1988 Nissan Vanette Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 1988-1995 Nissan Vanette ranges from 1330 to 1480 kg (2932 to 3263 lbs), depending on the specific variant and optional equipment. The vehicle's maximum gross weight is rated at 2180 kg (about 4806 lbs), which includes the combined weight of passengers, cargo, and the vehicle itself. This weight capacity makes the Vanette well-suited for both passenger transport and light commercial use. The relatively wide weight range for curb weight reflects different trim levels and payload configurations that can affect fuel efficiency, handling, and performance.

At 1690 mm (66.5 inches) wide, the Nissan Vanette is narrower than many other minivans that were produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s, which often exceeded 1750 mm (around 69 inches) in width. This narrower width makes the Vanette particularly well-suited for navigating tighter urban roads and fitting into narrower parking spaces that might challenge larger minivans. While this narrower stance may slightly reduce shoulder room inside the cabin compared to wider models, it offers a practical advantage for those prioritizing city driving and parking ease over maximum interior width.

Standing at 1900 mm (74.8 inches) tall, the Nissan Vanette is relatively tall for a compact minivan of its era. This height contributes to ample headroom for passengers, making the interior feel spacious and comfortable even for taller occupants. Additionally, the vertical space allows for flexible seating arrangements and improved cargo capacity when rear seats are folded down or removed. However, the tall profile also means a higher center of gravity, which can influence driving dynamics and vehicle stability, especially in sharp turns or adverse weather conditions.

Standard residential garages typically have interior widths of about 2.4 to 2.7 meters (94 to 106 inches) and heights of around 2.1 to 2.4 meters (83 to 94 inches). Given the Nissan Vanette's dimensions—1690 mm (66.5 inches) wide and 1900 mm (74.8 inches) tall—it comfortably fits within these parameters. Its compact width provides ample side clearance, and the height is well below typical garage door heights, ensuring easy parking and no risk of height-related damage. Therefore, owners should have no problem parking the Vanette in a standard home garage, making it practical for everyday use.

The Nissan Vanette uses 195/70 R14 tires with load indexes of 90S or 89S, meaning the tires have a width of 195 mm, an aspect ratio (height-to-width) of 70%, and fit on 14-inch diameter wheels. These tire specifications strike a balance between comfort and stability. The relatively tall sidewall (due to the 70 aspect ratio) helps absorb road irregularities, providing a smoother ride over bumps and uneven surfaces. Additionally, the tires’ load rating (up to 600 kg per tire for 90S) supports the vehicle’s maximum weight and cargo capacity. The combination of familiar sizing and adequate load rating contributes to reliable handling and safety, though handling remains typical for minivans, favoring comfort over sporty dynamics.

Compared to its predecessor, the first-generation Nissan Vanette, the 1988-1995 Vanette saw modest dimension updates to enhance interior space and usability. The length of 4365 mm (171.9 inches) was slightly increased to improve passenger legroom and cargo capacity. Width and height dimensions also reflected minor adjustments to maintain city-friendly proportions while optimizing cabin space. These changes resulted in a more spacious and practical interior without significantly increasing the vehicle's overall footprint, thus retaining maneuverability and ease of parking. Overall, the Vanette’s second generation improved comfort and functionality while staying true to the compact minivan segment.

The Nissan Vanette Van holds its own among compact minivans of the late 1980s and early 1990s, offering competitive exterior dimensions and functional interior space. While slightly narrower than some rivals—such as the Toyota LiteAce and Mitsubishi L300—the Vanette compensates with its taller height, allowing for better vertical space inside the cabin. This height provides greater seating flexibility and cargo volume, making it particularly versatile for both passenger and small commercial use. Its length of 4365 mm (171.9 inches) is typical for this class, striking a practical balance that fits well in urban settings but provides sufficient interior room for families or businesses.

The Nissan Vanette Van from 1988 to 1995 primarily targets the compact minivan segment, focusing on maximizing interior volume. Thanks to its 1900 mm (74.8 inches) height and smart interior layout, the Vanette generally accommodates up to seven or eight passengers depending on the seating configuration. The relatively high roofline allows for comfortable headroom, enhancing passenger comfort especially on longer journeys. Additionally, the seats can usually be folded or removed to expand the cargo area, making the vehicle versatile for work or leisure. While exact interior volume figures vary by trim, the Vanette was well regarded for offering a flexible and spacious cabin within a compact footprint.

Beyond its dimensions, the Nissan Vanette Van from 1988-1995 is recognized for its reliability, practicality, and robust build tailored for both family and commercial use. Its flexible seating and cargo arrangements, efficient use of space, and compact size make it distinct in urban and semi-urban environments. Additionally, the relatively narrow width makes maneuvering through tight spaces easier compared to some wider minivans. The Vanette's modest curb weight contributes to reasonable fuel economy given its size and capacity. While not a luxury vehicle, it earned a reputation for dependable everyday performance and solid value in its category.