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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  Buy It! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By V - May 31 - 1:00 am

  Great styling, great handling, awesome performance, Very reliable (its an import). Everywhere I go people stare. Want a sports car? The Z is "the" sports car. Theres nothing out there like it, Theres nothing out there that performs or handles like it either. Never an issue with it. Also one of the easiest cars to mod.

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  the car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By mind-z - May 28 - 10:00 am

  dealing with nissan dealers is not a pleasent experience. They are rude and arrogant

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  Still love my Z a year later - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By FLYZ - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Had a great experience with car for nearly a year. The only problem Ive noticed is the grease streak on the driver windown, fixable at the dealer.

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  zbest - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By zbrat - May 28 - 10:00 am

  love the car, love the design, ride a little bumpy, love the looks I get, love the looks vet owners give ya

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  I Love My New Ride - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Z Rick - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I test drove quite a few cars, and the z roadster sold its self to me. It is sweet.

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  what a girl wants - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Lucy Sanchez - May 28 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE MOST COMFORTABLE TWO SEATER CAR EVER. BEING A PETITE WOMAN, I FEEL EXTEMELY SAFE AND COMFORTABLE IN MY NEW 350Z. DRIVING LONG DISTANCES FROM HOME TO WORK AND BACK IS SO MUCH FUN. YOU CAN NEVER HAVE A DULL MOMENT WITH A 350Z. IT IS THE BEST SPORTS CAR OUT THERE THAT YOU CAN GET FOR THE PRICE IT SELLS.

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  SPIKES EXP - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By SPIKE - May 28 - 10:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE, WELL WORTH THE ASKING PRICE, BUY THE TRACK OR TOURING PACKAGE, YOU WILL NOT BE HAPPY WITH A LESSOR PACKAGE, SEAT BELTS CLANK INSIDE WHEN NOT IN USE (VERY ANNOYING), I HAVE 240 WATT SYSTEM...ALL GOOD EXCEPT RADIO. YOU WILL NEVER GET THE RADIO TO SOUND GOOD, CD EXCELL., WOULD BUY ANOTHER WITHOUT HESITATION, YOU WONT FIND ANOTHER THIS FUN FOR THE $

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  Just Z Facts - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By ZeeBest - May 23 - 11:30 am

  Just 2 weeks old and cant get enough. So far so good. Excellent off the line, great steering feedback. Convertable is a breeze (Easy to use). The throaty sound is a nice touch. Excellent on Highways and shows little effort while cruising at high speeds. Time will tell on the quality and repairs. Interior is utilitarian and not flashy but has the essentials. You have to get Navigation. It works fantastic on this car. I tried to fake it out but to no avail. I also own a BMW328i and used to consider it my sports car....but no longer is that the case. Hopefully will have years of enjoyment....so far so good.

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  I LOVE MY CAR - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By MATTWJ420 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS AWESOME IT DRIVES GREAT AND IS TONS OF FUN. I HAVE HAD 3 BMWS, 1 MERCEDES, 2 SAABS, A MINI COOPER, 2 ACURAS, AND A PORSCHE. AND THIS TOPS THEM ALL BY FAR!!!!

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  Had to Have It - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By SouthSideGirl - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I saw one of these on the road and went gaga. I bought one 6 wks. later. First time I have ever done this. What a fun car - driving it is like going on vacation!