Redline Reviews gave the 2027 Nissan Z Nismo a mixed score of 54/100, with notably strong marks for performance and design. The Nismo impresses with 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque paired with a new 6-speed manual transmission option that appeals to driving purists, while the refreshed exterior—featuring the iconic Z logo and striking bug-eye LED headlights—delivers heritage-inspired styling. However, the vehicle suffers from poor fuel economy (17-24 MPG combined), limited driving technology like the absence of a 360-degree camera and remote trunk opening, and modest cabin upgrades despite the $10,000 Performance trim upcharge. The 2027 Z Nismo is built for enthusiasts who prioritize manual transmission driving dynamics and classic design over everyday practicality and modern conveniences.

Redline Reviews gave the 2027 Nissan Z Nismo a strong positive rating of 84.3/100, praising its stellar performance and practicality across the board. The standout features include the potent 3.0L twin-turbo V6 delivering 420 hp with sub-4-second 0-60 times, the available six-speed manual transmission with improved throws and clutch, and surprisingly spacious trunk storage (nearly 7 cubic feet, besting the Toyota Supra). The main weakness is comfort, where the exclusive Nismo Recaro bucket seats—while aggressive and supportive—lack heating, and the design scores 72.2/100 due to a somewhat blocky face despite the new horizontal grille bar and homage Shankai green color. This car is built for enthusiasts who prioritize raw performance and driving engagement over everyday comfort amenities.

SavageGeese gave the 2025 Nissan Z a strong 95/100 rating, praising it as an exceptionally well-designed and livable sports car that delivers genuine driving engagement with its 400-hp twin-turbo V6, double wishbone suspension, and responsive steering. The Z's biggest strengths are its timeless styling, old-school character that feels less confined than competitors like the Supra, and suitability as a daily driver—plus it's become a legitimate value proposition at $40,000-$45,000 after dealer discounts, down from the originally expensive mid-50s pricing. The one caveat is that launch pricing was aggressive at over $60,000 for the Nismo trim, though current incentives have resolved this issue. The 2025 Z is ideal for buyers seeking an approachable, communicative manual rear-wheel-drive sports car that balances weekend thrills with practical daily drivability.

Redline Reviews gives the 2024 Nissan Z Nismo a solidly positive 62/100 score, praising its outstanding performance with 420 hp, sub-4-second 0-60 acceleration, and aggressive heritage-inspired design featuring a power bulge hood and unique LED lighting. However, the review highlights significant drawbacks: a steep $67,000 price tag makes it expensive compared to competitors like the Supra and Mustang Dark Horse, and Nissan oddly omitted heated seats, heated steering wheel, and power seats at this price point, while also skipping 360-degree cameras and remote trunk release on the key fob. The Z Nismo is built for driving enthusiasts who prioritize track-capable performance and head-turning design over everyday practicality and value, and who appreciate its limited production exclusivity.

Doug DeMuro gave the 2024 Nissan Z Nismo a mixed review (45/100), praising its aggressive design with aerodynamic extensions and distinctive styling cues, as well as its performance upgrades including 420 horsepower and an enlarged oil cooler for serious track use. However, he heavily criticized the $66,000 price tag—a $13,000 premium over the standard Z for only marginally better performance—and lamented the controversial lack of a manual transmission option, calling it a "Scarlet Letter" on the car; additionally, the cabin tech lags with an outdated infotainment system lacking a unified home screen and antiquated livability features like manual door unlocking. The Nismo Z is best suited for design-focused enthusiasts willing to overlook its value proposition and transmission limitations.

Redline Reviews gives the 2024 Nissan Z Performance a solidly positive 63/100 score, praising it as a fun, lightweight driving machine that delivers exceptional value. The Z excels in value (starting under $40,000 with 400 hp) and driving technology (featuring active rev matching, parking sensors, and a limited slip differential), while its retro-modern design—particularly the three-dimensional LED taillights and Half Moon headlights—successfully pays homage to Z heritage. The main drawbacks are mediocre reliability scores due to cheap-feeling plastics and a tinny door closing sound, plus unremarkable acceleration (4.4 seconds 0-60 in the manual) relative to some competitors, though fuel economy matches EPA estimates at 18/23-24 mpg. This car is built for driving enthusiasts who prioritize style, handling, and performance-per-dollar over premium interior materials and cutting-edge acceleration.

