The Nissan 180SX is a JDM hatchback produced from 1989 to 1998. The Nissan 180SX name comes from the 1.8 liter turbocharged CA18DET engine that originally powered the Japanese car. The 180SX is based on the Nissan S13 Silvia chassis and sold only as the 180SX in Japan. In Europe and South Africa the 180SX sold as the 200SX and in North America the 180SX sold as the 240SX Fastback.

The 180SX is different from the S13 Silvia because it has pop-up headlamps and a hatchback, know as a Fastback in North America. In 1993 the S13 Silvia was discontinued, but the 180SX was successful enough to continue production until the end of the S14 Silvia generation. Specs and equipment are similar but the naturally aspirated CA18DE engine was not an option, only the turbocharged CA18DET was available. In Japan, the engine was upgraded to the 2.0 liter SR20DE engine and optional turbocharged SR20DET in 1991; meanwhile, the North American 240SX kept the KA24DE engine.

A popular body modification to the 180SX is the Sileighty conversion. A Sileighty, also writen Sil80, is a Nissan 180SX with S13 Silvia headlights, front fenders, hood, and front bumper. The Sileighty style originated with street racers and drifters in Japan who did the conversion after a wreck because the S13 Silvia’s front panels and lights were lighter and cheaper than the 180SX replacement parts.

Another popular modification to the 180SX is the “Sleepy Eye” headlight mod. This allows the pop-up headlights to only open halfway, giving a “Sleepy” look.

The 2007 D1 Street Legal Japan Champion Kazuya Matsukawa drives a Nissan 180SX. In the Japanese anime Initial D, Iketani’s friend and member of the Akina Speedstars Kenji drives a white 180SX. The 180SX is also featured in popular racing video games like Need For Speed and Gran Turismo 2.