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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  Fun - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By CT Mort - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Im still trying to get the smile off of my face. Having owned a 72 240 Z, my expectations were high and I wasnt let down. Its a pleasure to drive on the highway but twisting mountain roads are the best. Sticks to the road around corners and has the power to stay ahead of the crowd. I can hardly wait to get over the 4M mile limit for break-in. Absolutly no regrets!!!

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  Nissan 350Z delivers! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By mvprime21 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  When i first saw the Nissan 350Z I knew I had to have it. It has an amazing eye- catching design that everybody notices. For the price, the power and performance cant be beat!

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  Lots of fun - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By AV8RBJ - September 27 - 2:00 am

  So far it has been definitely a lot of fun to drive. It has a lot of spunk and it handles better than my previous car, a Vette C5. At higher speeds it handles incredibly well. It grabs the road like no other car Ive ever driven. The finish on the interior lacks luxury and the seats are not as comfortable as one would like. The interior has a few cubby spaces that are not easily accessible and therefor are useless. It definitely is a much improved model compared to previous Z models Ive had, 280ZX and 300ZX. The interior in comparison to previous Zs in my opinion, has become less comfortable and less plush. Overall I think its a great car for the dollar.

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  Perfect match - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Nick - September 23 - 1:40 pm

  I was searching for a car that was a coupe, zippy, stylish, and unique. I found it all with the Nismo. Its a fun car to drive. Everytime you get in it feels like your going to an auto X. I test drove an STI, G35, and RSXs before I found this, and I beleive it is the fastest and best handling out of the 3. The performance is excellent, hands down. The interior is ok. Not fancy because things like leather and power seats add weight. The car has been purpose built. Its also very bumpy ride, because of the seam welded body. However if you like that feeling of being connected to the road like me you will love this. The exhaust roars FYI too. I tell people it runs on diced lions.

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  buy 350Z! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By 350z rocks! - September 22 - 10:26 pm

  Proud owner of 2004 enthusiest coupe. just love this car so much, i think im going to keep it forever. i have some aftermarket parts on and turns head everywhere i go. built quality is not as good as toyota but pretty good, wish interior was better material. i had some problem with CD player but no other problems so far 16000 mls. great power and best exhaust sound car for under $50K car! im planning to put 400HP twin turbo sometime soon. gas mileage is fair, i drive at LA and avg 23mpg but require premium gas. handling is great but suspension is too stiff for some people, 6-speed manual is very fun but not so smooth. interior is very very roomy but trunk is bit small. excellent car!

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  On Z Road Again - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By thedudemd - September 22 - 10:00 am

  After much deliberation and comparison, the Z offered much for a reasonable deal...complete with fire under the hood, sex appeal, and rarity. Improvements can be made in the regions of more low end torque, a less notchy shifter, softer ride, and better interior materials. The benefits though are overwhelming...very stable even at blinding accelleration, stunning in appearance, taut, muscular, beautiful exhaust note, quick retractable roof and like most impressive physical specimens, gorgeous with its top off.

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  excellent - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jesiminn - September 22 - 10:00 am

  it is soooo fun to drive and youll always get a look, even from other convertible drivers. It should have been an 8 cylinder but you cant have your cake and eat it to. The only thing I dont really like is the breaking on this car. It doesnt seem to break smoothly. Besides that buy it!

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  Almost There - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Solid - September 18 - 7:10 am

  Good car for the money. The car drives great and the looks turn heads all the time. The car is well rounded and always fun. The only thing that would keep me from buying another one is Nissans service. Nissan does not service or support this product very well.

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  I love it - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By meo - September 15 - 3:53 am

  The car is fun to drive. Only thing my wife doesnt like about it is no glove box. Go figure. It Put the fun back in driving. Very stable at high speeds. Seem to be very solid car.

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  Great! - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By sonyb1 - September 15 - 3:03 am

  I bought a 6spd "z", but didnt want the hassle of shifting in traffic; returned it for the automatic. It is just as exciting, Great looks, plenty of power, looks and drives like it should cost more, excellent value!