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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  350Z - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By dave - January 29 - 11:16 am

  power and handling make this an excellent vehicle to own and drive; it makes driving fun; the handling and power allows an average driver to achieve outstanding performance from the car

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  Investigate before you by - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By ovi17 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Initially this car was awesome, and it still is with some exceptions. The car is fun to drive but Im having some problems that are giving me a headache. Here are some of the problems: Alignment issues right off the lot, excessive paint chipping on hood and bumper, transmission noise when in neutral. Read the forums before buying.

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  A beautiful ride - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By fastgrl - January 14 - 2:00 am

  A great bargain coupled with great looks and excellent performance. This is a great car if you want performance, but dont want to sacrifice a touring feel. Low end torque gives the car a punch as soon as you hit the gas. Plus, the resonant sound of the Z is beautiful! Definitely a head turner - be forwarned...if youve got good looks, the car only draws that much more attention. Dont be surprised if you gather a following! :)

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  Race Car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By JWC - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I traded in a 1999 Corvette and the difference is amazing. You dont get the neck snapping acceleration of the vette, but this car is much more fun to drive. Very sporty, fun to drive. I autocross- I have raced it 3 times in 2004 so far and it has been great! I would buy again.

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  hummmmmm - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Rory - December 29 - 4:00 am

  Bought the car in May and have a hard time getting out of it! 15 seconds to go topless and catch major eyes! Makes the ride to work 10x more fun!

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  Z Z Tops - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Norman Hindley - December 15 - 12:30 am

  Im 60 years old and bought the Z for myself as a reward for living this long. Ive owned it for 8 months and during this period Ive enjoed it like no other auto Ive ever owned. The Z is pleasing to the eye, reliable, easy to drive (meaning Im not always shifting in traffic. The Z accelerates in 6th going up steep hills.), Gets about 23mpg,if driven in a sane manner, has plenty of guts under the hood, its exhaust note is pure Coltrane, the steering and the Zs ability to stick where its aimed is very reassuring as is the braking. Ive only broken rear- end loose once, and it was my error not the Zs. The car is forgiving. The trunk is plenty big enough for family shopping needs.

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  The Fast - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Via - December 12 - 7:30 am

  This car was a surprise, good gas mileage and performance. And it turns a lot of heads for the price.

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  My Favorite Car... Ever - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Steve - December 10 - 1:40 pm

  This is by far the best car I have owned and I have owned pretty serious horsepower cars. This thing is a blast to drive, it turns heads, and it feels good handling wise.

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  Best of the Best - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By DarcyJRN - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This car is the ultimate in sports car driving. I think the handling and speed of this car is absolutely wonderful, especially for the value. Its so much fun to drive. I recommend it to anyone wanting a really fun, quick car to drive.

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  350Z Performance - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Z Fan - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I own the Performance model. Nissan did it right! It is obvious the Nissan has been putting out excellant product over the last 2 years and the Z is their best. It is simply a beautiful car that is fun to drive. If I had to find a complaint it would be no door protective molding (dings)and the location of the power outlet for my cell phone.