Auto Buyers Guide gives the 2024 Nissan Z Nismo a mixed review (58/100), praising its striking design with the honeycomb grille and ducktail spoiler alongside genuinely impressive performance upgrades including Dunlop summer tires with better grip, larger brakes, and a stiffer, track-tuned suspension. The cabin tech is also well-executed with specialized gauge pods for engine metrics and turbo monitoring, though the reviewer notes significant drawbacks in livability—tight headroom for taller drivers, non-power Recaro seats, and a firm ride unsuitable for daily commuting—paired with questionable value at $66,085, roughly $12,000 more than the performance version for just 20 extra horsepower and some seats. The Nismo is built for buyers who prioritize track capability and exclusive styling over comfort and practicality, and who believe the base Z's value proposition makes it potentially the smarter financial choice.

Redline Reviews gives the 2024 Nissan Z Nismo a mixed 57/100 score, praising its world-class performance—420 horsepower, an updated turbo derived from the GTR, and a transmission that shifts nearly twice as fast as the regular Z—alongside aggressive styling with heritage-inspired half-moon headlights and distinctive red Nismo accents. The cabin tech is adequate with a 9-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, though the key fob lacks modern conveniences like remote start, and the tight Recaro seats demand a test fit before purchasing. Significant drawbacks include poor fuel economy with premium fuel and a modest tank, no sunroof, and a $12,000 premium over the Z Performance that reviewers suggest is only justified for track enthusiasts rather than road-only drivers. The Nismo Z is built for performance-focused buyers willing to accept compromises in practicality and everyday convenience for a limited-production, value-holding sports car.

TheStraightPipes gave the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO a strong 78/100 rating, with the reviewer thoroughly impressed by what Nissan accomplished with the car. The standout strengths include the cabin tech (wireless Apple CarPlay, well-designed Alcantara steering wheel) and reliability features like the upgraded oil cooler for track capability, plus the responsive nine-speed automatic that shifts 20-27% faster on upshifts than the manual. The main compromises are the livability concerns around suspension bump on uneven surfaces and middling value at $65,000, which puts it in line with competitors like the Supra depending on spec. This car is built for enthusiasts who prioritize mountain road performance and track capability over everyday comfort and practicality.

SavageGeese gave the 2024 Nissan Z Nismo an 85/100 score, reflecting strong enthusiasm for this track-focused variant. The standout strengths are its performance (94/100) with upgraded six-piston brakes, stiffer suspension, and re-tuned steering, plus its clean design (100/100) that actually generates downforce rather than lift—features that distinguish it from competitors. The main caveat is the automatic-only transmission, which SavageGeese acknowledges hurts enthusiasts despite finding the gearbox acceptable in practice, and the stiff suspension that sacrifices daily-driving comfort compared to the standard Z. This is the car for driving purists who prioritize engagement and track capability over transmission preference and ride compliance.

Auto Buyers Guide gave the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO an exceptional 96/100 rating, praising its design overhaul with a slimmer hexagonal grille and half-moon LED headlights reminiscent of the original 240Z, along with significant performance upgrades including 285-width rear tires and upsized 15-inch front rotors with red calipers. The vehicle also delivers solid livability with over 10 cubic feet of cargo space and premium Recaro bucket seats, though the review offers limited discussion of real-world driving dynamics and handling characteristics. At an estimated $173,600, the Nismo Z is positioned as the most track-capable Z variant and represents a meaningful step up from the base model—making it ideal for enthusiasts seeking an exclusive, performance-focused sports car with heritage-inspired styling.

Redline Reviews gave the 2024 Nissan Z Nismo a strong 79/100 score, praising it as a significant step up from the regular Z in styling and performance. The standout strengths are its 420-horsepower turbocharged engine with launch control and impressive practicality—including over 10 cubic feet of cargo space and supportive Recaro seats—alongside an attractive stealth gray finish with red accent striping. The main drawbacks are mediocre fuel economy expected to be slightly worse than the regular Z's 19.28 EPA rating, and minor tech omissions like the lack of wireless phone charging despite the nine-inch digital display. The Nismo Z at an expected $58,000 is built for track-focused buyers who prioritize performance and styling over fuel efficiency and cabin creature comforts.