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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My New Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By Maureen - June 21 - 2:10 amI drove an 85 Z for 20 years and loved the performance and reliability so bought the new Z. Im loving it as well. The fuel economony isnt great but I havent had it long and have been driving "stop and go" around town so its not a "true" picture of what highway driving fuel use would be. Some say its a "rough" ride but I say it drives like a sports car should!
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Buyer Beware! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By Unhappy Z Owner - June 11 - 10:00 amThe 2003 Z has a known and admitted front tire wear and nosie problem that Nissan declines to address for its buyers. If you dont mind buying new tires evry 5,000 miles, this car is for you. My Z began the problem at 8,000 miles; got the Nissan temp fix; and returned at 12,000 miles. Its days are numbered. See the problem at www.nissantireproblems.com
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beautiful Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By williamkaikala - June 11 - 10:00 amUnbelievable car! I get compliments almost daily. Although, Nissan could have made it a bit faster from stock, it still is fun to drive and one of the best looking cars on the market. Though dont get me wrong, the car is quick. I raced my stock 2004 350z against a 2002 Corvette C5 two weeks ago and he only had half a car length on me every race. I wonder what it will do when I get done modifying it???
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Dream Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By sail3engineer - June 11 - 10:00 amThis car operates like a dream, there is no better feeling then punching the gas pedal and seeing the speed jump, as you feel yourself being pushed into your seat by the G-forces. Handleing curves is fun, this is one car you have to take on a road trip....just do not pack to much, it will never fit. Also the rear view once you get used to it, and adjust it in just the right spot, you find you have full visibility, but is seems very discerning at first.
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Cant Stop Smiling! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By theojac - June 7 - 10:30 pmJust purchased a 2004 cherry red 350z with black drop top and black leather w/only 19000 miles...Ive read the other reviews and agree that it is such an enjoyable ride that you will find any excuse to drive it...and it is a head turner. This is like heaven on the eyes. I would put the design of this roadster up with any other sports car at any price...its just that beautiful!
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Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By I_LoveMy350ZR - May 30 - 10:00 amThere are a couple of small annoying things about this car. When you close the top it rolls both windows down but doesnt roll them up automatically. Several times Ive almost gotten out without closing them. The storage compartments are impossible to navigate while in the car! Having said that, this car is an absolute BLAST to drive! The wind deflector is awesome, I can drive with the top down on the interstate and have a normal conversation with my head set on my cell phone, the caller doesnt even notice Im in a car! My hair doesnt blow, you can wear a hat going 90 with top down NO PROBLEM. Not that I go 90 mind you...
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True Blue Sports Car: 350Z, 2004 - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By J. A. Nunez - May 28 - 12:36 amJust three weeks of ownership, & Im sold with this i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e machine! Ergonomics, performance, LOOKS!, Nissan quality...you-name-it, I LOVE this coupe/sports car. At $22,000, with just 13200K on it, my conscience is killing me - I ripped off a friend!!!
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Great Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Danny - May 26 - 9:46 amIve always loved the Z and this one is no exception. The Z is a blast to drive, whether it be through a twisty road, the empty highway, or the pacific coast highway. The shifter is smooth an the throws are quick. Plenty of torque so you never feel short on power an the sound of the engine revving up is amazing. Handling is excellent. Body roll is almost non-existent. Seats hold you in tight as you take the corners. Brakes react quickly and interior design is driver oriented. Overall its just a great car.
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Two 350 Zs - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By davis - May 17 - 10:00 amI love this car so much. This is my second 350Z this year. My first one was an Enthusiast. And since I decided to keep this car for the rest of my life, I traded up into the loaded Touring model.
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the best for the buck! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By tom350z - May 17 - 10:00 amI love my 350z. It is a rocket! It is fun to drive and the styling gets stares from even vet drivers. If you love to be noticed this is the car for you. If you love a car that is fun to drive this is the car for you! This truly is the car for me!
