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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  Great car. Cant rave enough about it - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Marilyn Schulz - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Between the people stopping me to ask about the car, the people that turn and look as I pass, just the attention the car generates is only the beginning. It is so much fun to drive. Ive never been happier with a car.

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  tons of fun - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By 2005 nissan 350z - February 1 - 2:33 am

  I love the bright yellow color. Acceleration great. I like all the stainless steel accents. It is fun to drive. I enjoy the Navigation system. Bose sound system great!!! I wish it had a better console for drinks. It has 1 flimsy plastic holder. Overall I love the car!! The cost of insurance is high, but worth it. I am happy with my purchase.

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  fun RIDE, out of snow - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By mike - January 31 - 7:06 pm

  I love it; just donÂ’t try to drive it with even a dusting of snow on the ground. ItÂ’s a great bachelorÂ’s car.

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  I love this car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By DaveN - January 25 - 3:06 am

  I love the car, it is fun to drive, handles beautifully and peforms better than anything else I have driven (for the money). It rides rough with the 18" rims and is noisy when driving in the rain (back wheel wells open) but to me the benefits far outweigh the negatives. I will buy another in the future.

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  Very Nice - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By MMEe - January 23 - 10:00 am

  I like the speed it gets. And i like the bucket seats. I like it a lot.

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  the best car ever - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By johnnybob - January 9 - 10:00 am

  this was the best sports car Ive ever driven!!!! Its so comfortable and it looks really cool. I love my Nissan 350Z!!!!!

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  Great car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Bill Halliday - January 8 - 9:20 am

  Went by dealership, saw this car and loved it. I bought a six speed and it has put the fun back in driving. This little car handles like a dream. Not the best on gas mileage though. Has alot of leg room which suprised me. I just try out a new corvette and not near the leg room in it as the 350Z.

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  Biased Z review by enthusiast - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Landbarger - January 4 - 10:33 pm

  I love it. Its a GREAT car, mixing the drivability and fun of American muscle and the weight and handling of more hardcore sports cars. Finding a line somewhere between the portly Mustang GT and the more-purist Honda S2000, the 350Z is a classic example of excellent lines, medium displacement (3.5L V6=more torque than typical pocket rockets) and acceptable (3200lb) curb weight. No one who drives the Z will be disappointed with the performance so long as they keep in mind the price and goal market. Particularly, the 350Z beats everything in close competition (3L+ V6), the new Eclipse (less hp, less mpg), the Crossfire (less hp, worse handling), and the R32 (looks, probably mpg, too).

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  350Z - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By georgetown59 - December 31 - 1:03 pm

  excellent auto; just puts fun back in driving; what an affordable GT should be; really love this one

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  Great Sports Car at any price - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By alow13 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Have a had the car for little over a month and it is crazy fast, comfortable (64") and rides just as well as my 2002 A4. Overall great car regardless of the price