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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awesome car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By shane - May 11 - 5:13 amAfter totalling my 2004 Touring Roadster, I had to have another. Bought a 2006 Grand Touring Roadster. Its just as wonderful and fun to drive as the 04 was.
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Performance that wont break the Bank - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By griffon5 - May 8 - 4:16 pmI finally decided on a Sports Car I looked at an Audi TT and a 350-Z In my mind after diriving both, there was no Comparison. While the Audi TT had a nice leather interior, this car had no performance unless you went with their 3.2 250 HP Upgrade. Needless to say I drove the Z and it was a no brainer. I bought a Performance model with 18" wheels and VDC. For the money you will be hard pressed to find a car that out performs this. Acceleration in the mid range is impressive along with the superb handling characteristics. While the Zs interiors are not exactly plush, I bought it for the performance and Have no complaints, Its a sports car.
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Very Pleased - 2007 Nissan 350Z
By Dr.P - April 20 - 10:43 amI owned a 2004 350Z and traded for a 2007. I am very impressed with the upgraded interior and the solid engine performance. I had looked at other sports cars (e.g. porsche, corvette) and feel very good about this choice. This is perhaps the best sports car in terms of cost and performance.
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Z Monster - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By jleder - April 16 - 10:00 amButt-kicking performance, style AND a comfortable ride all in one package. At a price thats not in the stratosphere. This is the best car Ive ever had. Performance ROCKS: 0-60 before your eyeballs come back to the surface, and you pretty much CANT get the tires to lose grip. The Performance Model is a really good compromise between performance and comfort, and it comes with cloth seats (in my opinion, the only way to go in a sports car. The best part is, Nissan has again (as it did with the original 240Z in the sixties) redefined the price- performance equation. Nothing this good can be had for less than about $15K more than the Z costs.
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350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Jim Z - April 16 - 10:00 amOutstanding vehicle, exceeded my expectations in all measurable areas. Fun to drive, everyone admires it, best car Ive ever bought! (Better than previous favorites (BMW 320i, Alfa Romeo Spider).
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sweet - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By joseph - April 10 - 2:20 pmThis car is just fun to drive,has a great performance, stylish interior and exterior designs. It also provides a comfortable and smooth ride, excellent handling gets awesome mileage ,very reliable. In my opinion i would give this car a perfect ten but hey that just my opinion.
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The Enthusiasm has worn off.. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By nicoletheo81 - April 3 - 2:00 amI was ecstatic when I first drove away in my 350Z! A year later I doubt the long-term quality of this sports car. I was tempted to trade it in, but the dealership I bought it from offered me $26,000 for a car that was worth $34,000 when I signed. Not a smooth ride, the tires are loud, the warning light system is not reliable, & the engine makes a constant clicking sound. Have you ever heard the phrase "Death Trap"? Just thought Id ask.. $40 to fill up the tank isnt helping either w/ gas prices on the rise. All in all I still enjoy the look of the 350Z but will not be interested in buying out the car at the end of the lease or leasing a new one.
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FUN, FUN. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Z MAN 12 - April 3 - 2:00 amUNEVEN TIRE WEAR, NEED BETTER TIRES FROM NISSAN.
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Bullet Z....Dream car! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Gr8tZcar - April 3 - 2:00 amHaving always been a fan of the "Z" cars, drooling over the 280 in the 80s and yearning to own a 300Z in the 90s, I finally got the opportunity to purchase my very own "Z"!! This car is superb on every level, handling, comfort, styling, speed. I highly recommend this speedy sportster!
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drive it, and youll own it. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By manny dasilva - April 3 - 2:00 amDrove this car back in Sept.2003, thought I had gotten my kicks out. Couldnt get it out of my mind. Finally decided in January to buy it.
