2023 Nissan Z Review // $50,000 Hero...With Enemies 

This felt like a really balanced review. Most (all?) of the "early" reviews of this car had presenters gush about what a great value this "$40,000" car is while driving the 50k version. It drove me a little bonkers.

Throttle House reminds me of Top Gear from the mid 2000s. Visually pleasing video production, humor thoughtfully mixed in, lap times, quirky hosts that each have their own distinct charisma. But what makes them so reminiscent of Clarkson, Hammond, and May is that they’re genuine friends hanging out, and we are there to hang with them by watching the videos

Gotta appreciate how great/ consistent a driver Thomas is. Kept his time within like a tenth of a second! Love it!

I 💯 PERCENT enjoy the fact you guys aren't afraid to ruffle feathers for honest reviews!

The way these guys are making reviews is astonishing. Always keeps you at interest, is very informative and also tell you what you don’t always want to hear about a car. Keep up the good work guys we love you 👍 ( the humour though 😂 )

As the owner, of a 22 Camaro SS 1LE, I couldn't agree more, that this is a true, world class track car that can be driven on a daily basis. Absolute steal for the money, damn shame their gone after 23.

This is one of the best reviews and performances you guys have done in a while. My side was hurting by the end of it. James was in rare form. Thomas’ track expertise and honest opinions of the Z are insightful and appreciated.

I have a 22 SS 1LE. Same one as in video color and all... and that car surprises me all the time. Went to a track day and hot lapped it repeatedly and it had zero complaints. Such a good car for the money. Secured mine custom ordered for $48,000 USD and in my opinion thats the perfect price for a car with 6 fluid heat exchangers, 6 piston brakes, v8, manual, ELSD, good trackable tires and a chassis that laughs at whatever you throw at it

"I'm not your buddy, guy." Well played, sir. I love the SP reference.

As a Z enthusiast this is the video I’ve been waiting for and to be honest I can accept what they say about it. They bring to light all the pros and cons that most other youtubers won’t tell you about and they seem to be mostly unbiased with this too which I appriciate

I liked instantly when Thomas power-slid accidentally. Such dedication to the art of thorough reviewing.

Hands-down a brilliant review, you guys. For me, this really transcended the typical "show and tell" that hits the car's highs and lows without really getting into the weeds to become an engaging, detailed, brilliantly shot and told story about what the car really is. Despite being a Track Series video, this told me more about the Z than any other review of it that I've watched (and I really loved the contrast with the Camaro). Great, great work.

When you guys showed the Camaro , my soul awakened and got really exciting. I don't know why but when anyone praises the Camaro i feel really great.

GM is supremely excellent at chassis and suspension tuning. The 1LE variants has been known to be very capable for a decade now. It’s always a tough match to go against a 1LE

Love it that you guys are still real. I know two other car reviewers that just praise every car they drive. This is what real car journalism is.

I love the fact that you make your reviews fun, that alone makes you guys unique and special. Keep up the good work guys.

Can we all take a moment to appreciate how special the GR86 is to be $30k and put down lap times with the big boys.

As a second owner of a 2003 350z owner I felt that grind of gears. Mine had the infamous 3rd gear grind. I replaced it with a low mile 2007 transmission with a stage 3 race clutch. I ended up selling it to the 3rd owner who turned it into a race car.

You are creating such strangely perfect duo that i cannot imagine a youtube without you guys. Keep your work!

I've always loved Z cars. I had a 350z nismo, driven my friends 500hp z32, and another friends 370z with tire, brake, coilover upgrades. All great cars. I was watching this video and I was just like why would I get rid of my paid off SS 1LE for this car? Then you brought the bad boy out 🤣

I’m third owner of a 981 Boxster S (60,000 miles) and couldn’t be happier. Not much to do with this car’s N/A engine except an exhaust and tune to bring it up to 370 hp and 4.2 to 60. 32 mpg at 65 on the highway. Rock solid reliable, two large trunks front and rear, and phenomenal mid engined handling with Porsche panache, and it only cost 45k! There is no substitute

I briefly owned a 1994 300ZX TT. It was a heavy car with somewhat soft springs and rear tires that didn't have quite enough grip. It was scary at the limit, especially in the rain. But, if you stayed within its limits, it was a fun, comfortable ride with great ergonomics where you can just cruise around and mash the throttle to put a big grin on your face. I loved that car. I think Nissan knew exactly what it was doing with this new version.

The Cabbage Patch kid nearly made me spit out my coffee, especially when he was trying to hold it's hand🤣🤣 Loved the "power slid" part as well. This channel is Gold!

I know that we went through a couple decades where a lot of American sports cars were built by accountants more than engineers, but I think we've passed that time and American sports cars can go toe-to-toe with some of the best European and Japanese cars. Sure you're not going to get a hand-built Pagani, but you're going to get a really bang for your buck, capable machine that's not overly pretentious.

