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2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo Review – An Affordable Sports Car?

by TerriAnn
2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo Review #cars #nismo

What do most people want in a sports car? Breathtakingly good looks, power you can feel, tight suspension, race-like interior, good handling, aerodynamic lines, and a slamming sound system might be some of the key features that attract someone to a particular model. Price? Well, for most, that’s the kicker. However, attaining a decent sports car might not be as unreachable if considering the newest 370z Nismo from Nissan.

2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo Review #cars #nismoOne-week vehicle loan was provided for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Experience the 2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo

Now, I have to preface this review with the fact that this is not a “family” car. There are only two seats so, if anything, it’s a more suited to those that are childless or who would like to pretend they are on the occasional date nights. There’s also next to no trunk space. So, stock-up trips to the warehouse store are out of the question unless the only item you need is toilet paper, nothing else will fit.

2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo Review #cars #nismo

This is one sweet car. It has soft, round lines yet commands attention in its own subtle way. I’ve actually seen several of these on the road lately and about 2/3 had female drivers. It’s a testament to the style Nissan attributed to this little coupe.

You can’t help but hold your head a little higher even when doing errands, as many will turn to see what making that deep roaring sound and to admire the ride. The graphite spoiler and other touches to the exterior design really do seem to reduce drag (more aerodynamic) and help you get closer to that 21 MPG.

2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo Review #cars #nismo

The 370Z Nismo performs well at higher speeds (40+ mph) with good handling. You can really push out some nice power if you need to over take someone on the freeway. But, you could tell the Nismo-tuned engine did not like the lower gears. The transition between first, second, and third gear were jerky. Good thing is that, if you do kill the car, restarting is surprisingly quick even with a push-button ignition. I think it would be much more fun if this was an automatic transmission model with gear paddles to add some heat when necessary.

The placement and selection of gauges takes a bit getting used to. I did like the fact that these moved with the steering wheel when adjusted, making it ideal to see everything no matter how you set it. The Nismo touch affected the interior heavily. From dual-tone colors to stainless steel pedals to the Nismo insignia round about, this car immediately sets you in a racing mood and will likely cause you to weave in and out of traffic completely inadvertently. Thank goodness you also have humongous disc brakes to counter that internal “go” power.

2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo Review #cars #nismo

Mundane City Driving & Real-World Use

The visibility feels close to null so it does take some time to gain some confidence in maneuvering in narrow or congested areas. This is especially so because you sit much deeper in the cockpit of the 370Z than in some other sports cars. The in-mirror backup camera cuts that visibility even more. Oh, and make sure you have some good knees. Even in our mid-30s, my husband and I made some not so pleasant sounds getting in and out of the car.

2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo Review #cars #nismo

The 2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo is a decent sports car in the price range (around $44K). Even a step down to the non-Nismo models would probably be enjoyable and  less expensive. Also, the extra Bose sound system can’t really shine over the engine sounds. That’s another feature that can knock down the price if omitted. If you’re looking for something fun and stylish, the 370Z is a worthy contender.

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42 comments

Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama July 10, 2014 - 2:05 pm

That is one sexy car!!!! I love Nissans and this model is no exception. Can you imagine a date night in that thing?! Yeah!

Robin (Masshole Mommy) July 10, 2014 - 2:14 pm

That is one nice looking car if you ask me. I would love to take a ride in one!

Shell July 10, 2014 - 2:52 pm

What a pretty car! I’m a minivan mom, so this looks amazing!

Kecia July 10, 2014 - 3:19 pm

My husband would totally fall in love with this car. He is always wanting the Nissan GTR sitting at a local showroom, but I think this one looks nicer!!

Chrystal @ YUM eating July 10, 2014 - 3:56 pm

Now thats one fab looking Nissan. When I was back in Oklahoma I had a lot of college friends that had them because they looked so cool. It’s a little out of my price range though. If I am going to spend that kind of cash I’d rather have a muscle car.

Jessica (Savory Experiments) July 10, 2014 - 4:25 pm

I wish I could have a sports car, but it just isn’t practical for me. I love the name, so cute… NISMO!

Kathy July 10, 2014 - 4:59 pm

What an adorable sports car. I would look great driving around in that!

Lori July 10, 2014 - 5:45 pm

That is one awesome looking car! You look like you belong behind the wheel of it!

Carly Anderson July 10, 2014 - 7:12 pm

This is definitely a nice looking car! Unfortunately it’s just not practical for my family. 🙁

Donna July 10, 2014 - 7:58 pm

Now that’s one hot ride! Maybe one day I’ll get a sports car. 🙂

Liz Mays July 10, 2014 - 9:23 pm

Most of the manual transmission talk was foreign to me, but I do like what I’m looking at there. It’s a very sweet ride and I wouldn’t mind it for a sports car at all.

