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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  Long Term Report - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Nutnfancy - December 24 - 5:46 pm

  The 350Z in all versions is a performance bargain. It is a quick, well-balanced, superbly built sports car. Styling is head turning. Acceleration is good. Overall MPG runs 21.5 city, with about 40% aggressive driving, 25-27 hwy if you drive with cruise and accelerate gently. Build quality is outstanding: no squeaks, rattles, misaligned panels, or mx issues. Maintenance costs have been zero for me in the last year. Stock exhaust note is exhilarating. Stereo is good. Amenities, storage areas, utility of hatchback are excellent.

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  Great car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By java350z - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Even since this car first came out in the car magazines I wanted one. It has been a great and fun car to drive. The steering and pick-up is superb. Its a "head turner".

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  Nothing compares - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Crack Shot - December 20 - 8:53 am

  Im sold from the first day I started up my wifes new car. I love the sound of the exhaust, the styling, the sleek ride. No car compares for the price. Never been told by so many people how beautiful a car was. I love cruising through the mounts like a bullet.

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  What a Rocket!! - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Kevin K - December 18 - 11:03 pm

  I just bought a new 2007 350Z Touring Roadster. What an awesome car!! I have owned several Nissan cars. Altima, Sentra Spec V and now a 350Z. The Spec V was great, but the 350Z is no comparison. Fuel economy is what I expected for a sports car.

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  Great car with growing pains - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Osiris - December 18 - 8:43 am

  Overall, It is an excellent sports car. Harsh ride; no, but it IS firm. Luxury is minimum when compared to BMW; but compare it to anything in its price range, and it is more than sufficient. Because of the smooth torque, I find it much easier to drive in traffic than any other manual I have had. I bought the first year model, and have the tire noise, but I knew it was a problem going into it. There are sacrifices to make when buying an affordable sports car, and the Z asks for a few, but not many. Overall I am floored with my Z experience thus far, and would do it agian in a heartbeat.

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  350z review - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By mhoweoffices - December 17 - 10:00 am

  the most fun driving since high School. Like driving a high performance go cart. Performance is unbelievably smooth and quick. ease of control is only surpassed by the incredibly great look of the car

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  returns to dealer for fixes: 0 - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By george - December 9 - 3:43 pm

  I have owned a lot of cars and this is the first one that has had NO problems! I love its looks and performance too. The only annoyances are a clutch that engages abruptly and a front tire that is just now starting to make a roaring sound. Fit and finish is excellent.

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  My new hot car! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Nobby Orens - December 8 - 11:16 am

  I have been driving "hot" sports cars for some time. My last two were a Toyota Supra (twin turbo) and a Corvette. I like this better from the "overall package" concept but do not feel it is as "quick off the line" as the other two. However that is a small item as it is not very often that I am put in a position where that feature is important. To sum up, I love the car!!

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  Awesome Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By HappyTony - November 26 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is awsome. The handling and power is subperb. I love the exterior. This car turns a LOT of heads. The sound system is very good. The interior is very attactive and functional. There is a nice amount of leg room.

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  Z 4 Life - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By drivesolo - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I ordered this car back in Sept 02 I thought that it was going to be a gamble since I had never bought a car before without atleast test driving it. Any doubts that I had at that time have been laid to rest. My 350Z met and exceeded all my expectations. Fast and agile. It feels like its hardwired to my brain... I think of something and it does what I want it to do as fast as I can think of it. Its solid too. Ive pushed it hard, REALLY HARD for the past 8 months that Ive had it and its no worse than from the day I first drove it. I love my Z. Im sold for life on Nissans Z.