Overview & Reviews

No car better embodies Nissan's philosophy of building uncompromising performance machines than the GT-R. Easily one of the most capable cars for the money, the Nissan GT-R feels downright invincible on the road. With power output and handling dynamics rivaling the world's best, the GT-R remains a genuine high-performance bargain, even as its starting price has crept up over the years.

Underneath its chiseled features, the GT-R is a technological tour de force, boasting a dual-clutch automated manual transmission, an advanced all-wheel-drive system, an adaptive sport suspension and a heaving turbocharged V6 that supplies its power in a head-spinning jet rush. On the other hand, the GT-R is large and hefty for a supercar, and the transmission bumps and staggers in slow traffic. Plus, a Nissan key fob will never carry the prestige of top European marques. But as a worthy successor to the legendary Skyline GT-R -- a car never officially available in the United States -- the Nissan GT-R is an absolute must-drive for any automotive enthusiast.

Current Nissan GT-R
The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sport coupe offered in four trim levels: Premium, Black Edition, Track Edition and Nismo.

Standard equipment includes 20-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, an electronically adjustable suspension, leather/faux-suede upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, keyless ignition/entry and an 11-speaker Bose audio system with satellite radio, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth phone and streaming audio.

The Black Edition adds lightweight black wheels, a carbon-fiber rear wing, red interior trim and Recaro seats. The Track Edition gets a firmer suspension, special brake-cooling ducts, a carbon-fiber trunk lid and Nissan's own sport front seats. The GT-R Nismo pumps up the volume with higher engine output, an even stiffer suspension, aerodynamic upgrades and exclusive interior flourishes.

Every GT-R is powered by a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6. In the Premium, Black Edition and Track Edition models, it sends 545 horsepower and 463 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. The GT-R Nismo boasts an even 600 hp and 481 lb-ft. The transmission in all models is a six-speed automated manual gearbox. Fuel economy approaches 20 mpg in mixed driving, which is quite respectable for one of the fastest cars in the world.

In reviews, we've noted that the GT-R's electronically adjustable dampers hardly coddle, though some tweaks for 2015 have noticeably improved the ride. We recommend saving R-Mode for track use, as it'll rattle your brain on surfaces that aren't perfectly smooth. The middle setting, Normal, is ideal for charging along an empty back road, where the GT-R tracks through curves with robotic precision. The steering is as communicative and responsive as we've ever experienced in an all-wheel-drive car. If anything, the GT-R is almost too easy to drive quickly, lacking the sort of drama one expects from a supercar. Still, changes over time have made it a little more involving.

Firm dampers aside, the GT-R is actually quite livable on a daily basis, thanks to a reasonably spacious cabin and a generous features list. There's even an immersive onboard performance app that was co-developed with Polyphony Digital, maker of the Gran Turismo video game series. The Nissan GT-R gives you almost everything at a sub-exotic price, and that's a mighty impressive feat.

Used Nissan GT-R Models
The current, first-generation Nissan GT-R debuted in 2009, and each year has seen noteworthy changes.

The inaugural batch of GT-Rs featured a launch control system that overstressed the transaxle, and Nissan generated some ill will when it threatened to void the warranties of cars that used the system. Halfway through the '09 model year, launch control was reprogrammed to remedy the problem, and acceleration actually improved as a result.

First-year GT-Rs had 473 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque, and they came in two trim levels: base and Premium. Base models lacked a few features such as the Bose audio system, and weren't available with front seat and side curtain airbags. For 2010, Nissan retuned the suspension and increased horsepower slightly to 485, while side curtain airbags were made standard across the board.

For 2011, the suspension was made slightly more compliant, the base trim level was killed off and the Premium gained additional standard features like automatic wipers/headlights, an iPod interface and Bluetooth streaming audio. Bigger changes were in store for the 2012 GT-R, which got a healthy bump up to 530 hp and 448 lb-ft. 2012 also marked the GT-R's first styling refresh, though this was subtle, as well as the Black Edition's debut.

For 2013, the GT-R added 15 more hp and 15 lb-ft of torque. Some suspension revisions were also implemented, and a rearview camera became standard on all models. The Track Edition was introduced in very limited numbers for 2014 with just two seats, but it returned for 2015 as a normal trim level with a backseat. All 2015 GT-Rs benefited from suspension, steering, braking and tire updates, along with standard adaptive LED headlights and extra sound insulation. The Nismo model also debuted for 2015 as the most capable GT-R yet.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 32.00

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  Meets and Exceeds Expectations - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By lvgtr - August 29 - 6:56 am

  Just received my GTR. Its always a risk to purchase based on hype, rumours and reviews but not being able to test-drive. However, this car exceeded my expectations and is incredibly fun to drive. Of course the power is there and I expected it. What I didnt expect is the awesome double clutched auto-manual transmission. It shifts so quickly and precisely! Only problems so far are passenger door not aligned to close properly and some kind of problem with the bluetooth calling numbers without my knowledge (kind of embarrassing). Overall, a historic and great car. Engineering marvel.

