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 Work of Art in Performance and Value - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Heinz57 - January 15 - 2:00 amI bought my 350Z about 4 months ago. I dont drive it much because I use my Acura 3.0CL as my main car, but I must say that it is hard to go back to driving my Acura after having all the fun with my 350Z on the weekends. This car is so cool! Every line, every detail is hot in this car. The handling is awesome, the power is phenomenal, and the transmission is precise and powerful. Two thumbs up to Nissan for developing such a work of art.
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Real Fun - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By dock - January 10 - 10:00 amGood design, well powered. Easy to drive aggressively with acceptable handling. Interior could be upgraded a little, but for the money this is just right!
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350Z For Me - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By DavidJF - January 10 - 10:00 amIt is evrything I expected and a better choice than the Porsche Boxster that I was considering until I purchased the 350Z
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Fun Little Car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By Jvarmit - January 5 - 10:00 amAll the fun of a Porsche, or a Z4 without the price tag...and Nissan reliability to boot. I test drove the TT, Z4, RX-8, Boxter S and S2000, and the Z was more fun than all of them. I only wish the interior were a little classier, but thats just not worth the 10K price tag difference for my 2nd place choice (Z4)
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My First convertible ! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Mike - December 23 - 2:56 amI did alot of research on this vehicle before purchasing my 350ZR Touring. I really love this car, it fun to drive and cause a stir of excitement wherever I go. It has a solid frame and its well built. Nisann needs to market this car better, they still consider the Maxima their flagship.... This is my daily drive vehicle and I ejoy being behind the wheel with the top down, no better way to enjoy an afternoon drive.
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Z-one - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By bobsaun1 - December 22 - 10:00 amThis car is awesome. Gets tighter and faster each time I drive it. I was told the computer kicks up the engine at 3k and 6k. Its true. My decission to by this car was made with one exception, comfort. I am a "big guy" and I finally got to sit in the car when the car was released to the dealers. I fit perfectly.If I had to nit-pick, I would only comment on two things. One of the things is because Im upset about all the rain we have been getting. Opening the window when its wet outside is not how I want to wash the interior.Nissan needs to design - cont below
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Awesome Fun Factor - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By ZMan - December 19 - 4:46 pmI bought my Z about 6 months ago, and this is my eleventh Z car since high school.....is also the best. Hot looks, great handling, AC/Heat very good, gets LOTS of compliments everywhere I go. Especially for the price, this car is a bargain.
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Big rear ends are still in fashion - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By Chris - December 18 - 3:56 amI wasnt really liking the convertible vs. the coupe, but I looked at them anyway. I traded in my CLK-500 cab to buy a 2 seater Z. Its mostly for weekend drives, but I love it! I like it more now, than when I actually bought it. You must drive with the top down though. You will get in an accident with the top up; you cannot see a thing, whatsoever. The sad thing, is that you will never use 1st gear. In fact I think Ive used it 3 times for the 900 miles Ive put on the car. Now I know why Infinity is making a 7-speed skyline. I looked between the S-2000, Z4, and SLK models. This topped them all.
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MY NISSAN 350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By TALIP - December 15 - 10:00 amTHE BEST CAR U CAN EVER DRIVE
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Omigod, this thing is great - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By E.F. @ VaBeach - December 15 - 10:00 amTouring Roadster, automatic, leather - sets a new standard. Great comfort, feel&control. Instantaneous throttle response, awesome brakes & steering response. 18" wheels make the ride harsh, but instantaneous maneuverability. Impressive Japanese electronics, interior & ergonomics continues to impress.
