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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Best Car for the Money - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By NC Girl - November 10 - 10:00 amI love my 350 Z! My first car was a 300ZX and it was awesome but the 350 Z is that and more. Its beautiful, fast, fun to drive, and gets decent gas mileage. I am an attractive female but this car makes me lot even better. Every week someone stops and ask me "What kind of car is that?" Who knows this car might even get me a date or two. Overall, you get a lot more car for your money compared to other cars in the Zs class! Zoom! Zoom!
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The Nissan Z - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By Bill - November 8 - 10:23 pmThis 2006 is my third 350Z.....I have always purchased new cars and the 350z is by far the best ever. It looks great, it is very quick and very maneuverable, gas mileage is reasonable 25 highway 17 city. The car is not good in snow, rear wheel drive, light weight and very powerful engine team up against good traction when roads are very slippery but you can learn to live with this one drawback and take a bus or cab when roads are treacherous. All around this is the best car I have ever owned. It beats any Other Brand car I ever owned. It is a two seater so dont expect too much living room but the rear space is adequate for most. I love this car absolutely no question about it.
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Great fun car to drive - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By scottbui - November 6 - 4:10 pmI tried the SLK 280/350, Z4 and neither of these vehicles came close to the fun factor of owning the 350z. Shouldve purchased a 4 seater though to give more flexibility but thats the nature of the beast in purchasing a 2 seater.
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An amazing, reliable, and fun car - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By collmurphy - November 1 - 9:59 pmAll around, the best car Ive ever owned. I got this car my senior year of high school, with 135,000 miles on it. As you would think, I was scared to death that with all the miles, the car would always be in the shop. I was wrong. This car never had ONE problem with it. Took it back and forth to college for a year as well (140 miles one way). Car is so fun to drive, accelerates fast, and isnt a bad car to drive on long trips. Only downside is the lack of room, but if youre buying a convertible, you would expect that. Had to take the time to write a review on this car, because it never let me down, and was the best car ever. You WILL NOT regret buying this car. Loved my z!
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Not your Daddys Sports Car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By Bill - October 30 - 11:56 pmBought this car New Years Eve (yes,the dealership was open Sunday before the holiday). Performance/handling is great. Have to constantly look at the speedometer to check my speed. The car is that smooth. I can even fit my golf bag with a few pieces of soft luggage, no problem. Even though this is a performance sports car I get better mileage with the Z than my SUV. The only negative is the tires cant be rotated,and they are not cheap (18"front/19"rear).
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Not an everyday car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By john - October 28 - 12:50 amI inherited this car as my daily company car. Under normal circumstance I would have been ecstatic, but I commute 90 minutes one way to work 5 days a week. Im a little bigger then average person, so I am very uncomfortable the majority of the time. With all that being said...It is a great looking car and a head turner, but its not an every day car by any means. Im sure most would be saying that I shouldnt be complaining about such a nice company car, but I went from a 4 door to a 2 door convertible with no room for storage. I have to go home everyday and pick up my personal car so that I can get my son from daycare. Its just an add inconvenience all the way around.
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My 350Z - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By Chip - October 26 - 12:23 pmBought this car in March and LOVE it. It is very fun to drive, handles very well, and is FAST (shes seen 135 and wanted to go more!). The lines and intimidating body style makes this car a looker!
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Last 350ZR is the best - 2008 Nissan 350Z
By bigp - September 28 - 8:06 pmThis is my first Z and Im pleased to say that everything about the Z legend is true. The newest VQ35HR engine has legendary horsepower and torque, mated with the 5sp Automatic for legendary reliability, the sound of the exhaust is addictive, the design is an instant classic. Very respectable MPG for a little monster car like this. And cool tuned suspension/ride for the balance between road handling and comfort. Everything I was hoping for and a lot more.
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Great fun but bad planning - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By MaxedoutZ - September 22 - 8:30 pmThis car is a great deal of fun and I love driving it. I have had the car for 5 mos and have put on 7k miles (21K toatl),the car has had the trans replaced with a brand new unit bc its a known defect,the rear axle replaced and theres a few others that they still cant figure out where and why yet but I know that the car will have to be back pretty soon. Other than that the car is the most fun that I have ever had for less than $80k, it kills STI, Evo MR,Toyota Supra TT and almost everything that I see on the road. This car is a beast but it does have lots of mods but the cost is almost nothing compared to the the other cars and what you get from the performance.Get one w/warranty!!!
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Love/hate relationship - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By RedwoodZ - September 21 - 6:56 amFun car to drive but ours came with too many shortcomings for us to be happy with it. As mentioned in other Z groups, the dealer plays dumb with the problems -- in our case the front end / tire problem and a 6 speed that has chronic shifting problems from 1>2. Trannie has been replaced once. The front end has had the TSB "fix". With new tires, the noise is returning after about 4000 miles. The seat covers were replaced at less than 12000 miles! And last but not least, burning premium gas these days is very hard on the pocketbook. We had an 88 300Z we owned until we traded it in on 350Z. After our current nightmare, we wont be owning any more Nissans.
