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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  fun in sunset - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Don - December 3 - 6:26 am

  Great Only problem is small trunk and poor rear side vision

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  Black Touring - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By boz - December 2 - 2:00 am

  From the first turn of the key you will be hooked. This car is so smooth and has great linear acceleration, that it does not even feel like you are going fast. Even after being out for over a year, this car turns heads every place I go. Simply amazing.

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By bobz - November 22 - 10:00 am

  The car is fast and handles like it is attached to the road. Lots of power in all gears. Looks and sounds great, turns a lot of heads. Holds enough cargo for a long weekend for two or a set of clubs. Very reasonably priced, get one.

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  COOL - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By TONY LEE NGUYEN - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE TO DRIVE THE CAR ALL AROUND THE USA

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  Fun commuter - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Jimmy Polk - November 20 - 9:23 am

  My base 6M 350Z is a great car. I bought it to replace my 2007 GMC Sierra Denali and 1991 Corvette coupe and Ive done well. Ive gotten a lot of compliments and nods of approval since owning this car. The Nagaro Red just "pops" in the sunlight. The performance, styling and fuel economy are excellent and Im sure the reliability will be the same. Although I didnt buy from my local dealer (due to them not having the exact car I wanted (base 6M w/out splash guards), they are eager to service it. You get great mileage when you drive conservatively. Was able to get a great deal due to 370 coming. Overall Im very, very happy with my decision to purchase a Nissan 350Z.

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  my toy - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Art Bonnell - November 19 - 6:53 pm

  Have only driven 3400 miles since purchase. car was purchased in north carolina and delivered to jay peak vermont . have made arrangeements with freedom nissan of burlington vermont for service just completed first service 3500 miles. they were very receptive even though i did not purchase the car through them they have notified me of two recalls and are in the process of completing them . fantastic service.

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  I love this car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By 2fst4u - November 15 - 10:00 am

  the nissan 350z is my first car and i absolutely love it. i have put many performance parts on it including nos air filters diablo injectors and many more. it has 512 hp. when i bought it it had 80. before i put the parts on it i drove it stock for a while and i loved it.

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  HIZ10 - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By HIZ10 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle rocks!! We leased for 36 months, vehicle is for my wife and is used as daily driver. We are both in our late 40s and have had many cars. Without a doubt, the Z is one of the fastest and definitely the most fun vehicle to drive we have ever owned. Excellent looks, power, handling, great features. Some complain about the use of "poor" quality interior materials-we say spend 40 to 50K if you want a 40 to 50K vehicle! This vehicle provides great value for the money. Its her car, shes my 10 and were extremely pleased. Shez happy in Tampa!!

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  lots of speed and tire noise - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By eyes - November 11 - 1:33 pm

  Great ride with the top down. Plenty of power and still more power available. Holds the road beautifully. The tire noise is a problem. The trunk space is miniscule. The rear view is really miniscule though one does get used to it. Seats are comfortable but cabin is poorly laid out.

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  Enthusiast Silver 2003 edition - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By georgyo - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Nissan, Overall, it is a great sports car, gets a lot of attention driving and performs well. Had the OEM battery replaced already after 1 year since it had a bad cell and would not start. The interior plastic feels kind of hollow in center console. It is very hard to see rear objects for sure while backing up. It is rather easy to update Audio\Video components in this car!