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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  350 z Roadster - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Andrew Lundstrom - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is a beauty to look at, and just a load of fun to drive. Color is Sunset Lemans, and, boy, does it turn heads.Gotta love it :-)

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  awesome - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By 350zlover - November 22 - 2:00 am

  perfect it is a great car i love it i think nissan makes very good quality cars

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  350Z WOW - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By LarryG - November 17 - 8:06 am

  The car is an absolute hoot to drive. The biggest problem I have with it is that I should have spent the extra money to go with the second level trim to get the cruise and traction control. Nissan should include those two devices and the extra air bags on every Z they sell even if it means adding a little more to the base price. It would make a big difference, especially given the high performance status of this vehicle. Remember, its not just for looks, this car already has the eye appeal, its a safety issue and that should be at the top of all other considerations. Nissan, wake up and get with the program!

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  after 1-1/2 years, still nice - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By myZ - November 16 - 7:30 am

  I like the 10mph to 60mph performance. I have the 5-sp Auto; helps in the stop/go commute. I still love the styling. Wheels are time consuming to keep clean.

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  Nice ride - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Fastanfurious911 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  The car has alot of power for a six cylinder. The handling is nice. For $36.000 Thousand I got all I wanted with the car remote starter, nice 18 inch rims.

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  What a Fun Car! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Matlack - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Great Car! Only one complaint. That is the shifting could be better. The car shifts hard especially when in cold conditions. The gears seem as though they "grind" a little. Also, the two front tires are showing excess wear on the inside of tires. This is a concern as I only have 15000 miles on it in one year.

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  hotdog - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By sam sneed - November 11 - 10:00 am

  great car! i love that so few are seen on the road- enjoy - for those that knock the interior keep in mind this is a sports car and a great value - not a show case- I enjoy the understated non flash look of the interior Z!

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  Super Black - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Betty Eddings Winley - November 5 - 4:06 am

  I enjoy my ride experience with the 350Z. I love the convertible style and also observed that it is an eye- catcher...almost a magnet chemistry from the watchers! I contacted the eastern district corporate office and suggested to them to improve the brake system to avoid brake dust accumulation on the attractive wheels.

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  It really makes driving fun again - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By greg fennell - October 24 - 1:26 pm

  I previously owned a 2004 Nissan Maxima, which I thought was a pretty competitive performer on the road, but the 350Z is in a whole other league. It even makes routine trips to the store and commuting to work fun.

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  Head turner - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Jack - October 24 - 1:13 pm

  Always get compliments on its appearance. Step on the gas and fall back into your seat. Great handling and a real blast to drive. A fun spirited car. All of this wrapped up in a very reasonable price. I also purchased an extended warranty (7 yrs 84k miles) which I thought was reasonably priced.