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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red, hot, and alot - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By pappyrags - September 15 - 2:00 amThis mamma will get it! A smooth ride with alot of kick. The manual shifter is a cool item for those who wish a little up and down shifting at red lights. My drop-dead red with a black rag top defenitely turns the heads. Totally pleased in all categories.
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review of my 350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Chris Eustice - September 9 - 2:00 amwithout a doubt, the most fun car I have ever owned. Eyecatching styling. Makes just cruising around a blast.
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Rates an 11 out of 10! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Grover Rutter - September 9 - 2:00 amFun, sporty, comfortable, fuel efficient and very fast. At 130 mph shifting lanes is smooth and stable. At 150 mph the road appeared glassy and this driver didnt let the car wind out- - as there still seemed to be something left! This car is absolutely incredible! Great bucket seats form to the back for maximum comfort. The 6 speed shifter is a short-throw for quick and smooth shifting. And this car turns heads! I get thumbs up from all ages. A highway patrolman even gave me a thumbs up! This is and will remain a classic two-seater.
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Prowling - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By Catlady - August 21 - 4:00 pmLove this car. Fun to drive, handles well, exceleration is phenomenal. Must get the 6 speed. Bought Blizak snow tires and handles great in the snow even though its RWD. Overall best car Ive ever owned, and Ive had quite a few!
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Awesome value, some compromises - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By 2JnPP - August 21 - 2:46 amNissan skimped on the materials used to make up for all the performance it packed in this $30,000 car. The overall interior "feel" is very cheap. We knew this before purchasing & were willing to make the compromise. However, we didnt bargain for all the rattles, creaks, and clanging we have with our Z. Weve had several mechanical issues that usually takes the dealer multiple times to fix. Weve tried working with a few Nissan dealers for service work and have been very disappointed in all aspects of their customer service. This is a beautiful car thats fun to drive, even on a daily basis. We recommend the Z, as long as youre willing to accept the negative aspects of Z ownership.
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Oh Baby! The 350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Connie Baxley - August 18 - 2:16 amThis is my second Nissan 350Z. It is an awesome car. In it you feel like you own the road. You are truly in sync with your car behind the wheel. When not driving it, you cant wait to get int! It is a sexy car, and it gets lots of looks. Having a bad day? Job driving you crazy? Mad at your spouse? Kids making you pull your hair out?... no problem just go and drive your Z. Gas mileage for me? 23.8 mpg city. On a trip 32 mpg. Not bad for the thrill a Z can give you.
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What a fun vehicle! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By Randy - August 11 - 11:03 amThis is one outstanding car to drive, especially with the top down in the sun! With power and giddy-up to boot, Id say itd be find a more fun ride. However, I am beginning to notice some unneccesary wear of the relatively cheap interior materials and workmanship.
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Perfect all around sports car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By King - August 10 - 10:00 amAn unbelievable car worth every dime spent! Forget BMW, Audi and Mercedes, this car is the best bang for the buck !
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your the 1st and definitely not the last - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By james brown - August 10 - 10:00 amon a scale of 1 -10 the 350 is a 15 best in the business
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love Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By bobby007 - July 28 - 2:00 amLove the car, love the design, love the power, love the attention it gets. The exhaust sounds wonderful and I love the Bose.
