Overview & Reviews

A proper sports car for the everyman. If we had just one sentence to describe the Nissan 350Z, that'd be it. While there have always been plenty of unobtainable sports cars out there to drool over, the 350Z's relatively compact dimensions, rear-wheel drive, two seats, muscular engine and sharp handling came at a price that real people could actually afford.

The Nissan 350Z represented the fifth generation of "Z" sports cars from this Japanese manufacturer. At its debut in 2003, the 350Z represented a key component of Nissan's rebirth in the North American market. For much of the late '90s and early new millennium, Nissan's lineup was full of lackluster cars. The Z brought back the company's spirit of fun and performance that had been missing ever since the discontinuation of the previous 300ZX.

The 350Z coupe was replaced by the 370Z coupe for 2009, while the 350Z roadster lived on before following suit the following year. In coupe or drop-top form, the 350Z was quite popular so finding a nice example on the used car market should be relatively easy. That said, keen shoppers will want to pay close attention to the car's changes and updates that were made through the years.

Most Recent Nissan 350Z

The 350Z sports car bowed in 2003 as an all-new model and was produced until 2008 (coupe) and 2009 (roadster). The first year there was only a coupe, as the roadster did not debut until the following year. Initially, the coupe came in base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring and Track versions, while the roadster was limited to Enthusiast and Touring trim levels. The Track trim came with lightweight wheels and Brembo brakes, but its suspension tuning was the same as all other coupes.

In these early years, the V6 produced 287 hp and 274 lb-ft of torque. Power was sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The Track model had the manual only. Changes were minimal in the first few years, though Nissan did release a 350Z 35th-anniversary edition in '05. This manual-transmission model produced 300 hp (but less torque) and came in three exclusive colors.

For '06, Nissan included the Anniversary Edition's 300-hp V6 for all manual-equipped cars. There were a host of other changes as well, including mildly updated styling, speed-sensitive steering, larger brakes for non-Brembo-equipped models, a higher-quality interior, more standard features and a newly available navigation system. The Performance trim level was dropped. This was also the first year for the Grand Touring trim level, which was similar to the Touring but had the Track's Brembo brakes and wheels.

For '07, Nissan fully updated the V6 for all 350Zs and it made a potent 306 hp. The Track trim level was dropped, but in its place came the coupe-only Nismo 350Z model. The Nismo model dropped many luxuries in favor of performance-enhancing upgrades, such as a stiffened, seam-welded chassis, firmer springs and shock absorbers, special wheels and various aerodynamic upgrades. Inside, each Nismo 350Z had red and black cloth seats, a gray-faced tachometer and a number plaque indicating its build order in the production run. Nismo models were also produced for the coupe's last year in 2008; the following year brought the all-new 370Z coupe. For '09, the roadster carried the 350Z flag; the following year it was replaced by the all-new 370Z roadster.

In reviews, we found the Nissan 350Z to be an engaging sports car to drive hard. The V6 pulled strongly when revved past 3,000 rpm and generated one of the most distinctive engine and exhaust-note soundtracks available (something its successor lacks). The 350Z's ability to provide serious grip through corners made it a favorite of our enthusiast editors. At the limit, the car's handling could be a bit tricky, so steady hands were required.

When employed on a daily basis, the Nissan 350Z didn't make for such a compelling companion. Road and tire noise were considerable, and the car's stiff suspension transmitted plenty of shock to its occupants when driven on rough pavement. Inside, the Z's cabin was functional but decidedly stark. Some of the interior trim was of low quality, and the luggage capacity of the roadster was compromised, even for this class of car.

Considering the 350Z's gradual improvements in features and hardware over the years, consumers interested in a used Nissan 350Z should generally try to purchase the newest year possible. Notable options to look for would be side airbags (they were optional on the coupe and not always standard on the roadster) and stability control (which came on Touring coupes as well as Grand Touring and Track trim levels).

User Reviews:

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  A Blast to Drive! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By roadranger - March 31 - 10:23 am

  This car is a blast to drive. The interior is stylish, but some areas are awkward. The cup holders are located too far back on the center console to reach and occasionally my elbow will turn on the heated seat option. The interior "plastics" are not impressive, but the ride and exterior design more than make up for it. Engine sounds great. Wicked blind spot takes some getting used to. Bose stereo sounds excellent, and the seats are very comfortable. Great sports car for the money.

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  An Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By J.C. - March 31 - 10:00 am

  A truely magnificent machine! Had questions about the comfort and the ride before I test drove, but fell in love after 5 miles. This is truly what a comfortable, reliable, flashy, muscular and superb-handling sports car should be and a top that goes up or down in 10 seconds! The ride is smooth and the interior very comfortable, long trips are a joy, not a grueling experience as in some other sports cars. It flashes and dashes with 287 horsepower and everyone looks, especially with the top down. Clearly the finest vehicle I have ever owned and perhaps will own.

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  love my Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By jim - March 27 - 10:03 am

  I own a 2003 350Z. It is a blast to drive. I dont think that it can be beat for the price. Even after owning the car for a while, it still thrills me. The reliability has been good. I had the tire feathering, but nissan replaced my tires and adjusted the camber. I plan to drive the car at least another few years.

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  I Love It - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Chyo - March 20 - 2:30 pm

  I believe this is the best value for your money if youre looking for some performance. If youre looking for practicality, dont get this car. The trunk can be useless. If those are not an issue, get this car! The engine is fabulous and handles spectacularly. The ride is bearable enough for a long road trip, but the clutch is not to my liking (try it and you will see). Gas mileage can be good if sticking it in 6th gear (26 mpg is my best), and it can obviously drain your wallet fast if driven hard.

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  2005 Roadster Touring - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By John Black - March 4 - 12:43 pm

  Great car. Only problem was motor on window failed at 18 months. Dealer fixed it under warranty. Love the convertible, sounds good w/ good acceleration. Easy to damage or scrape front end on curbs, etc. due to low front end. (Part of the appeal of this car, but something to be aware of). Aluminum hood can be damage easily just by leaning on it, or in my case damaged by hail. I understand it saves weight, but again, something to be aware of.

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  Little old ladys Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Patti - March 2 - 2:30 pm

  I love my Z and people thinks it funny because I am 60 years young. Have to replace tires after 33,000 miles and cant rotate. Still tho car is a head turner or is it because granny is driving one and not them..Had BMW Zs but this car is much more fun to drive.

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  Art on wheels. - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By David Puckett - February 28 - 8:33 pm

  Since I have got this car I have had so many positive comments from co-worker and strangers of all ages. I have seen persons after persons driving by just stop to look at it at work/stores/home. Some coming up to me to ask what type of car it is and telling me how good it looks. This car is just amazing as it is a sports car with luxery features. The navigation is amazing, the sound of the car taking off draws attention from all while still quiet for long drives. Putting the top up and down is fast and a show for all how it hides and returns from a hidden trunk. some talk about the trunk space being small, but you can use the top compartment for trunk space also. To sum it up(art on wheels).

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  goes like hell, feels like heaven - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Harry P. - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Just go for a test drive, you will be hooked. If you dont love this car, Its you. This is so much fun to drive.

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  Great Ride - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By debra - February 23 - 3:50 pm

  Have owned corvette, mercedes, hands down the most fun car to drive. Makes the hour drive to work the most fun and the top is the best, easy and fast! This car gets attention! Will buy Z again. Love this car!

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  RED TOURIST - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Lori Bug - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Like it but Nissan is slow for things like replacement of missing Owners/maintenance/security/stereo manuals