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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  awsome - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By 350tre - June 2 - 2:00 am

  i love this car. not used to the attention though. it is fast and fun. the mpg is around 24 on highway and 19 around city, even when driving like a a maniac. get it if you want a cool car. i have had mine a week and went away for spring break, and after 1 day i missed driving it.

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  nissan 350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By shane - May 28 - 10:00 am

  very cool car. nice features, rides very smooth nice all around car. and perfect price.

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By castillo74 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. Cant go wrong with this awesome, fun, fast car.

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  Pleased with ZZZZZZ - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By EnthuZed - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for 14 months now with absolutely no problems. It is a second vehicle and does not get many miles. However, I look forward to each and every one. I do not know of any car in this price range with this much performance and eye appeal.

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  A Classy Car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By S - May 26 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased my Z after comparing it to BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. After driving each of the others, I returned to this vehicle for its comfort, performance and quick response. People constantly remark about its beauty. The trunk is remarkably large and easily can hold the golf clubs and suitcases. I love this car. It is by far my favorite of all.

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  Bring it on! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By TooMuchDog - May 23 - 10:00 am

  The 350Z is ans awesome vehicle in every respect and this vehicle demands respect. Nissan is shaking up the competition in this class and market-this vehicle is FEARED by the competition. I own 3 Nissans and I will not buy anything but a Nissan.

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  Abz zzzzzzzzzz Forever - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By ABZ - May 8 - 3:36 pm

  The Z is fantastic. Initally people followed me to find out what kind of car it was. We live in the country and its great to drive into the city with top down most days. Even cool days with elec seats and heater on it is just terrific. Absolutely tremendous sound system (try Billie Idol "White Wedding" on high volume...fantastic! Light in the backend though so you gotta slow down to live...but hey, its so much fun to drive! Great carz!!! Roadster only though!!!!!

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  Amazing Performance and Deal - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By randyest - May 5 - 7:56 am

  Ive driven many sports cars and this is my favorite ever. The Porsche Boxster has it beat a bit on handling, some muscle cars (such as the GTO) have more horsepower, and a few have more torque. But for ~$30k you get more from the 350Z in all those categories than you can in just one category from many cars that run $50k+. And its such a gorgeous car with a unique look. Pictures cant do it justice -- you have to see it to appreciate the look. I even like the interior a lot, which some seem to complain about. Its compfortable, well-laid out, the gauges move with the steering wheel tilt (first time Ive seen that), and the textured surfaces are both interesting and easy to clean.

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  Steves review - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Steve Wesler - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding acceleration and handling on tight turns and corners. The tight handling has given me a feeling of sea- sickness, due to its unforgiving handling. I have been trying to find out how the car will handle in the snow, but cannot get an answer from anyone at Nissan. On base model, Nissan cheaped out on radio and system. Very cheap.

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  Sweet Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By silver bullet - April 24 - 7:50 am

  This is a very nice car. Bought it 2 weeks ago, and it turns heads all the time. I test drove other cars, but none of them had "it." The Z definitely does. The power is great, the looks are great, and the handling is awesome.