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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Nissan finally made something right - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By SOJ - August 22 - 3:20 amThe Nissan 350z. What a beautiful car. I used to own a 1996 300zx. That was a pure driving pleasure. The 2006 350z takes after that exact vehicle. This car handles great, is fun to drive and gets pretty decent gas mileage with my heavy foot. I am always pulling between 370-390 each tank of gas, and thats city driving! Vehicle has power to spare in every gear, virtually no lag what so ever! You hit the gas and youre gone. Awesome vehicle, good job Nissan. All this coming from a die hard Toyota man. About time they bring that Supra back huh? Anyways for 30k, you cant beat this vehicle..
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Head Turner and a Road burner - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By Andrew - August 21 - 1:56 pmThis is the first time I have experienced driving a Z, I am in total awe of its performance and handling. I bought the Ultra yellow Roadster, it has every head turning. The six speed is awesome, the clutch and shifting makes the driving experience wonderful. The leather seats and all the extra accessories makes driving the car a better experience. I would recommend anyone that is looking for an inexpensive sports car, go to the nearest Nissan dealership and test drive for yourself. Then you will get the ultimate review.
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Great Value Sports Car - 2008 Nissan 350Z
By Ben - August 19 - 7:06 pmI think everything has been said about whats great about this car. I took my up to Lake Tahoe from San Francisco and that was the most fun I had in car. Its definitely a drivers car. Note to wives and girlfriends out there: If you are passenger, you might not like it so much. My wife, who usually never gets car sick, did riding as the passenger. Its built very low and you feel everything. Also, if you have a bad back, getting in and out could be a chore.
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fun to drive - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By miriam - August 13 - 1:06 amI have nothing bad to say about my Z car. It handles well and is so much fun to drive. I get nothing but compliments from everyone I know and dont know about the looks of the car. The gas mileage is not bad for a sports car either. I get 20 miles to the gallon in town about 25 on the highway. The color is gorgeous too. I have the brickyard color which is kind of a dark plum color. I put an after market spoiler on the back and it is too cute.
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WOW! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By DONZ - August 10 - 2:00 am45 YEARS OLD 2 KIDS, NO MORE MINI VANS. LOTS OF FIGHTS OVER THE PASSENGER SEAT. HAVE FOUND BETTER PERFORMANCE AND MILEAGE ON 93 OCTANE AS OPPOSSED TO 94 OCTANE??? MY SECOND Z, AND BOY DID I MISS THE TIME BETWEEN THEM...WIFE STILL MAD, BUT WILL BUY HER ANOTHER HORSE AND SHE WILL CHILL.
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A HIT BUT NOT A HOMER - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By dON rEED - August 4 - 10:00 amInterior disappointing insofar as storage and materials. Exterior still turns heads. Tire feathering problem is worrysome, dealer says the alignment is in spec but I have the problem. Does that mean there is no fix??
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2004 nissan 350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By griff - July 23 - 1:06 amI am a very aggressive driver and this car takes it very well and handles like it is on rails. The only problem I have found is that the tires wear out really fast front and rear. It gets excellent gas mileage considering the power the car has. I drove the car on a trip 5 hours straight and was very comfortable. I would rate this car a 9.9 out of 10.
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The Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By Jim Johnston - July 16 - 10:00 amContrary to historical experience I like this car more now than when I bought it. This car is a blast. It begs for high speed turns and it stops on a dime. The transmission loves to wind and the torque ratio is great in any gear. The body style is cool. The interior is more than adequate and is designed for sports car performance. The rev light, tire temp monitor, extensive gauges and best of all SEATS that conform to my body that prevent lateral movement during high speed turns etc. All for under $32000-WOW
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lots of performace for the money - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By BobZ - July 16 - 10:00 amMy wife just got one these 350Zs and is almost as fast as my used 1991 Porsche 928GT 5speed purchased for half the price.
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simply the best - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By captain brandon - July 16 - 10:00 amThis car is a dream to drive. It handles great, and the power is strong and smooth. It is so much fun to drive, that it is addictive.
