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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  owner - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jaysthaname - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Over all good exp.

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  Best choose - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Maureen Sloggie - April 1 - 7:10 am

  I own my 350Z for one year now. No regrets in anyway. Driving this car is like no other I have ever driven. The look of the car matches its performance.

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  The car of the year - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Smitty III - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best car that I have ever driven. It has more than I will ever need in this life time

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  Color me an Advocate - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By in2themystyc - March 19 - 3:01 am

  Pretty happy with my Z. I am the happy 2nd owner of a 2006 GT convertible with ~15K miles. Shes like new. I like almost everything about it - good looks, fun to drive, quality fit and finish. The mileage isnt the best, but what do you expect? Its great as a 2nd car, but not sure Id want it as a primary driver. I really enjoy the 3 Fs - fast, fun...oh, and fast. The top is easy up-and-down. In the 06, missing USB and i-connectivity is rough, but I had Sirrius/XM installed and it sounds great on the Bose system. Cant wait for my next Z!

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  The Real Deal - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Mikes Z - March 12 - 9:33 am

  Waited 37 years since I laid eyes on the 1st Z back in 1970. Owned a 280 and 300, but this is the car of my dreams. Owned almost a year, 8K miles. It has exceeded all my expectations. Few cars outrun it, no cars outclass it. Best described by one car editor as "painfully beautiful". A literal work of art from any angle. Nissan did this right, with a ground-up redesign keeping true to the true spirit of this legendary car. Tame enough for daily commutes, but it turns into a different car when the tach hits 4K. The interior is a cockpit. The power and steering effortless. My hearts skips faster every time I see it.

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  great ride - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By robert - March 10 - 2:50 pm

  The performance of the 350Z is great. The power is there when you need it or it is just a great cruising car. The feel is tight and the car just looks great.

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  114th Car, One of the best - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Alive2K - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a lot of cars (114 to be exact) and owned just about everything but a BMW (Just hasnt interested me). Last sports car was a Lexus SC400. This beats it hands down for value and fun to drive. Ive liked a few cars more than this (most owned when I was a kid, like a 1968 Chevelle SS) but this is certainly in the top 5. I will likely break my record for time owned (currently at 14 months).

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  Roberts review - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Robert Little - February 25 - 2:00 am

  So far real good,the car is fun to drive ,top down adds to fun. the car also feels solid and handling is supberb.

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  some quility/dealer problems - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Mike - February 3 - 11:20 am

  Great looks, nice handling(have the track model), crappy build quality. I had this thing in for minor things....it just gets annoying. The dealer refused to fix my faulty window regulator under warrentey becuase I had after market speakers installed. Even though its a known problem. It took 5 trips to Devon Nissan to fix it. After my first trip it got stuck in the down position on a 300 mile trip. Huge after market....I have $10,000 invested in the suspension/brakes/dvd/stereo. It is a sweet set up and grabs attention everywhere. I buy a new car every 12 months so this one is being replaced. Honestly it will probably be my last Nissan due to the build quility and horrible dealer ex

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  Issues of 2004 Roadster - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Genevieve Poston - January 31 - 4:43 am

  I had been a 300Z owner for over 12 years and was excited when the first Roadster became available. I purchased one of the first ones on the market. I now have 22,000 miles on my Roadster, still not driving in rain or winter days. However, am now experiencing issues with the leather seats showing excessive wear and the blue convertible top is coming apart and gas lid not opening on 1st or 2nd try being issues with Nissan about repairing these items under warranty. Have been declined on repair of the leather seats but after 6 months of negotiating, possibly will get the top and gas lid repaired. Beginning to feel the thrill of the ride is not worth the hassle.