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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  LMc 350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By LMcc - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 350 Z for only 3 months and have really enjoyed driving it. The car is comfortable and is very easy to drive. The ride is firm but not hard and the interior is very quiet with the windows up. Nonething but a very fun car to own.

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  Great - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Roy - February 18 - 6:10 am

  Great pickup, i love the stick, and there have been no problems. The interior is below average. Its horrible that i couldnt seat more than two people.

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  Oil Burner - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Ryan - February 9 - 4:06 pm

  If youre a real enthusiast and bought a manual, youre probably wondering why your new car is burning oil. Dont ask nissan because they do not know either. The seats are uncomfortable and the transmission makes a lot of rattling noises. I have owned many Nissans and so wanted this, my Z, but this car has left an awful impression on me and would not buy another Z.

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  I REALLY came to buy a truck.... - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Rich K. - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I went to Clay Nissan to look at Frontiers. The people that came with me said I should check out a 350Z. So, the dealer got the keys (for the 2003 Touring model of course) and I went for a drive. I fell in love with it right away. I then took a 2004 Maxima for a spin, but it didnt compare. After another spin in the Z I put my money on the table and drove away with it. Um, I kinda forgot about test driving the Frontiers....

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  My Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By sdk - January 30 - 3:50 am

  Great little car with a high fun quotient. The car is well made and very responsive. Overall, this car is a winner and I have been very pleased with my purchase.

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  Love My Z Roadster - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Ron York - January 28 - 1:10 pm

  I like virtually everything about my 2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster. The only things I would change are the color of the clock/radio display numbers in the daytime and the oil dipstick, which seems overly difficult to get in and out. I get compliments and admiring looks everytime I drive the Z. It is especially fun with the top down, but has been very warm and snug with the top up in bad or cold weather. The performance is superb, with remarkable acceleration and excellent braking. The paint, fit, and finish are excellent, and the fully automatic top raises and lowers flawlessly. This is one of the best looking cars to hit the market, and could easily sell for more than the sticker price. Superb!

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  This car owns - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Bastard - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Just about everything about my 350Z is wonderful. The power is great, the cornering is also good. Nissan did cut corners on the material used in the interior, but the design is attractive. Mileage is good for a car with this much power. The car understeers slightly in stock form, but this can probably be fixed with minor suspension modifications - swaybars, wider front tires, etc.

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  If your serious this is the car for you - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ohio z - January 27 - 10:00 am

  For the money this is one of the smartest buys out there. This car competes with cars that cost twice as much and still more fun to own and drive. I cant stop smiling after every drive and it has over 4,000.00 miles on it now.

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  Z ROADSTER - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By FARM AZ - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It handles great, even while pushing corners very hard it grips the road like glue. It sounds great also, while driving down the road Ill hear this great tone and wonder where its coming from, and then realizing it my car! The exhaust note is always behind the car so the noise is not bothersome.

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  SHIFT_Certified Babe Magnet! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Dr. Jones - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The 350Z is a car that looks expensive, but is actually reasonably priced. Styling is top notch. Handling is superb, and the steering is responsive and crisp. Acceleration is also very responsive in any gear. The interior is very roomy, at least in my opinion, and the seats are very supportive and comfortable. The car is fun to drive and begs to be driven. The car may have a few bugs, and being the first year for the 350Z, its common in any car.