Edmunds Road Trip Review: 700 Miles in a Nissan Z to See How Good (or Not) It Really is

[Bumflik]

https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2026-nissan-z-heritage-edition-road-trip-reivew.html

 

[5amp5on]

Good article. I would have liked it if he provided more specifics instead of just conclusions, but good article nonetheless.

 

[loki2191]

Good article indeed, he came to a very common and rational conclusion. The Z car is not the best in any specific category, it just does everything exceptionally well. It also leaves room for younger enthusiasts to modify the car to their liking.

 

[G M]

What about us old guys? My mods so far: Nismo coil overs-lowered an inch, AWE touring exhaust, Mishimoto catch can, and currently installing Nismo CAI which is going a little slow due to me slowing down as I approach 80 (and I don't mean MPH).

I've had the car almost 2 months and put 850 miles on it so far. The only painful part, other than my back, is the very lengthy 1400 mile break-in recommended by Nissan.

 

[Who.Am.Eye.2716]

What about us old guys?

Young at heart enthusiasts

 

[50thZ]

Name one car for the money that has the looks and fun of this one. Not many I love mine. I traded my 2023 MX5 for the 2025 Z.

 

[Bumflik]

Nissan hit a home run with the newest rendition of the Z establishing it in the Z legacy. You can drive to the mall, Dr's appointment, opera, work and church. Very comfy car and if you want to mod it for track or dragstrip you can .

 

[southboundbear]

Yep! Nailed it.

 

[ZMidlife]

The Z is perfect IMHO. I think magazines focus too much on track performance these days. Owners and tuners have proven it can do it all track, drag, and daily.
FBO VR30s make the same HP as its competition with FBOs.

 

[southboundbear]

I'm 65 now. For years road motorcycles. Take day long cruises on nice summer day. Adrenaline rush. Then, health stuff got in the way. No more of that. But, this Z has taken the bikes place. Get the same rush after cruising with it. Just plain fun to drive.

 

[Bumflik]

The Z is perfect IMHO. I think magazines focus too much on track performance these days. Owners and tuners have proven it can do it all track, drag, and daily.
FBO VR30s make the same HP as its competition with FBOs.

Yep, The Fairlady Z was made for common man who couldn't afford the 911 . It was holding its own against the mustangs and 911s in the 70 and 80s .

 

[Bumflik]

What about us old guys? My mods so far: Nismo coil overs-lowered an inch, AWE touring exhaust, Mishimoto catch can, and currently installing Nismo CAI which is going a little slow due to me slowing down as I approach 80 (and I don't mean MPH).

I've had the car almost 2 months and put 850 miles on it so far. The only painful part, other than my back, is the very lengthy 1400 mile break-in recommended by Nissan.

Wow you are amazing 4 Scores huh 80! God Bless ya!

 

[G M]

Yep, The Fairlady Z was made for common man who couldn't afford the 911 . It was holding its own against the mustangs and 911s in the 70 and 80s .

Yeah, I cross-shopped the Por-sha 911 and 914 in both 1971 and 1975. Walked away with a Z both times. The 'stangs' at the time were just Falcons in different clothes so a non-starter for me.

My buddy who had a 911 was impressed when I caught him in my '71 on the way to work on some "twisties" one day and stayed on his behind. I passed another friend who had an XKE almost every day but TBH his car was usually sitting on the side of the road awaiting a tow truck.

 

[Bumflik]

Yeah, I cross-shopped the Por-sha 911 and 914 in both 1971 and 1975. Walked away with a Z both times. The 'stangs' at the time were just Falcons in different clothes so a non-starter for me.

My buddy who had a 911 was impressed when I caught him in my '71 on the way to work on some "twisties" one day and stayed on his behind. I passed another friend who had an XKE almost every day but TBH his car was usually sitting on the side of the road awaiting a tow truck.

Yea I heard that the car enthusiasts who wanted a cheaper alternative in GT sports cars became devoted to the Datsun Z in the 70s being economical and being able to perform with the legendary Manufacturers.

 

[Niks_Mowing]

I bought my '23 from another state a few months ago, and drove it 900km home the day after.

Mostly highway, but around 50km of winding (and very bumpy) mountain roads. It was smoother than I was expecting in both of the scenarios, and was quite surprised how comfortable I was after 9h straight behind the wheel.