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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  LaVaras review - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By llbattle - May 17 - 10:00 am

  VERY NICE !!!!!!!!! The look and handle of an exotic sports car, without the price of one.

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  I love my new car: - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By shawn morris - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is absolutly the best car to drive for the price and, the look is unparalleled.

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  Quality (?) of sound system?? - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By sqkyboo - May 10 - 10:00 am

  OK, we all know and love this car, superlatives for performance. But the base models single CD sound system absolutely stinks. Even my kids1997 stock Saturn sounds better. I dont get it. I already changed the cd/radio to an Alpine; its better, but the sound quality still stinks, so Im saving for better speakers. Any others who feel the same?

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  Unreliable car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By jk - May 7 - 10:03 am

  Bought the car on 3/07 and until 7/07 have a nasty problem with oil consumption. The car keeps on eating up oil and Nissan is fully aware of this problem but not doing anything about it. Just got the engine replaced from the dealer after returning to the dealer for the 4th time. Have not had a time to enjoy the car, but instead going to the dealership every other Saturday to re-check the oil consumption problem. If you like wasting your time and going to the dealer every other weekends and worry about if your car has oil or not. Then I highly recommend this car. Overall my first Nissan that I bought and I dislike Nissan after 4 months of driving this car.

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  It saved my life - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By It saved my life - April 30 - 9:03 pm

  I owned a nissan 350z for about 6 months Id like to have owned it longer but unfortunately I was in an accident in it. The car was totaled. It rolled twice after hitting a large boulder. All of this happened because of my error no part of the cars handling or control was at fault. Anyway, I walked away from the accident with only two bruises, both from the seatbealt. All six of the cars airbags deployed and in the end the frame of the car was still in excellent condition given the fact that I had rolled it so many times and struck such a large object.

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  POINT N SHOOT - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By john Q. SMITH - April 28 - 2:00 am

  MY LAST 3 CARS IN MY DRIVEWAY WERE A VIPER ROADSTER, A CONVERTABLE CORVETTE AND A MERCEDES CLK. THE 350Z CONVERTIBLE IS MORE FUN THAN ANYTHING ELSE LISTED. THE 350Z IS VERY EASY TO DRIVE, AND REQUIRES NO DRIVING SCHOOLS. THE ELECTRIC TOP OPERATES WELL. THE STYLING IS BEAUTIFUL AND TURNS HEADS EVERYWHERE.

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  350ZOOM! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By You Go Gurrl - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my 350! The style is HOT! It is indisputably the best looking car on the streets, and nothing pleases me more than being the first car at the stop light! WHEW! This car is a truly eye candy like its driver! The now discontinued BRICKYARD color makes us a rare and true sight to behold.

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  Best Yet - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By jshane - April 27 - 4:06 am

  Ive had Mustangs, Camaros, and Trans Ams, but have never had a sports car this good! Its acceleration, handling, build quality and fun to drive factor are miles ahead of the american rivals. Detroit could take a lesson from a car like this.

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  Z-GREAT! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By DG-39 - April 25 - 10:03 pm

  I have had mine for four months. Hate to get out of it. super handling and performance.

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  My favorite car!! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By bill - April 23 - 10:30 pm

  This is the first car I bought that allowed me to sell my Ninja 1200 and still have fun on the road. Since no auto could give me the power the Ninja had, I can drive to enjoy the trip. I normally put on 300-400 per day on trips-I am 61/195lbs and still very comfortable at the end of the day. Since I dont abuse the throttle, I average 24-25 mpg.