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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  Nice head-turner - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Mikester - November 21 - 8:56 am

  I bought my blue roadster about six months ago and its been fun to drive on the back roads of California. Amazing how steady it is above 100 mph, but frustratingly heavy clutch at road speed. Handles great and most of the Zs gremlins have been fixed under warranty (buzzy shifter knob, rattling axle bolts(!?), failed air bag sensor, etc).

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  from 07 Roadster to 08 Nismo - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By geoszzz - November 19 - 8:10 pm

  I was given the chance to trade-down from my 07 350Z Roadster Touring (equipped) for a new 08 Nismo "even"///What a difference in handling, speed and fun..it is everthing my old 75 280Z had accentuated to the highest level and then some..The Nismo is for driving and Im sure would be fun to punish at a track; however, I just like driving it 0-60 (or so) and enjoying the cars superb cornering and acceleration capabilities...I agree with the review about the stereo being poor; but when I put my I-pod adapter in, the stereo was much better..as the speakers break-in the sound improves too...meanwhile Im just smiling and driving this car more happily than the convertible!

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  Supreme - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ofcweb2075 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy my Z car. I can ascape the stresses of the world when I hit the road.

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  this is a fun car! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By el - November 15 - 2:00 am

  ive only had the car a few weeks, but i just love it! it makes me happy just to drive it; who cares where to or if theres any traffic. the power and acceleration are great, and the car hugs curves so well it challenges me to keep trying faster and faster cornering. maybe the only downside will be the tickets i fear i might start collecting!

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  Do your research - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By CJ - November 9 - 11:16 pm

  I had the base badboy for 6 months before it was totaled in the rain from doing 45 in a 55mph zone. All I have to say is that this was one of the best cars that I have ever had, I dont think a Porsche would have made me much happier but no matter what you tell yourself it is really only a sunny day kind of car. You already know why you like the car but here are the problems. Base model means no lsd something which is inconceivable on a rwd car of this caliber. Secondly the brakes stink compared to the engine power. Luckily the 370 fixed this issue. The car comes with hid which is nicel and same power as the top end models. Even nismo. . But no LSD or vdc and no brembos. Im looking into awd

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  Geat fun - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By zgdlife - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It handles like a true sports car, has huge power and everyone loves the look. We are having great fun with this car.

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  A true sportscar! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Dale - November 3 - 7:33 am

  Already commented on many times, the interior components could be higher quality... but ergonomically, they work well. Ample space for the drive and passenger, not much space for luggage though. This car really shines in performance! Tight handling, great power though all gears and at all RPMs, a good feel for the road without beating the driver to death... this car is not for the faint of heart! Great Bose stereo too on the Touring model. Gear shifts on the 6MT are sharp, short And did I mention this is a convertable? Great lines on the car and minimal road noise when top is up, a pleasant surprise... and with top down, its a joy! The top retracts in a mere 20 seconds.

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  GREAT - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jrat - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I Just got my ne Rodster, White with blue top, It is AWSOME. So many looks from everyone. It may be my imagination but it seems like I get a lot o people trying to challange the performance on the road. They always lose!

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  Love My "Z" - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Jewelryboy00 - October 12 - 7:23 am

  "Z" That says a lot based on the history. The car handles like a dream on tight mountain curves as well as the informal race track "I-64". The ride is a bit stiff as one would expect from a performance car. The sweet 3.5 litre V-6 cranks out smooth, even power. She is sleek in design and easy on the eyes with a wide stance and flaring fenders. My silverstone "Z" isnt vain even though she has a platinum name.

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  Black Beauty - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By nccs57 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  At first glance, I had to have this car! The amount of attention you get with this car is unbelievable. Ive only had this car about two months now, and I only drive it on weekends. So far so good. No problems at all and I cant wait to drive it again this weekend.