Nissan 200SX (US Spec)
The 200SX was more of a commuter than a corner carver, despite its sporty moniker. It felt like a fancy version of an economy car because of its soft ride and limited power. The emblem was worn, but the attitude was not!
Nissan 370Z (late Models)
Once a fan favorite, the 370Z overstayed its welcome. By the late 2010s, its aging interior and lack of innovation made it feel more like a relic than a thrill ride. Sure, it had the heart of a sports car, but the soul of a showroom leftover.
Nissan 350Z Base
The base model lacked elegance, but the 350Z had strong style and respectable power. It felt more rugged than beautiful due to its heavy steering, rough ride, and lack of finesse. All in all, this wasn't quite the polished performer fans had hoped for.
Nissan GT-R (R35, Post-2017)
“Godzilla” once impressed all, but by 2017, it struggled to turn heads! Despite its speed, the R35’s dated tech and recycled design left fans wanting more; it became a pricey dinosaur - still powerful, but lacking the evolution needed to stay king of the hill.
Nissan GT-R Pure Edition
Stripping down a supercar to make it “affordable” sounds noble, but the Pure Edition felt like a compromise too far. Missing key features and creature comforts, it was fast but sterile. Buyers were left wondering if the savings were worth the sacrifice.
Nissan GT-R NISMO (2020)
The NISMO badge should scream excitement, but this version whispered “overpriced.” With minimal performance gains over cheaper trims and a jaw-dropping price tag, it felt more like a collector’s flex than a driver’s dream. It’s fast, yes - but perhaps not fast enough for you to justify the bill.
Nissan Z (2023 Base Trim)
The new Z promised a fresh start, but the base trim felt like a missed opportunity. Bland cabin materials and outdated infotainment dulled the excitement. Sure, it might've looked the part - but driving it felt like Nissan was still catching up to rivals who’d already sprinted ahead.
Nissan Pulsar GTI-R
Built for rally fantasies, the GTI-R had the specs but not the stamina. Awkward styling and reliability problems prevented it from being fantastic. You might think it’s fun (when it worked), but it was also infuriating when it didn't!
Nissan NX2000
Quirky and ambitious, the NX2000 tried to blend sportiness with practicality; unfortunately, it didn’t excel at either. Its oddball looks and middling performance made it hard to love. It’s the kind of car you root for, but deep down know it’s not winning any races.
Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
Though she was unable to keep up, this Sentra wanted to play with the big guys. A sport-tuned suspension and manual gearbox were the perfect combination, but it lacked the power to truly stand out. A great effort, sure, but in the end, it was more bark than bite.
Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SE
The Altima Coupe never lived up to the thrills its design promised, despite having a clean enough appearance to draw attention. Heartbreakingly, it was more of an everyday driver than a weekend warrior due to its front-wheel drive and heavy feel.
Nissan Silvia S12
Despite having rear-wheel drive and angular beauty, the S12's performance fell short of its angular appearance. In a sea of more proficient coupes, this car was underpowered and frequently disregarded, making it difficult to distinguish itself.
Nissan Silvia S13 Q’s Trim
While the S13 chassis earned praise, the Q’s trim lacked the turbocharged excitement of its K’s sibling. Okay, it handled well most of the time, but the missing boost left drivers wanting more.
Nissan Silvia S14 Base
The base model felt diluted, but the S14 added a smoother appearance. It did not have the edge that made its predecessors thrilling, but it handled rather well. A good platform, to be sure, but hardly the exhilarating ride that fans had hoped for.
Nissan Silvia S15 Spec-S
The Spec-S had the looks and chassis of greatness, but without the turbocharged engine, the S15 Spec-S felt like a missed opportunity. Smooth and stylish, yes - but when it came time to perform, it just didn’t have the firepower.
Nissan 240SX Convertible
Chop the roof off a 240SX and you get wind in your hair - and a heavier, less agile car. The convertible version sacrificed handling for style, and the result was more boulevard cruiser than backroad brawler. Fun in the sun, but not much fun in the corners!
Nissan 240SX Automatic
It was a mismatch from the beginning to pair a dynamic chassis with a slow automatic transmission. A manual would have allowed the 240SX to reach its full potential, but the auto made the experience less enjoyable.
Nissan 300ZX (2+2 NA)
The naturally aspirated 2+2 version of the 300ZX added weight and lost urgency; it had the looks, but not the turbocharged thrill. The rear seats were barely usable, and performance suffered as a result. It’s the compromise model - trying to please everyone, but not quite satisfying anyone.
