2020 Nissan Z

Nissan’s varied lineup of SUVs, pickup trucks, and EVs usually perform well in our road tests, but their Overall Scores suffer because of up-and-down reliability and average to below-average owner satisfaction. Inconsistent quality across the brand means some Nissans are a better choice than others. Many of its gasoline vehicles use small turbocharged engines and continuously variable transmissions to give owners both competitive fuel economy and sporty performance. Most new Nissans come standard with a full suite of active safety and driver assist systems. It’s also one of the few remaining brands that sells a sub-compact sedan, the Versa. The compact Sentra, a mainstay within Nissan’s lineup, earned a high score in our road test and is recommended. Nissan was an early EV trailblazer with the Leaf hatchback, and now sells larger five-passenger EV SUVs. Used Nissans have average reliability according to our surveys.

The coupe was redesigned for 2009, with the engine getting a displacement increase to 3.7 liters. The revised convertible followed a year later. This version of the Z car is a bit shorter and lighter than the one it replaced. It also has much better interior fit and finish. Nissan's two-seat sports car is quick, agile and enjoyable to drive. Its V6 is muscular yet cultured and smooth. Shift action is a bit notchy, but crisp and positive in feel. Handling is very agile, with direct steering and lots of cornering grip. On the other hand, road and tire noise are constant and the cabin is cramped. Visibility takes a back seat as well. Updates for 2015 included standard Bluetooth and revised suspension tuning. New additions for 2016 include an optional noise cancellation/enhancement system aimed at quieting some of the offensive racket while creating "natural engine sounds to help bolster the driver's acceleration experience." The Z is also offered as a hot-rod Nismo version, which gets you exterior aerodynamic add-ons, 19-inch wheels, Recaro seats, a stiffer suspension and 18 more horsepower. Updates for 2018 include some interior and exterior enhancements.