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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  Drive it!! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Marcos Escobar - December 14 - 6:56 pm

  If you looking for a fun car with the handling and performance, with out the spending money on making your car faster. You would Love you LadyZ!!

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  NISMO 350Z str8 out of showroom! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jsprunner - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Was getting ready to leave the dealership until I saw the NISMO version sitting there. Bought it on the spot with no regrets. Weekend car, so the miles are low, but every time I think about replacing it, those thoughts all goes away when I get get it back out on the road. Amazing value (performance vs cost) and fun to drive!!

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  ZblueZ - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By ZBLUEZ - December 5 - 3:13 am

  Just bought my new 350Z the only bad thing is that I cannot drive it enough. Daily driving in the city does not challenge this car at all. I have to get out in the open road or in the canyons with plenty of turns. Thats where the fun begins. Love my first 350Z.

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  wow! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jessz - December 3 - 2:00 am

  What an amazing car. I have the track model, 6 speed, silverstone. Its an amazing car, the brembo brakes are magnificent, and being a girl really kicks ass to all those unsuspecting boys and their sorry little toys they think will beat me on the road.

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  04 Hot Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Murphi - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is absolutely great to drive. Mtn. hwys. turn into Disneyworld!!! It is one great auto! Will become a classic.

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  2004 350Z--MGB - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By mike mgb - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Good experience during the purchase. Compared to Vet for price and return for money spent. Looked at Crossfire. Not close and overpriced.

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  BACKK BEAUTY - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By BOBBYG - December 3 - 2:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE,GOOD FUEL ECONOMY,LEAVE IT HOME IN THE SNOW/ICE WEATHER. DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN THE WISCONSIN WINTER WEATHER BLIND SPOTS OUT THE REAR AND SIDE COULD CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEMS.

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  Most enjoyable car Ive owned - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Roberto - November 30 - 5:40 pm

  Great car and a great value! Sometimes on the weekend, Ill just take it out motoring with no particular destination. The only other car I do this with is my 1970 AMX.

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  Eye-Candy Appeal - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By R Nick - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, responsive auto with lots of "eye-candy" appeal. Feels like a true sports car and though I would not want it to be my only vehicle, it is an awesome ride for fun in the sun.

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  great car to own - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Angel - November 28 - 12:26 am

  its the only car ive ever had that i get excited to drive to and from work every day.