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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nissan 250z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By kentcarr - September 14 - 10:00 amgreat car,great design. comfortable, great style owned a 96 300z and it is no comparison to the new z
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OH BABY - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By meo~ - September 13 - 9:03 amGreat car fun to drive seats not long enough, when fill car with gas will splash back on you and the car, why I dont know. Could have better materials for interior. But still a great car to drive.
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350Z - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By Mike - September 11 - 9:40 pmI own a fully restored mildly modified 1978 280Z that I have had for 23 years. I love how much the new Z is like the old one- only better.
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this Z is amazing! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By new z owner - September 11 - 2:30 amI just recently purchased the enthusiast z coupe. I drive this thing everywhere. In three words I LOVE IT! It has a good powerband, it pulls in every gear, and it handles like a go-kart. I test drove alot of sports cars, (S2000, RSX-S, EVO, STI, M3). The styling, power, and the cost is what drew me to the Z. Well done nissan on a great sports car.
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Love it - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Rudypanama - September 8 - 10:00 amI have enjoyed the car from day one. The provoking looks the car gets just makes it that much better. Sometimes I just love to sit are look at the car.
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ZGO TRIPIN - 2007 Nissan 350Z
By Gregory C! - September 2 - 2:06 amMy son and I drove 260 miles to get this car new. Actually he drove 250 miles; I drove the last 10 miles. It was the exact color combo I was looking for, and I managed to drive it off the lot for less than a used one. I had been looking for months at convertibles that I could feel comfortable in and still have disposable monthly income left for savings and eventual retirement. I looked at the 2 pricey Porsche, the mild mannered miata, the 2 large Corvette and the Honda s2k my sons dream car, which he eventually bought. I believe I got the best of all four cars in my z: speed, luxury, great looks, reliability and affordability!I will be zgo tripin for years to come!
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Nismo - 2008 Nissan 350Z
By Earl Morrison - August 31 - 3:03 amThis car is awesome as far as driving goes. Would have been better with XM radio and navigation unit. Also upgrade of camshafts to higher lope cam would have set it apart from other 350Z.
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The best in the U.S. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By cathycortes - August 28 - 10:00 amWhat a toy, Like no other, U msut drive to know
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Cant beat it for the money! - 2007 Nissan 350Z
By Chris D - August 24 - 2:43 pmIt is a great car for a price tag under $30,000. I would not spring for a loaded model that puts the price tag close to $40,000. Would rather get in to a Corvette or Porsche Cayman. Definitely a performance oriented car that comes with less than great fuel consumption and a tight but pleasant interior. Have not gotten close to the advertised fuel rating. The car only sees city driving, so that could be the reason.
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First Thoughts - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By Tom - August 22 - 2:56 amI have had this car only 3 months, but have taken it on a 2800 mile vacation to Nova Scotia. I found the performance to be great and have been pleasantly surprised by the fuel economy. The car was very comfortable throughout long drives and it sounds great. My only critisism (which I consider minor) is that the car should have an 8 way adjustable drivers power seat instead of the provided 4 way seat.
