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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  To much - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Johnny_blaze0024 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I traded this car in before i had a chance to kick myself in the but later. It cost to much had no special features and was to small inside. I expected a little more cargo room not much but at least more room then they gave me i would not recommend this car unless you are balding and having a midlife crisis!

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  Awesome Driving Machine - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By usmc31 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first sports car. I upgraded from an Accord sedan to the Z (big difference!!!!!). Let me tell you, this machine performs above my expectations. After researching and following the progress througout since its release, I decided to acquire one so far I like the car. I actually find excuses to just go out and drive it around the block. Overall, its a great package. It appears the "Total Quality Management" process Nissan uses has helped them put out a great performance automobile.

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  Beware: Tire feathering! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Lothario - February 25 - 10:40 pm

  I would hold off on buying this car for now. My tires only had 13k miles and it was seriously wearing on the inner walls. An alignment didnt fix it. Also, the tires roared loudly. Nissan service wouldnt replace the entire cost of tire. This shouldve been a re-call. Until they fix this issue, i repeat HOLD OFF ON BUYING IT! The car is fun to drive with handling and exceleration. Again, just wait until they fix this issue of tire feathering before you buy it. It was a pain dealing with Nissan.

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  Great car and fun to drive - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By dinola - February 23 - 2:56 am

  The car is fun to drive and it definitely gets s lot of looks. Even though the car almost five years old it still has a great style. The engine sounds is awesome. I have had few problems with the car except for having to replace the convertible top becasue it was cracking. Fortunately that was under warranty. The other problem has been the tires and the air pressure indicators. I had to replace the tires at 24,000 miles ($1100). The tires are quite pricey. But the most bothersome item is the air pressure indicator. They seem to be on a lot. The dealer has replaced a few of them over the years. But they seem to be always going on and the dealer is the only one that can turn it off.

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  2005 350Z-Touring-automatic - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By peg - February 16 - 9:13 am

  Comparing the price of all other sport cars, the 350Z is the best bang for your buck!! The "get up and go" of this sports car is thrilling. The 350Zs body style is a head turner. I love it!!!!

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  NISSAN 350Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Anthony T. - February 10 - 12:30 pm

  The Nissan 350Z is just amazing.After having this car for a little over a year, the more I drive the better the performance. This car just feels good while drivng because of its supurb handling. Theres not another car in its class that has the stylings of the the 350Z. Its a head turner with the power to back it up. zoom zoom zoom

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  Not the Soccer Mom Van - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By JClayton - February 8 - 5:46 am

  Excellent! Need I say more? I have always wanted and wished for a "Z" but with three children the momma van was it... finally, what I wanted! Drives like a dream, handles well, and at four yrs old, still has the reliability to back it all up. People stare. Great sports coupe for the money

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  The best Z ever - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By cmatt23930 - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Had the 6 speed manual coupe for 3 months then got roadster automatic. Both incredible in their own right. Hold the road like glue. Smooth powerful pick up from any speed. Awesome stereo sound even with top down. Great wind protection in roadster. Fun factor for both cars: 10+++

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  Fun But Flawed - Buyer Beware! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By 2JPP8808 - February 2 - 6:40 am

  Did lot of research before buying; knew oil consumption was an issue on some 06 Zs. Figured was worth risk, as Nissan warranty gave peace of mind. Thought was safe until Jan 2009, when car started making weird noises, suffered loss of power & oil pressure. Car serviced at dealer religiously, so service mgr determined engine needed to be replaced under recall. Took 2 weeks! In all car has been in shop more times than our Porsche & BMW combined! Issues included clutch assembly, brakes, electrical, trunk release, pass pwr window, TPMS, heat shield, wheel hub. Car has been kept at dealer days/weeks at a time at dealer, & no loaner car given, just shuttle. Thank God we have multiple cars!

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  best Z ever - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jeffcjeffw - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Incredibly fun to drive. Power to spare. Complaints about poor rear view visibility are overstated... no worse that any other convertible. Smoothest shifting that Ive ever experienced and throaty, powerful acceleration.