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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  The truth about the "legend" - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Ed - February 26 - 1:16 pm

  It has pros and cons, but the pros are mostly qualities that you cant use in normal daily driving:nimble handling and quick acceleration. I fell in "love" with this car strictly for its eye appeal...I think its a work of art. However, the Eclipse GT that I traded in served me better on a daily basis, in terms of comfort, handling, and luggage/personal space. The highly touted Bose sound system performs best when turned to a high volume. Normal speech on the radio is hard to here..there is a distinct lack of mid frequency response that doesnt lend itself to "talk" radio.

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  Ilove my Z33!! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By billy30stm - February 16 - 8:03 am

  ihad an 06 nissan sentra 1.8s, and iused to think it was pretty fast, but as soon as igot my 350z, ihavent driven my sentra, and that was over 2 months ago lol

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  07 350Z Conv. - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By civicracer3000 - February 5 - 10:20 pm

  This is my first Z, I had a 97 240sx with an SR20 turbo motor in it. The 350Z is much faster and reliable. I love the Bose sound system and the wheels. Wonderful car and the bigest bang for the buck.

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  I would buy this car again! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Zorros 350 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a Nissan product for over 20 years. This is my first "Z" and I waited a long time for it.

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  350 Z - - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jmp - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I have never once questioned or regreted my decision to purchase this car. It is fun to drive and exciting to look at. The interior is roomy; meaning plenty of leg and head room, regardless of your height. The few minor interior design "issues" ( GPS cover) have been corrected on the 2004 model.

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  My great choice in vehicles - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By drsinsco - February 3 - 8:33 pm

  After Driving my 350Z roadster, Driving sedans and SUVs for 40 years, was and is just driving. This vehicle is exotic fun. Driving it is a real pleasure and exciting to go places.

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  Very good car,better than expected - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By adauphin - January 30 - 10:00 am

  i really didnot think that this car would run or handle the way it does. Nissan did a very good job in designing this vehicle.

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  best sports car for the money - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By pruss002 - January 30 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy the my car very. This one is my third. The torque is great of the hole. The top goes down very fast and if the light turns green people dont hunk their horns. The styling is on the money. I highly recomend the six speed it is a very short throw. This roadster is worth every penny.

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  More than I expected - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By I 1DER - January 22 - 6:06 am

  Ordered the car so I got exactly what I wanted. After getting 320,000 miles and counting out of my 93 Pathfinder with absolute minimum maintenance and trouble, I decided the Nissan Z would make great sense to me if I could get 200,000 good miles out of it. Three years later at 50K miles Ill be very surprised if I dont. The only concern has been oil consumption of about a quart every 3000-4500 miles. To me that is borderline, but I dont have to add oil if it is changed at that interval anyway. Absolutely no other problem except with one tire pressure sensor when car was fairly new. I mostly drive rural back roads and take trips. Must use at least all- season tires in northern winters.

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  Big bang for the buck - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Z-WOW-Z - January 15 - 9:20 pm

  Im 56 years old and after raising 5 children I decided to get something for me. I looked at several other cars and for one year I did all my homework. I looked at the Miata, RX-8, and the BMW Z-4. The 350m is by far the most exhilarating car Ive ever driven. I bought the 6 speed and it will do about 35 mph per gear. You do the math! And the mileage, I get around 26 average. And the funnest thing I like to do is turn. Man this car will cut like nothing Ive ever driven. So my overall rating is "dont test drive one if you arent going to GET ONE!"