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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  350Z review - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By robbycc - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most fun to drive of any I have driven (Fiero, supercharged Miata, BMW Issetta etc.). The car is glued to the road. The ride is firm and smooth, but tells you all you need to know about the road surface. The performance is quick. The push is strong throughout the rpm range. Very easy to drive fast on back country roads from the day you get behind the wheel. Not sure why they only charge $30,000 for this car. I drive it to work every day and I look forward to the trip each day.

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  My Sunset 350Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Chadi - August 28 - 10:00 am

  ive only had this car for 5 months, and theres isnt anything bad to say about it. for anyone getting this car, the attention this car gets comes standard, so do worry bout paying extra fo it. everywhere i go people huddle around and look. great car....and a good way to bring back nissan.

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  Track Model - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By cwwtemecula - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for 3 weeks and would like to say that I am completely satisfied. It doesnt have the power of the Corvette or the styling of a Porsche, but for the money it is a superior sports car. I upgrades from a 6-cylinder Altima and only miss the fact the now I can only fit 2 golf bags rather than 4.

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  Blue Streak!!! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By bear - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have the Performance Model Vin #251 which is blue and now almost exactly a year old with 19000 miles on it. I love this car. My only regret was not getting the leather interior. The carbon fiber cloth does not hold up well and freys (especially on the drivers side). Ive replaced the seat cover twice now for this problem with no solution as a subsitute fabric offered by Nissan yet. That said, you cant find a better sports car on the market today for the price. My top speed so far has been 145mph. Although the car is capable of more it is difficult to find a rural hwy. in good enough condition to go faster! Overall experience is a solid 10!!!

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  just a car person - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By fun loved cars - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The car gos down the road good.Im a bigger person and the car just is not realy mant for large people but its ok. Would I say to buy one? Yes, you will love the look you get from others that can only dream of nicer things in live. If you want more info stop and buy one too.

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  great car for the money - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By jeffrx42 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  the 350z is just fun to drive. This is a special car and it must not be your only car or you will be unhappy with it. 2 seats and limited space make this a car to just drive for fun.

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  excellent - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By samford - August 28 - 10:00 am

  i love this car and iwould not trade it for anything

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  LOVE IT!!!!!!! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By steelers - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Dont hesitate buy one. I have owned several zs before but this is far the best one I have ever owned (except for my 300Z).Nothing else will be as bad as the Corvette!!!! That is what i will buy when I get rid of the z in the next 6 months. Mazda has out done themselves.. this time, But American made is the way to go.

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  This is the best - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Klinger - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic automobile. I have always wanted a sports car and I am glad I waited to get this one. Auto trans is great. Bose stereo sounds fantastic. I love the digital speedometer with the analog. The vehicle handles exceptionally well around tight curves at high speeds and it doesnt take much to get the car going. I also testdrove a Mazda Miata, and Toyota MR-2 and I found the Z to have much better acceleration and much more interior room, which at first glance looks deceiving but is actually capable of handling 10 full grocery bags in the trunk. Way to go Nissan.

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  RWD ... iSlide - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By ak805x - August 25 - 1:36 pm

  This is a very great car to drive. My car is the base model 350z coupe. Has less "features" than the other models. Doesnt have the stereo unit controls on the steering wheel. Steering wheel seems a bit less sporty than what you get out of most other sports cars. The power is great, and sounds great especially with dual intakes! Definitely a head turner and Im always getting props. Base Model comes without Traction Control System and the Limited Slip Differential. Meaning, you have to be VERY careful when taking turns and gassing it. You can easily lose control. Which is a reason why professional drifters prefer this model because you can slide everywhere. Donuts are easy. Very fun car.