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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Our 350 Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By ehaddix - October 16 - 10:00 amTraded our 300 ZX twin turbo after 11 years & 90,000 miles only to fall in love all over again with our new 350Z. Not quite as much power but still fun to drive & great engineering. Door panels on the interior are pretty bland but otherwise, no complaints.
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RonZtoy - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By Ronald Curtis - October 16 - 10:00 amAwesome to drive, attention getter no matter where you go, everybody loves the vehicle as you fly pass them!!!! Chick Magnet rating: 10!
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Great car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By ZId3 - October 16 - 10:00 amThis car i sgreat! its fun to drive and i cant tear myself away from it! If u want a reliable car and one that is fast and great to drive get this.
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wow - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By master z - October 16 - 10:00 amthis car is the best!!!!! and the salesman was the best.
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350Z Impressive - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By stuartm - October 16 - 10:00 amVery enjoyable car! Lots of torque, makes it difficult for one to behave! Build quality is quite impressive - would consider getting another
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Awesome Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By mike726843910564 - October 16 - 10:00 amThis is the best car ive ever owned. The z car is so fun to drive and everything about it is just perfect!
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Fast - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Nitaly - October 16 - 10:00 amI love driving this car. it handles like a dream, its fast and its a head turner. A REAL sports car.
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Bug and Boats Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Hammy - October 16 - 10:00 amThis car is just magnificant!!! Handles incredible, gripping the road around the corners and just zooms around. I just love it!!
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350 Z rocks - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By jaob yarkoni - October 16 - 10:00 amThis vehicle is my perfect 10. Its fun to drive and the ladies love it. For the money this little speedster can pull its weight off the line as well. If you buy one of these you will not be disappointed, I love mine and it was worth every penny
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Couldnt ask for anything better - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By ICYUNVME - October 16 - 10:00 amI received this car for my 25th birthday and I couldnt ask for anything better. It is a beautiful car both inside and out and is so much fun to drive.
