Being honest about my thoughts, sports cars don’t have it easy anymore. These days, it’s all about electric SUVs, giant screens, and driver-assist tech. So when a two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe starts making serious waves, it’s worth talking about. Enter the 2025 Nissan Z, a modern-day classic that’s not just surviving, but thriving.
In the second quarter of 2025, Nissan sold 1,635 Zs, that’s a whopping 108% increase over last year. But the bigger story? Year-to-date sales are up 160%, with 3,789 Zs already on the road this year.
Now for the kicker: Toyota has only managed to sell 1,231 Supras in the same time. That’s right—the Z is outselling the Supra three to one. Not bad for a car some folks thought was just riding a nostalgia wave.
The Z vs. the Rest: Mustang Still Reigns, but Dodge Should Be Nervous
Sure, Ford’s Mustang is still king of the hill with over 14,000 units sold in Q2 alone, but Nissan isn’t trying to dethrone it just yet. Instead, it’s quietly climbing past other performance cars. Take Dodge’s Charger Daytona EV, a flashy new entrant with dealer discounts of up to $20,000, and yet, it only moved 2,352 units in Q2. The Z is closing that gap fast.
So what’s working for Nissan? Let’s start with value. The Z starts at $42,970 and brings a 400-hp twin-turbo V6, a choice between a proper six-speed manual or a slick nine-speed automatic, and the kind of old-school driving joy that’s hard to find these days. For those craving more punch, the Z NISMO ($65,750) delivers 420 hp, improved suspension, and track-ready vibes.
Z Shines While Nissan’s Lineup Hits a Speed Bump
Zoom out from the Z, and things look a little bumpier for Nissan overall. Q2 2025 sales dropped 6.1% across the board, with long-time nameplates like the Sentra (-36.7%) and Frontier (-20.3%) taking a hit.
Even the once-mighty GT-R is fading into the sunset just five units sold last quarter, following the end of U.S. production last year. It’s the end of an era, really.
There’s Some Good News Elsewhere, Though
Thankfully, it’s not all doom and gloom. Nissan’s Murano SUV more than doubled its Q2 sales (+115.9%), and its all-electric Ariya posted solid gains too (+43.6%). The Pathfinder and Kicks are also pulling their weight, keeping the brand afloat on the family-friendly side.
And surprisingly, even the tiny Versa sedan is having a moment, with 71.9% growth YTD, a rarity in a shrinking subcompact market.
Quick Look: Nissan U.S. Sales Snapshot – Q2 2025
| Model | Q2 ’25 | Q2 ’24 | % Change | 2025 YTD | 2024 YTD | YTD Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Total | 209,114 | 222,598 | -6.1% | 463,034 | 461,429 | +0.3% |
| Z | 1,635 | 786 | +108.0% | 3,789 | 1,457 | +160.1% |
| Supra (Toyota)* | — | — | — | 1,231 | — | — |
| GT-R | 5 | 74 | -93.2% | 37 | 151 | -75.5% |
| Murano | 9,526 | 4,413 | +115.9% | 18,228 | 9,139 | +99.5% |
| Ariya | 7,471 | 5,203 | +43.6% | 11,619 | 9,345 | +24.3% |
| Sentra | 30,987 | 48,947 | -36.7% | 85,523 | 89,028 | -3.9% |
| Frontier | 16,117 | 20,219 | -20.3% | 30,598 | 39,963 | -23.4% |
| Pathfinder | 26,880 | 20,554 | +30.8% | 46,541 | 39,566 | +17.6% |
| Versa | 11,489 | 10,338 | +11.1% | 30,619 | 17,812 | +71.9% |
*Toyota Supra sales data sourced separately for comparison.
Final Thoughts: The Z Isn’t Just a Throwback, It’s a Statement
The Nissan Z’s success isn’t just about retro styling or clever pricing. It’s about delivering fun in an era when many cars feel more like software platforms than machines built for emotion. It’s about giving enthusiasts something they can feel, at a time when “driver engagement” is on the endangered list.
Whether it’s nostalgia, performance, or just the pure joy of shifting gears, the Z is tapping into something real, and the numbers prove it.
So, is the Z back? No. It never left. It just waited for the rest of us to remember what driving can really feel like.
