardtop at an accessible price point. However, early XE models featured a contrasting dark gray hatchback, which wasn’t as visually appealing as the body-colored hatch available on the upmarket SE trim. The Sportbak model, a unique “shooting brake” style variant with a dedicated rear hatch, was also available, though quite rare. While not to everyone’s taste, its existence added to the Pulsar NX’s quirky charm. Considering our featured car was photographed in a residential area, it’s unlikely its removable panels saw much action. The practicality of storing a hatchback panel in an apartment building seems questionable.
A print advertisement from 1987 for the Nissan Pulsar NX in the US market, showcasing its innovative design and features.1987 Nissan Pulsar NX print ad for the U.S. market.
This particular Silver Green Pearl metallic 1989 XE model, as confirmed by a license plate search, is equipped with the base 1.6L four-cylinder engine producing 90 horsepower. While I didn’t attempt interior photos, assuming a standard five-speed manual transmission is a safe bet. The SE trim offered a more potent 1.8L four-cylinder engine with 125 horsepower, a significant 40% increase. By most accounts, the base engine provided sluggish performance, even for the era. With a curb weight between 2,400 and 2,500 pounds, the SE model likely offered a much more engaging driving experience. In 1989, the base XE model started at $12,544, equivalent to over $28,400 in 2022. The SE trim, adding $730 ($1,650 in today’s money), included ground effects and 14-inch alloy wheels, making the extra cost worthwhile for the performance upgrade alone.
Close-up of the front end design of a 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX XE, focusing on the hidden headlights and the car's overall 80s aesthetic.The front end design, with its hidden headlamps and somewhat boxy shape, was arguably the least appealing aspect of the car, and hasn’t aged as gracefully as the rest of the design. It lacked the character found elsewhere on the vehicle. However, it wasn’t unattractive, and the overall appeal of the Pulsar NX easily compensated for its less striking front fascia. Beyond its aesthetics, the Pulsar NX’s transformable nature, demonstrated at the Nissan stand in Cobo, was a key attraction.
This ability to shapeshift resonated deeply, particularly for someone navigating a mixed ethnic and cultural background. The Pulsar NX, with its adaptable and multifaceted design, became a symbol of personal identity and the ability to adapt and integrate different aspects of oneself. While personal filters and impressions matter less now, the underlying philosophy of adaptability remains valuable. Spotting this favorite sporty coupe from the 80s serves as a reminder to appreciate this attribute. Like its celestial namesake, the pulsar star, this generation of Nissan Pulsar NX shines brightly as a standout memory from the 1987 Detroit Auto Show, and continues to capture the imagination of auto enthusiasts today.
Uptown, Chicago, Illinois.
Saturday, March 5, 2022.
