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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  My New Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Chris - June 28 - 2:23 am

  This is a great car! I love it! Just got it and got a lot of stares and looks! This is a lot of fun to drive and the performance is AWESOME!!

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  The Z with the Sun - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Errol - June 15 - 5:40 pm

  With the top up or down this is the car. The trunk is larger than expected and presents no problem for vacations drive (other thanthe CHP spotting you). Love it - worth every dollar spent.

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  2004 350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By csm - June 15 - 10:00 am

  great automobile. picked it over the rx8

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  350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ashley1 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This car has definitly been the best sports car for this year. it has a very reasonable price and has a great miles/per. gallon. the body style is great and the 350Z is very comfortab;e and easy to drive.

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  Z Best..... - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Z for Me - June 15 - 10:00 am

  The 350z handles great, accelerates great, and looks great....what more could you want?

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  Built correclly - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Mel H - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Have been extremely satisfied with everything on this automobile. Only one small glitch found....fuel door sometimes sticks when opening it. Two or three pushes on release will open it. Will have it adjusted by dealer on first service.

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  Nissan 350z Roadster Convertible Rocks - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Jill Hegner - June 13 - 8:33 am

  I love everything about this car. except maybe the fact that when i shop there isnt alot of trunk space to put my bags in. Of course, that makes my husband quite happy!!

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  ZZZ - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By MLB11 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  The most fun Ive had in a car. I have had some other very nice cars but the looks on this one take the cake and girls!

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  Nissan does not care.... - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By kbsig106 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Tires, suspension, alignment. The big "3" problems facing 2003 350z owners and Nissan has not fully addressed the problem.

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  My love of the Z-car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Kumacho - June 2 - 2:00 am

  In 1972 I purchased my first Z. It was the 1970 240Z and a more cost efficient sports car I have never seen. As an avid autocrosser I was looking for something reasonably priced. I compaired the Z06 Corvette, the Mazda RX8, and the 350Z. I was very impressed with the handling of the Z and at a price that was 16 grand less than a Z06. The Zs 3.5 liter V6 offers very good midrange tourqe. On the track the Z says, Drive me hard. It has very slight understeer. Exiting a corner the Z becomes instantly neutral. Inducing oversteer is very difficult. This car is the embodiment of the original 240Z, offering performance at a reasonable price.