My first car was a 79 280zx, followed by a 76 280z. I have been looking forward to this car because it looks like a proper Z. However most reviews say the same thing, its heavy, more of a gt, falls apart at the limit. So I bought a Neptune blue gr86 and it feels like the spiritual successor to my 79 280zx. Edit* as of 8-18-22 I have finally driven the new Z. Here are my thoughts. You can clearly see parts of different generation Z influences in its styling both inside and out. It’s fast but that’s a given. The suspension is softer than expected and if you want a GT car then this is your car. At 5’11 I would not be able to wear a helmet for track days so that’s a bummer as the seating position is really high even when the seat is in its lowest position. At its base price of $40k it’s a bargain but the example I drove was almost $54k and at that price the Supra sounds better and is quicker although I still don’t forgive the montage of fake vents. Plus in my opinion the new Z looks better but looks are subjective. At the end of the day I am just glad the new Z, Supra, BRZ, GR86, Miata, C8, Cayman, Mustang, and Camaro exist. The right answer is choose one, drive it and love it. I chose the GR86 which one did you get?

I'm working on getting a new Z by this coming spring. I could care less about track lap times, as I will only be driving it on the street, public roads. So its role as a GT car is perfect.

You guys released this review at the same time as TheStraightPipes and let me tell you, I love their channel but the editing in this video is just a million times more creative. Keep up the good work.

Balance is the name of the game, both with the youngest fairlady and with you guys. I love to see the comments section popping with objective compliments and discussion after only 13 hours, and I believe it motivates you two to keep putting out high(est) quality content. Good luck and much love ❤️🤞🏼

Solid review. Can’t wait to see them on the road but I rather stick with my Supra. I’m loving that Camaro too, that’s a compelling argument you did for those on the fence about the new Z lol

When they initially announced the new Z, I was sooo excited. Over the last year or so I new it would come down to the car being described as okay.

I love the honest review. I’m a little disappointed with the Z. It sounds like Nissan was focused on the design and paid less attention to the overall performance. Good thing the Z will have a great aftermarket to improve the performance of it.

I love the new Z, but will be interested how they develop it in the coming years. Also huge fan of the SS 1LE, but have you ever done a comparison between the 1LE with manual vs A10. I always see people saying it's faster and such, but the manual is more engaging. To compare the two in a drag and around the track would be interesting and your opinions.

I’m wondering if the “nismo” edition thats rumored to be produced makes it less of a “gt” car and more of an aggressive/track oriented car

You guys are honestly taking this RU-vid car review thing to the next level

Great video as usual... really enjoyed it! So, you said the Miata and the GR 86 were both better connected, but slower... yet the the GR 86 turned a faster lap time by a half second. So, the GR 86 is more connected and FASTER (on a track) at nearly HALF the price! LOL! I get that better tires on the Z would put it slightly ahead of the GR 86, and the addition of a nice set of coilovers would put the Z significantly ahead, but still... for nearly half the price, I'll take the GR 86, thanks!

Thank you guys so much for telling the truth. This is the most complete review of this car I've seen yet, and I feel like I understand the new Z now. They essentially made a car that appeals to the non enthusiast driver with money to spare who just wants a fast highway crusher. I personally just wish Nissan marketed it differently.

Thanks for the review. You broke me of my mighty need for this version. I will stick to finding a good used 370Z.

I take comfort in knowing that the latest team at Nissan is taking feedback well these days and reacting, I’m confident Nissan hasn’t shown all its cards yet and is shaking up the scene, everyone else will up there ante to what they think is Nissans best and BOOM. Remember how the GTR had an amazing run as the sports car to rival back in the day.. excited to see Z phase 2

8:01 the self deprication humor by Thomas is great... James really made the channel better, but was still one of my favoriite car review channels.

Some of the very best car reviews on RU-vid and extremely entertaining to boot! Well done guys!!!

Excellent and fair review. Fun, informational, and well paced. Thank you!

As a former owner of a 370 I'm glad they made this New Z. But for me, the Camaro all day for a true performance car. 😊

the immediate difference in smile after jumping in the SS by thomas is golden 🥰🥰

I'm glad someone finally made an objective review of this car. The hype around it has been ridiculous.

You guys are pure geniuses and I love the sh out of your content.

How do you upgrade, entertain and make a car review better than the regular? Do this. This was awesome. Highly enjoyable. Watching you grow and improve is so satisfying. You both are inspiring to me as a content creator and just being awesome. Love this review!

I believe a Camaro SS 1LE can be had for 50 and that is the best sports car you can buy for that price

New versions of my first cars...... Love the 280Z -esk look of the new Z... didn't realize it would be so soft compared to the camero. Good show, thanks.

