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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  Gotta Love your z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Theresa - April 23 - 1:13 am

  I have never loved a car but Ive had this car for almost a year now and I still am wowed when I open the garage door and see it parked inside. Fun fun fun and fabulous, I traded in a pickup and I thought Id be miserable because I am a real do-it-yourselfer but I pony up the deliver charges with a smile cause I love drivin my Z

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  Nissan 350Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Carol & Ron - April 21 - 2:00 am

  When I first bought this car I really loved it, but not Im not too happy with it lately. Having problems with Front End Noise. Brought it in and Nissan said there was a recall on it stating the noise is from the tires. There recommendation was fliping the tires from side to side and front alignment (I only had 6000 miles on the car). When I got the car back it was worse than before. There next suggestion was turn up the radio so I wouldnt hear the noise. Didnt make me happy. I also had problems with my breaks squeezing really bad. - they said it was normal.

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  Bad Ride - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Ken Simpson - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Sold "Z" within months of purchase. I have owned three Nissan "Z" machines and this one had the worst ride of them all. Like one of those old Chevy Corvets.

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  Lamans Sunset love - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By desmopedro - April 21 - 2:00 am

  "I was sick of driving all of my friends around." That was how I was going to start this review. Its February 27th here in MN, and this is the first time I have driven my car to a new job I just took. Hmmm, it goes so much deeper that that! Not only does the car turn heads around town, it still turns mine! The performance is GREAT, the styling is superb, and the cost is excellent. I have done a few things to the already potent V6 that has increased performance a little, and has let is breath, sending its beautiful tone to let the world hear. Ok, the only time I talk like this is about my Girlfriend and my car. It MUST be LOVE!

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  Good to go - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Wamphyrie - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many vehicles over the past forty years, but this car is truly a joy to drive...the only real problems with the car is the fact that rain comes in the windows when cracked open, and the directional signals have a tendancy to stick or will not release back to neutral unless the wheel is turned sharply..also the door has a very sharp edge and i gouged myself pretty good on the second day i owned it..i love this car tho..it is a real head turner and eye opener, and really flies on interstates and handles very well

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  True Driver - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By NIZZMO - April 13 - 9:16 pm

  To experience both the normal Z and the NISMO tuned Z, is more than enough for you to quickly decide which is for you. The 2 are very similar interior wise, power wise, and that is where it ends. The nismo, is a much more aggressive/racing type car, yes you can travel, the gas mileage is comparable if you can keep your foot out of it! Good luck with that. The car handles like a dream, you can push it to the edge of your own limits and it still wants more, the stiffer chassis, and upgraded suspension make this car worth the little extra it costs to own, over a normal Z. If you like to drive, and love the road this car is for you!!! If not then I suggest a normal Z.

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  Great Car Fun to drive - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Gregory J Strzelecki - April 10 - 6:51 pm

  I loved this car. Owned it for 3 years and drove 70,000 miles. I sold it for just 3,000 less then I paid for it. I only had one mechanical issue with this car, it went into sleeper mode a few times. It was easy to fix with no out of pocket expense. this car was very fast handled great no complaints. I would love to own one again. By Gregory J Strzelecki

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  Best deal yet - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By daytona350 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had many cars but none compare to a 350Z. The style/performance to dollar amount is better than any other car on the market. The local cruise night was a blast. With this car you can turn heads and have the engine to back it up.

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  Great Performance, Great Styling - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Mike - March 24 - 6:26 am

  So far have 9000 miles on it and it has been trouble free. Very fun to drive. Auto shift will not upshift or downshift automatically like on so many other cars, so its a lot fun. Dealership located the color and equipment model that I wanted and had it in two days, and expierience was very good overall.

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  2008 350Z - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By boney71114 - March 23 - 1:50 am

  Excellent coupe for spirited driving with great reliability. Only complaint is needing new tires at 12,000 miles. Handling, acceleration and comfort and good looks are the best for the price! Would buy again in a second.