Nissan 300ZX (Z31)
The Z31's wedge-shaped ambition and digital dash appeal were certainly short-lived. The handling felt more like that of a grand tourer than a sports vehicle, and the electronics were finicky. Now it’s only recognized more for its eccentricities than for its excellent driving characteristics.
Nissan 280ZX Turbo (1981)
Turbocharging promised excitement, but early 280ZX Turbos suffered from lag and clumsy handling. Yes, it was fast in a straight line, but cornering confidence was lacking. The styling was cool, the badge iconic - but the driving experience didn’t quite live up to the turbo hype.
Nissan 280ZX 2+2
The 280ZX's edge was softer, and its weight increased when it was stretched for additional seating. Although it cruised comfortably, its athletic aims were tempered by the extra mass. When it was driving, the automobile felt more like a Sunday drive than a furious sprint, despite having a quick appearance when it was stationary.
Nissan 260Z 2+2
The 260Z 2+2 tried to blend practicality with performance, but the result was a heavier, less nimble version of a beloved classic. It retained the Z-car charm, yet lost some of the magic in translation. A compromise that didn’t quite capture the thrill of the original.
Nissan 240Z (late Production)
The late-model 240Z lost part of its power as emissions rules became more stringent. The driving experience was less crisp, and performance declined. Although it still had the appropriate appearance, the early Z's soul was vanishing.
Nissan GT-R (R32 Automatic)
The R32 GT-R is revered, but the automatic version felt like a mismatch. It dulled the razor-sharp edge of a car built for performance. Enthusiasts wanted control, and the auto took that away. It’s a rare variant, but not one that’s fondly remembered for driving engagement.
Nissan GT-R (R33)
After the R32, the R33 had to fill large shoes, and it faltered. Unfortunately, it was heavier, less nimble, and lacked the rawness that fans loved. Although it seemed more like a GT than a real sports car, it was nevertheless quick.
Nissan GT-R (R34 V-Spec II Nür)
The Nür edition was rare and expensive, but didn’t offer dramatic performance gains over the standard R34. This car became a collector’s item more than a driver’s delight. For the price, buyers expected fireworks - instead, they got a slightly tweaked version wrapped in exclusivity.
Nissan Juke NISMO RS
The Juke NISMO RS tried to inject sportiness into a quirky crossover, but the result was uneven. It had sharp styling and a turbo, yet the handling felt twitchy and the ride harsh. In theory, it was fun, but in practice, it struggled to find its rhythm.
Nissan Juke-R
A GT-R engine in a Juke body sounds wild - and it was! But the Juke-R was more concept than car, with limited practicality and sky-high costs. The Juke-R turned heads, sure, but few could justify owning one. A fascinating experiment, but not a sports car for the masses.
Nissan Micra 160SR
Despite wearing a sporty emblem, the Micra 160SR was unable to support it. Although it possessed a strong suspension and a lively engine, it lacked the power and accuracy to be really thrilling.
Nissan Note NISMO S
The Note NISMO S added excitement to a humble hatchback, but performance gains were modest. It handled better than expected, yet never felt truly sporty. It’s the kind of car that tries hard to impress, but ultimately reminds you it’s built only for errands.
Nissan Bluebird SSS Turbo
Reliability problems and uninspired design limited the Bluebird SSS Turbo's potential. Although it lacked the handling dexterity to compete with true sports sedans, it was swift in a straight line.
Nissan Stanza Sport Coupe
The Stanza Sport Coupe aimed for excitement but landed in mediocrity. It had the name and the look, but the driving experience was uninspired. It’s the kind of car that makes you wonder who it was really built for - because it didn’t quite satisfy either side of the sporty spectrum.
Nissan Axxess SE
Calling the Axxess SE a sports car is generous, but Nissan tried. With a minivan shape and modest power, it was more curious than capable. It’s a reminder that not every “sport” badge guarantees thrills - sometimes, it just means a spoiler and wishful thinking.
Nissan Versa S Hatchback
The Versa S Hatchback wore a sporty trim, but the driving experience was anything but. It was slow, soft, and built for budget-conscious buyers. It’s the kind of car that might look fun in a brochure, but behind the wheel, it’s all economy and no excitement.
Nissan Rogue Sport
Despite the name, the Rogue Sport wasn’t sporty. It handled like a crossover, accelerated like a commuter, and offered little for driving enthusiasts. It’s practical, sure, but in a list of sports cars, it’s the odd one out. A marketing stretch that never quite delivered the goods.
