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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Not bad sports car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By icanluv - November 9 - 10:00 amThis car has an engine growl that is very distinct and the sound is one of my favs about this vehicle. This car is very fun to drive and very responsive. Lights are cool.
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Nissan has a winner! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By LKoepping - November 3 - 10:00 amWe own two 350Zs -- 2003 Touring, and 2004 Enthusiast roadster -- fun cars! Best buy for the money! Roadster, with or without top down is a head turner.
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my Z experience - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By michael youngbear - October 29 - 4:23 pmI really like driving this car, everyday I get in the driverseat and go! It feels like driving a jet to me and the inertia (drifting) driving is my favorite thing about it. The feeling of not being in control but being in control get the passengers a pulse driving ride (pros only)! And I feel safe while driving it because the car just hugs whoever is inside and it also hugs the road just as good! i hope this review gives you potential Z car buyers no regrets.
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The Z is 4 Me! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By NoMoreHollywood - October 17 - 10:00 amIf you like people looking your way, owning a Z is the car today! It is cool and it is fast, driving it is such a blast! Play your tunes nice and loud, The Z is loved by the crowd! As you can see, The Z is for me!
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Love it!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Tom 4307 - October 11 - 10:00 amSo far, so good! Found a great dealership in VA. Replaced the Bridgestone tires with Michelin Sport A/S. Big difference!
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Love it! - 2008 Nissan 350Z
By Tiffany - October 6 - 3:30 amI have had my car a year now and I have not had any problems with it. I love the way it handles corners and gets up and goes. It turns heads from the young to the old. At first I did not like the color (Solar Orange) but it quickly grew on me and I have had a ton of compliments. The only reason I got that color is because it was the only 2007 on the lot at the time and I did not want to wait to get it. I have wanted this car for the past 4 years and I am so happy I did. It is worth every penny.
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Nice job - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By ATAKIDS - October 5 - 4:06 pmCoolest car of the nation.I truly believe this car is reliable,fun to drive and nice to look at.When I first saw this car I thought I was dreaming this car is amazing.I dont know anything about the style but the car is a Nissan 350 z
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Handles Like A GoKart - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By Humam Talhami - September 28 - 6:46 amI love the car. I do not like the fact the VDC does not fully turn off when the button is in the "Off" setting.
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Z Be Nimble......by Marcus - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By SD30LUCKY - September 18 - 11:23 amThis is a nimble machine, which you can tell has nearly perfect weight balance. There is exhilirating performance but I am not going to say there isnt room for some minor improvements. Second gear in this car is a total joy, I would like to see a higher redline and the shift points set a bit differently. This probably has one of the best and most consistent power bands of any manual car I have ever driven. Unfortunately, it doesnt take much effort to exhaust this cars limitations in gears 1 thru 4. I get more compliments on this car than I can count and thoroughly enjoy driving it around with the top down. The short wheelbase is surprisingly not a problem except at high speeds.
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So far, so good... - 2008 Nissan 350Z
By NerveBag - September 15 - 3:43 pmIve had my 2008 Enthusiast Z for a couple of weeks now. So far, I love it! Cant say much about reliability yet, of course, but everything else is good. PROS: F-U-N! It is a blast to drive this car. The engine sounds great, too. You get a 300hp, road-hugging sports car for $30k. Best deal out there. And it turns heads. :-) Plenty of headroom (and Im 64") CONS: Clutch is WAY too long. Theres, like, 4-6 inches of play before it engages. You can hear every speck of dirt hit the rear wheel wells. Kinda annoying. Wheel doesnt telescope, which wouldve made a HUGE difference in leg room for me. Stereos kinda lame. The fun of driving this car easily makes up for any minor nits! Recommend!