TerriAnn van Gosliga July 10, 2014 - 9:40 pm

Manual transmission = stick shift 🙂 It was jerky when going from a stop and during most city driving. That’s why the automatic would have been nice. Then, if you wanted more power, you could manually shift with the paddles (on the steering wheel) that some sportier cars have 🙂

Veronica July 10, 2014 - 9:27 pm

That is quite zippy looking car. Love it! I could use one

Jenn July 10, 2014 - 9:27 pm

That is a fancy car! It’s been years since I’ve driven a stick so good thing it is easy to restart with the push ignition.

Aimee Smith July 10, 2014 - 10:48 pm

Wow that car is sleek! Looks awesome and I bet it is a blast to drive!

Debbie Denny July 11, 2014 - 3:52 am

Slick looking car. Love the design

Jenn @TheRebelChick July 11, 2014 - 4:19 am

Wow, that is such a sporty little car! I love the look of small cars, but I am so short, I like being in a higher one so I can feel a little less intimidated on the road here in Miami!

Rosey July 11, 2014 - 5:45 am

I laughed at the noises coming from you and hubby getting in and out of the car. Still, you do look good in that car. It’s a beauty!

becka July 11, 2014 - 6:06 am

I’m sitting here jealous lol. Looks like a great test drive! Nice car!

vanessa:thequeenofswag July 11, 2014 - 6:24 am

Looks like a fabulous drive and it’s great you can get a car that is very sports like for such an affordable price.

Tracey July 11, 2014 - 6:35 am

This car is pretty cool! Can’t lie, but I’m a bit jealous!

Kelsey Apley July 11, 2014 - 7:03 am

NOw that is one fancy little car! I absolutely love the interior!!!

teresa mccluskey July 11, 2014 - 7:19 am

This looks like a great car! I need a new one but this is out of my price range

Jeanine @ sixtimemommy.com July 11, 2014 - 8:19 am

What a gorgeous car! We don’t drive but this would really be on my list it’s gorgeous!

Carly from The Puzzled Palate July 11, 2014 - 9:34 am

You lucky duck! I really love the look of this car. I have always had good luck with Nissans!

Danielle @ We Have It All July 11, 2014 - 10:26 am

Pshh… who needs groceries, right?!? LOL what a sweet ride!

Krystal July 11, 2014 - 1:40 pm

What an awesome ride! IF only I drove a stick!

Family Travel blogger July 11, 2014 - 2:12 pm

What a nice little car. Not something you would have to twist my arm to drive that’s for sure 😉

Christie July 11, 2014 - 2:21 pm

When I have my midlife crisis, I;ll definitely get this car! WOW, just beautiful!

HilLesha July 11, 2014 - 3:10 pm

That car is most certainly a beaut! 🙂

MELISASource July 11, 2014 - 5:11 pm

Wow what an awesome car!! Makes me with I could turn in my van!! Lolol Thanks for sharing!

Toni July 11, 2014 - 6:24 pm

Oh man that is one sporty little car. I would love to have something like that when I don’t need a SUV anymore

Tess July 11, 2014 - 6:24 pm

We love the Nissan family. We each have A Nissan of our own this one looks cool

Penelope Guzman July 11, 2014 - 7:45 pm

This is a snazzy looking car for sure. I would love to take it out on a test spin with my husband. It would make for a great adventure together.

Marina @ Mommy Snippets July 11, 2014 - 8:38 pm

This is my husbands favorite car! He uses it to race on his video game, so I’ve heard all the stats and know more than I ever wanted to! Lol! It’s awesome to see it’s so great in real life too!

Theresa July 11, 2014 - 9:41 pm

What a sweet ride!

Raijean S July 12, 2014 - 12:07 am

Wow, that Nissan is a beauty! I love it!

Angela July 12, 2014 - 9:38 am

This does look like one sweet ride! I’d love to own one in black.

Crystal July 12, 2014 - 11:06 pm

That looks so much better than the minivan I’m currently driving. I don’t think our family is ready for a sports car yet, with all the sports gear & tag-a-long friends. It’s good to know that there are stylish options when I’m ready to upgrade.

Anne - Mommy Has to Work July 14, 2014 - 10:34 am

It’s no practical for us right now, but man I want one!

Tammy July 14, 2014 - 6:52 pm

I think my husband would really enjoy driving this one around on the highways here! Since I can’t drive a stick, I guess it would be a no go for me 😉

Kathleen July 14, 2014 - 9:26 pm

That is one hot looking ride at a great price. I could never own a sports car because I have too many kids, but I sure would love to give one a spin.

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