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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  DLF Z Review - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By DLaFave - March 22 - 1:30 pm

  This car has been a great, fun car. It is superb with its handling and the performance is also above average. It is also quite an attention grabber. The whole package makes it a great car to own.

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  Fun car to drive, with caveats - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By 350Z - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive on back roads, esp. along the Calif coastline. Just be aware of maint costs. I drive it easy, only 7K a year, and still replaced 6 tires, tranny, the top, clutch pedal, clutch and flywheel. Clutch chatter is embarrassing! But, she has power and hugs the roads nicely. Stops on a dime and accelerates briskly. I think the traction control is about to go--what happened to Japanese engineering? Oh and subwoofer failed twice (note I owned 2 other Nissans but not sports cars and loved them)

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  350ZR 2005 - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Scotty - March 15 - 1:23 pm

  Just picked up a 2005 ZR Black on Black. Love the car, fun to drive, turns ALL heads and comments from those you pass. No problems yet. I am 63 and fit nicely. I love my new Toy. Sticker 37550.00 paid 35500.00 .

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  Black Beauty - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Thomas Hill - March 12 - 6:53 pm

  I exchanged a 2003 Track 350Z and find this vehicle more refined and easier to drive with the automatic, which is smooth as silk.

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  2004 Nissan 350Z Touring 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 6M) - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By rugosports - March 12 - 1:05 pm

  What a fun car to drive. Gas mileage is OK . I was use to it because I went from a Mercedes SUV which required High Test gas to this. If your looking for a car that never get old this is the one.

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  Owned a 350z for 10 years - it just runs great - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Will - March 11 - 1:24 pm

  Great car. Maintenance costs are very low. Brembo brakes are costly, but you only get what you pay for.

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  catch me if you can - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By cra-zzz - March 8 - 2:00 am

  For the price i spent you cant find anything that would be a ble to keep up, better ride then the boxster and the 911 carrera, more cabin space the the toyota mr2 spyder, and more power then the mazda rx8. what more is there to say.

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  Z car delivers where others fail. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By nzz - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I was set to buy an S2k..and decided I needed more torque. I tried the G35, but it wallowed and squealed in corners...so i decided to pass. Tried the Rx8, just found the motor and styling underwhelming. Tried the Z and was instantly won over. The Zs motor is the best in its class...the Zs handling is probably second best to the S2k (but its much easier to drive quickly b/c of the stability aids).

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  HIGH END LOOKS FOR LESS - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By IRV - March 8 - 2:00 am

  FEELS GOOD TO DRIVE AND LOOKS GOOD TO IVE OWNED SL600 SL500 BMW325I ALTHOUGH THIS DOES NOT HAVE THE GITTYUP GO OF THE SLS FOR THE PRICE ITS ONE HONEY OF A MACHINE AND $30,000 LESS THAN THE SC430

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  The Nissan Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Free Willy - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is a dream....excellent handling, stunning appearance, good gas mileage,fun to drive. Its only weakness is that it cannot be driven in snowy,icy conditions. It Is very powerful but very lightweight and therefore sldes all over the place on snowy/icy roads.Otherwise a great performing, very powerful,fun to drive vehicle. I love it!