For $50k a couple of used AMG come in my mind right away. Make no mistake at this point the repair prices of Nissan have come up pretty high so repair bills of the amg won't turn me away.

As a full time GME holder i can confirm im gettin this car

I love the rear and side profile of this car, the front end is a big letdown tho but nothing an aftermarket grill and bumper can’t fix

Great review, would like to hear how you think the M240i RWD compares to these two since it is in the same price range.

This makes me wonder what the 2025 Z will be like. In a couple model years when they've hopefully ironed out some of the kinks. Fix the second gear grinding, maybe stiffer springs, even make the steering more responsive. That, or the inevitable Nismo version which ought to be much more of a performance car

YESSSS A 1LE! Thank you so much for showcasing this car, I own one and reviewers have slept on it since its release 6 years ago! I currently own one and everything you've said is true, best sports car for the money and punches above its weight.

4:19 A reference to the Canadians from Southpark! 😂 These are all right up my alley.

I know you guys don't generally cover modified cars, but I think alot of people would be interested to see the Z lap again in the future once aftermarket suspension and some other bits become available.

Thanks for the honest review. I am current rebuilding my 2003 BMW Z4 2.5 (manual 5 speed) and passing it on to my daughter ( She loves the manual transmission) and at the same time looking for a new ride. My priority has been finding a new car that has some power and a manual transmission. I had been looking at the new Z since it has some power, a manual 6 speed transmission and I owned a 280 Z when I was in my late 20's.....and I loved the car. I was disappointed during the review when you called attention to the grinding issue (going into 2nd gear) with new Z's 6 speed the transmission. I have been concerned that I would not find a decent car with a manual transmission before everything becomes Electric. Then I watched your review on the Lotus Emira, it is everything I have been looking for. Power (V6) with a 6 speed manual transmission and a style that makes it look like a Super Car for only twice what the Nissan Z would have cost me. Now the challenge is finding one in the Midwest. Thanks Guys!!!!!

Z’s have always been this way, well, at least since the 350z for sure. What was special about the older ones was how they woke up once you stiffened them and opened up their exhaust- taking the GT out. Who knows how this version will do with modifications but with a turbo engine, my bet is that you can make it fast af.. Although, as usual with that combo, less reliable & maybe less fun. Great review as always 🥇

Easily the best, most honest review seen to date. Thanks guys. I guess I'll just stick to my Z32 300ZX.

"the five spoke is an homage to the four spoke" actually cracked me up. xD

I was looking forward to this review. I have an 86 that I was considering trading in for the Z in a year, but honestly I think ill stay with the 86 and probably slap a supercharger on it for more fun at the track. While I love Zs, I dont think this is a big enough upgrade since I have to do the same modifications as I did to my 86 (wheels, tires and coilovers) to make it a track weapon, and my 86 is already a very good track car.

I'd like to think Nissan knows their market really well. The barebones comment is spot on. Nissan does GT cars really well imo, they always have. The skyline, while being heavy, was a lot of people's favorite "sports car" right? They shouldn't have done that with the Z imo but- i'm not entirely complaining. I really think it has all the potential, but I do understand buying one brand new and then having to spend 10k in mods is a little frustrating. Really good honest review!

This car is a great blend of forward thinking as well as heritage, at a competitive price point. On my radar for sure.

Had a 2022 2SS with a 6 speed for around 5 or so months, car was absolutely phenomenal. I miss it every day. Can’t wait to get into another one or possibly a corvette.

Fantastic review!! I get the sense that people really want to like it, but the choices on suspension, tires and interior mean it's not for you. Well, not yet, as you so brilliantly pointed out with James' twin, James and Thomas as the three owners.

I’m not a Supra or a “Z” guy but after reading/watching the reviews for both my money would be spent on the Zupra manual. The Z is just a bit soft and underpowered. Yes I know you may can fix that with aftermarket parts but those parts also void the warranty.

I bought a 2022 Veloster N a month ago and I was getting a little buyers remorse for not waiting for this car… but now I feel like I made the right decision 👍

OH MY GOD, does that scroll wheel on the steering wheel control the volume!? honestly i love it! thats an incentive for me.

Thanks for still staying honest about the car boys. Love your work.

I have never regretted one day of owner ship of my 2019 Camaro SS 1LE, and I fully enjoy using it as owner 3 does even though I’m owner 1.

These guys are so entertaining! Keep it up fellas!

What an outstanding review. I had a 370z, absolutely loved it, but this new one seems to have all of the same issues! I'll never forget how I could never get the car into 6th gear over 180kmh and how the rear was so strangely sprung that it used to just bounce around... But the steering was the best I've experienced, on par with my v8 vantage.. Pity it's now electric

This seems to me that Nissan has repeated the generational change between the 280Z to the 280ZX with this car. Heavier, nicer interior, softer ride... The car went from a sports car to a cruiser.

