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:

• 

  Roadster - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Willaiam Humphrey - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Car handles great, great power.

• 

  Im glad Daddy took the T-Bird Away - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By milestogo - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Traded a Thunderbird SC for this car. The Ford wasnt bad but it doesnt compare to this car. It literally goes where you point the nose. At 5500 rpm when most cars give it up, this one still has juice. The cornering ability continues to surprise me after 9 months of daily driving.

• 

  Difficult to keep - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By carolina z lady - July 2 - 5:56 pm

  Bought it on Edmunds rec and loved to drive it until the tire issues came into play. I had so many tire issues. The pressure calibration needed fixing every 65 miles after 20000. Chewed up tires- horrible road noise. Terrible in bad weather- traded it for a vw passat stationwagon in 2004. Relatively pleased with the passat.

• 

  Fun and Fast - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By allsupm - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I use this car mostly for fun, but occasionally drive it to work. (36 mi round trip) I always enjoy driving it! It is a sports car, and doesnt attempt to be anything else. That is as it should be. It does all a sports car should do, and it does it well.

• 

  Z Owner - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By twan79 - June 24 - 9:10 pm

  The car is amazingly fun to drive for the cost. There is not a better car within the 40K and below range for the money. The car still excites me.

• 

  It s a 10 - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By FINKS Z - June 24 - 5:20 pm

  The Z has everything that a sports car should have. Looks, performance, and reliability at a reasonable price. The intown fuel economy is not bad but the road mileage is excellent. At 57, my wife said i was having a midlife crisis but now she drives the z more than i do !!!!!!!

• 

  Definite a good investment - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Melissa Castro - June 17 - 6:16 am

  While shopping for a reliable, fun, comfortable, I found the Nissan 350Z the best built car. The power is unbelievable; the easiness of convertible access and its look when down is excellent. I feel very comfortable and not feeling like tuna in a can. I truly feel it will hold its value and will be well taken care of. Its the car Ive worked hard for and feel I definitely got my monies worth.

• 

  Huge Bang for the Buck - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Redline_Red_N_TN - June 15 - 11:40 am

  Bought this car brand new and have loved every mile. Do not buy this car if you have a lead foot or if you dont like attention. Its FAST and only made for two people. Long trips get a little tiring but the mileage is great for a sports coupe with this much power. Easy to make this car really custom with bigger rims and tires and small style touches. Dont buy this car if you dont know how to drive, its 100% a drivers car.

• 

  Head Turner - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By JanJanRuth - June 6 - 4:20 am

  I absolutely Love my car. Everywhere I go, I get heads turned, and questions asked. There is not any better feeling than driving with the top down and the wind in your hair. This car is so much fun to drive, but it definitely isnt made for rain, ice or snow. But it is definitely worth the purchase.

• 

  Excellent 350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By thano93 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This car has exceeded all of my expectations, the ride, comfort and interior room are all excellent. I am 6 feet tall and have plenty of room to spare. The only knocks are rearview mirror is located too close to the ceiling which does not allow a good view out of the back window, and I am not a fan of the tires, the 17" rims seem a little small when cornering.