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 1 through 10 of 32.00

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  A great car with mediocre customer servi - 2010 Nissan GT-R
  By Darren - December 15 - 1:40 pm

  The GT-R is everything the media claims and no poser on performance. The German master race car builders are in a frenzy to compete. The consumer wins! The GT-R is the hands down best performance car I ever owned. So well balanced to give thrilling performance and handling in a fairly comfortable daily driver.I am curious why Nissan left out some basic features like lane change signal, daytime running lights and a so so Bose stereo/Nav

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  Should have been the new Z - 2010 Nissan GT-R
  By Phil - June 28 - 12:53 am

  Purchased the car in June and have put on about 2500 kms. I find the ride a bit harsh even at comfort and the radio complex. I have amost covered the performance envelope with the fuel consumption of 20 mpg or 13.8 L/100km ave. The fuel burn rate was high to start with but with the brakes bedded in lowered considerably. The performance is good with only one surprise. Car pulls to the left when distracted by a pothole at about 50kph. I had a 300ZTT before and this provides all the fun and some. Get a lot of looks as it is the second in town. I have an S-Type R that is a pussy cat compared with the GTR. I rate the GT-R 12 out of 10. It should have been the new 380Z

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  Godzilla worth the wait - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By Brian - January 13 - 1:33 am

  After ordering my car in January, it finally arrived in late October. It was everything I expected and then some. The build quality is excellent, and the comfort and interior design are actually quite good for a supercar built at this price. Bang for the buck can not be matched. The only thing I would change would be to tune the exhaust. It is nice at low RPM, but almost disappears at speed. I dont want anything obnoxious, just some suggestion as to what the car can do. Oh well, I guess that fits in with the stealthiness of the car in general.

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  Incredible car!! - 2015 Nissan GT-R
  By jhanover - January 6 - 6:26 am

  So Ive been wanting to buy a GTR since I first drove one back in Gran Turismo on the PS1 when I was just a teen. Lucky me, Godzilla came to the U.S. in 2008 and they thankfully havent changed it that much over the years! So I finally got my chance to buy my brand new GTR about a week ago. Its my dream car! It is incredible, its got incredible power, prowress and comfort. Dont be frightened by auto journalists weenies. This thing rides like a pussy cat on the prowl. Not jarring or rough. If you want a Japanese supercar, this is it.

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  Great But - 2011 Nissan GT-R
  By johnny - September 5 - 11:06 am

  Ive had this for 4 months now and absolutely love it. However, many things need to be changed, before you think about purchasing, figure out what you care about. First ill start with the bad. The ride is very very harsh! The comfort setting does absolutely nothing to make the ride more comfortable. I live in the Midwest Chicago, Milwaukee area and the roads are horrible. Nissan needs to add a true comfort setting. The sound deadening is nonexistent because I can hear tons of road noise, gravel, rocks, exhaust, & transmission noises. No backup camera or parking sensors! Or memory & cooled seats! An $85k car should have it! Why they skimped on that it beyond me. A real launch!

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  Ninja Land Rocket - 2015 Nissan GT-R
  By rockit_syntist - August 11 - 6:28 am

  I cant put into words just how good it feels to drive my new 2015 GT-R Black Edition. Ive been a Nissan fan since 1977 when I got a new Datsun 280Z (still have it) that has never had a single problem. Much as I love that Z car, the GT-R is from another universe. From the moment you fire it up & hear that low growl as the systems status unfold on the various display screens, you know you are about to experience more driving pleasure on four wheels than the law allows. Then with the slightest tap on the pedal every rumor you heard & every Youtube video you watched becomes reality. I considered many other supercars, but none were as badass cool for the price as my Super Silver GT-R.

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  Best in the market - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By quen - August 8 - 1:06 pm

  Test drove every single car in 70-80k price range and this was the best. Great for long trips as well as everyday use.

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  Awesome - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By Tony Leparulo - June 13 - 9:23 am

  Had a lot of fast cars but none as fun. This package beats all. The car on the track is sick. you cant find, its limit. It is the car of the decade. No one give you the performance of this car for the price nothing corners like it. the only car that even comes close is the Lexus. There taking orders now for $375, Sold my Porsche Carrera.

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  What can I say, but Wow! - 2015 Nissan GT-R
  By hfzeus - April 27 - 6:28 am

  This is by a wide margin the best car I have ever had (or even been in). As an engineer, I am amazed at this car and what it can do. First, the downsides (which are far surpassed by its positive qualities. It does not like to go slow (neither do I). At speeds under 30 or so, the transmission makes strange noises and the steering is a little rough. The suspension, even in comfort mode, would not allow you to to surgery in the back seat. And if you ever can temporarily give up driving this car, you better watch out for curbs. The ground clearance would make a mouse do the limbo. But that is not what this car was engineered for. It is an absolute thrill to drive.

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  Beast! - 2011 Nissan GT-R
  By kenny i - January 19 - 4:53 am

  Had my gtr about month now and love it. I had many cars coming from an Audi rs4, e55, m3, Corvette, and I have to tell you this car blows them out the door in looks and build quality. The handling and the power that is on tap in every gear is amazing. Only downside is it drives hard but I guess what can you expect from a super car that handles the way it does. Do not buy this car if you dont like attention. Gas stations, lights, everywhere people ask how I like the car and what a sweet car it is. I bought the White. I live in New Jersey where the roads are terrible, ton of pot holes so I need to b careful. If you are blessed to live in Florida or Cali. You will enjoy this car with the great road.