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 affordable sports car of its kind - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By pimpdestroyer - August 17 - 7:10 ami love every minute im in the drivers seat and i hate every moment im not in it - best car ever
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the best car for under $70,000 - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By 350z owner - August 3 - 10:00 amthe best car ive ever driven
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Affordable style, handling, performance. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Todd T - July 21 - 2:00 amIf you are considering a convertible, I urge you to at least try a Nissan 350Z Roadster. After every intention of purchasing a Honda S2000, Im very glad I test drove the two back to back. Now I wave to the Honda dealership as I go by; should the top be down in my 350Z.
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Best Auto I ever owned - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By donaldtruely - July 21 - 2:00 amThis automobile is incredible for the dollar amount. Thank you Nissan. Everytime I get in this machine I am proud I bought it. It is truely an amazing piece of mankinds best work. It is rolling art. Love it
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This car is living a dream - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By rafaelfoss - July 21 - 2:00 amBesdies the fact that I have never seen another car like mine on the road, beening that it is so limited, the car outperforms anything I find on the road under 50K.
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The Precious Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By hjgfffyt - July 21 - 2:00 amI love the shape and size of the z not to mention its speed.
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zeelicious - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By zgirl44 - July 21 - 2:00 ami have only had my z since october and have only driven it 1200 miles, but i love this car!! everywhere i go heads turn and everyone asks, what is that? is that a porsche? i got the daytona blue, windows tinted, 19" wheels, chrome grill. it looks sooooo awesome!!! and it flies!! seems like all the hondas and toyotas are the ones that want to race....zzzya!!!
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New Owner - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Chris1221 - July 15 - 2:00 amIve only had the car for a few weeks, but in that time, I have fallen in love with this car. Its stylish,fast, and fun to drive.
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I just brought one home yesterday! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By FLAbchgirl - June 28 - 8:16 pmI am in love. I bought a 1 (local) owner pearl white coupe with navigation. I want any reason to leave my house and drive. Even if I sit in traffic. It definitely turns heads, the rumble of the exhaust at the stoplight gets them looking. Its a great feeling to know you have that power if you need it. Awesome stereo, extremely comfy seats. I will check back for reliability since its only been a day.
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Nissan doesnt support their products - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By NoMoreNissan - June 28 - 1:20 pmThe entire experience of owning this car is ruined by Nissans attitude towards owners of cars with the infamous tire feathering problems. In my case, Nissan has proven to stoop to any level in order to avoid taking responsibility for this lemon. Lying, fabricating stories, etc. Ill never own another Nissan product again. Im currently preparing to file suit against Nissan since they havent fixed the car after 6 opportunities. They continue to repair the car, all the while claiming that there is nothing wrong with it. Ha!