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  Value+ - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By JMarcinkevich - May 28 - 1:43 pm

  Nothing compares to this vehicle. You cannot beat it for the dollars, almost nothing can beat its performance, the fit and finish work very well at this price point, and it does not need to make a lot of noise to get the job done or attract attention. Looks certainly do attract attention, it is different, not for that purpose, but to again get the job done! Its the aero efficiency, the 2+2 ability, and real trunk space. The numbers are widely known, why would an informed, intelligent, and cost conscious consumer buy anything else?

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  this is the car - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By g4real - October 22 - 11:16 pm

  As of this time, I put in 5,800 miles on this car & all I can say is its worth every penny. Style of this car & the limited delivery from japan is a advantage for the consumer. a lot of head turning is going to happen once you owe this gtr. performance, cant complain. it has the power and speed that every man would want to have on a sports car. traded my sl55 amg for this & it was worth. only down side is rough & bouncy suspension. But other than that its perfect. I wish they had a manual. Never used the launch control since it scares me already having this fast of a vehicle. took it to vegas & ran up to 160mph without a problem. i will give the gtr a 9/10 rating.

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  Super Car performance for less - 2010 Nissan GT-R
  By GTRGODZLA - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several Porsches,BMW M3,Dodge Viper and others. This is the best performing car I have ever had! You can drive it every day and not be worried!If you want a nice cushy ride by a 3 series BMW. IF you want mind blowing performance buy this car! IT looks so much better in person. Do not trust the pictures! See one in person! I did not plan on buying this car until I drove it! Then I had to have it!

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  2010 Nissan GTR - 2010 Nissan GT-R
  By gtringa - October 12 - 11:52 am

  What an absolute dream car. Super car performance at a fantastically low price (relatively speaking) Despite the massive horsepower and torque the AWD system keeps it planted firmly on the road. They hold their money too Its a dream come true.

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  Godzilla! What you heard is true! - 2010 Nissan GT-R
  By AK - April 29 - 4:23 am

  This car simply blows me away! I have been driving 2003 M5 until now. The GTR is quite comfortable to drive as a daily commute and it is a blast to go to work. I do not agree with the Edmunds review regarding the suspension. It is very tight but it is comfortable enough for daily use. I have not driven a car that handles this well. The car is surprisingly quiet enough to hols a conversation even at high speed. All of the electronics are state of the art. Compared to the German made cars, you can appreciate how meticulously the Nissan engineers put this car together. This car should be considered seriously if you are interested in purchasing a true sports car.

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  THE modern era supercar! - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By Manraj S Dhillon - February 4 - 8:13 am

  I researched this car for over a year against BMW M3, Mercedes C63 AMG, Audi RS4, Corvette Z06 and I was coming from a WRX STi and I kid you not, this car does it all. I had heard that it had a hard ride and was noisy but it is not the case. It handles beautifully and turns immediately when you want it to.The power is indescribable and the sound of the car, in my opinion, is just right (V8s are overrated). The interior is quality crafted and it has all the modern tech you could need or want. Do not buy if you need usable rear seats. It does better MPG than my STi did and the sound system is great. You had also better get used to the attention you will receive because they are so rare. The BEST

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  Disorientingly Fast! - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By Nate - December 16 - 3:50 pm

  I only have 117 miles on the car so far, but what I can say is that it is really an experience. I purchase the car for a daily driver in Wisconsin. The ride is not that harsh, the gear box is a MANUAL for all intense purposes and the shifts feel like a good manual transmission would feel. There is a little too much road noise for my personal taste.

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  Godzilla invades USA! - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By Road Rage - August 22 - 5:16 pm

  Technology is amazing on this car - almost over the top, but when you add it all up, this car flat out delivers. Engine is phenomenal, with gobs of power and a flat torque curve. The two small IHI turbos spool up very quickly, so the car feels more like a V-8 than a juiced six. The DCT shifts smoothly in norm and comfort modes, and bangs swift and hard in race mode. Note I downrated the "fun to drive" category because this car is deadly serious, and one has to be very attentive to the power and the braking, both of which are amazing. My S2000 was more fun to drive, but I do not regret buying the GT-R one bit. It gets a lot of attention everywhere I go, and I like stealth, but I am happy.

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  Best car Ive ever driven - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By bigmclargehuge - April 3 - 9:10 am

  Its the complete package. Performance, handling, and comfort. No car I have driven is a better combination. Interior is high quality and seats are comfortable. Comfort mode does help the harsh ride, though I like the solid stance in R-mode around corners. Shifts when you want it to, unlike many auto/manuals. Always ready to follow your instruction. An excellent long-distance cruiser or boulevard blaster!