So... Basically it's a great car, it just doesn't have track suspension and tyres. By the way, in my opinion it fits in the Z heritage well, and I'm looking forward to see it get tuned all over the place.

Don’t be too hard on it guys, a nice GT car that doesn’t cost Aston Martin prices has its place. Great review.

And this is where I, an avid Toyota fanboy and a big BMW supporter, come in and mention that an A91-6MT uses an amazing BMW straight six combined with Toyota's chassis tuning and the willpower to cobble together a bespoke manual for this car. Yes the Z is a Z and the Supra is a BMW but it's just BETTER

"I'm not your buddy, guy" - Owner 1, Circa 2022. Masterful.

I was just thinking yesterday "I wonder when throttle house is going to do a review on the Nissan Z".. thank you for scratching that itch

2nd gear grind was also a problem in my 06 g35. Led to a clutch replacement at 75k.

The Z is now for Mainstream general commute car same with the c8 vette. Not that it’s a bad thing but the racing enthusiast wants the nismo and Z06 versions that really opens up the potential of the platform. The base car is there to make sales and make room for the halo car when it’s not so tied down to everyday constraints

Few reviews have slammed the Z to the ground as gently as this one. Nice job as always, boys.

When people chirp a Supra with comments like "Nice BMW" because it's "not a real Toyota" I tend to remind them that BMW tends to be regarded as a higher end marquee than Toyota which would therefore imply they are actually complimenting the car. To those who hate on BMW due to the cost of upkeep it's important to realize that the cost of deferred maintenance is reflective of stock performance and MSRP of the car.

Loved the Review! I have an SS 1le I I track it a couple times a year. You guys were right on the money. Also the jokes at the end killed me!

I never thought I'd see another Japanese sports car that's more unstable on the track than a muscle car.

1LE owner here. Love it and really underrated car for the money. Car is so much fun and too much to add here as to why so just take my word for it. Would not sell it nor even considered trading it for a Z.

Watching this review after watching the Straight Pipes' review is like watching a blockbuster movie after watching an elementary school play of the same movie. Your production quality is unsurpassed in the auto journalist sector. Also, all the Straight Pipes talked about was Yuri's 350z, I forgot I was watching a new Z review in their video....

The z is cool, but I'll take the camaro at that price point.

We appreciate your honesty

This review was excellent. Let's be honest though. The future Z owners are so cult-like that they're going to buy this vehicle no matter what.

SavageGeese has the car on tires and pads and it’s 2 seconds slower on his track than the Supra.

As an owner of a 2019 Camaro SS 1LE I will also say it's an amazing car for the price. Especially in its stock form you just can't beat it! Plus imo the car looks great too.

The Z looks like a GTA car trying to avoid copyright 🤷🏻🤦🏻

Did James just do a Terence and Philip reference when he "switched" owners? Buddy - guy

Great overview. The current gen Camaro is such an underappreciated car. Too bad they'll be ending it's run in 2024. I'm on my second 2SS and LOVE it. I'm not at all a chevy guy. I'm typically a premium/luxury brand guy (my second cars have been Acura/Lexus/Audi). I enjoy trying all brands and types of cars, and have owned, rented, or test driven Porsches (992, 997, 996, Boxster S), Ferrari F430, BMW M4, Mustangs (GT, V6, EcoBoost, Foxbody 4cyl.)), Corvettes (C6, C7), Audi (A4, A5, S4, S5), Infiniti (G35, G37), Nissan 370z, and many others, but for me the Camaro is one of my all-time favorites. So incredibly fun to drive. It has an amazing mix of power, roar, and handling, with lots of modern creature comforts.

I always thought the Z lineup was overpriced and this new one keeps the legacy going it seems lol. Meanwhile, there's the Camaro 2SS 1LE, the king of bang for your buck and my current dream car.

Saved me a $50 stack decision! Literally every early review I watched they gloated avout performance. This is why you wait for the Throttle House review!

Good choice...i also bought a 2022 ranger, fx4, partly because of your videos, but also because on paper its the best midsize available... I couldn't be happier with it...i also considered waiting for the 23/24 but we'll see when it comes out...i dont like that its growing in size...i already feel like the current ranger is a little bigger than it should be for midsize

That SS 1LE really illustrates the Zs shortcomings. Compared to the Camaro it’s completely outclassed from a driving standpoint.

I wish so much that Nissan came out with a new 240SX; a lghtweight and more affordable RWD sports car, not unlike the GR86 and such but with a fastback and just a bit more horespower... that would be perfect.

This is actually an excellent review that helped me decide in which part of my midlife crisis should I plonk down my cash.....to buy a Camaro.