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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  350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By buddhaj - August 14 - 10:00 am

  i enjoy driving my z a great deal. it does however dent easily and has a substantial amount of interior noise. not the engine or road noise that is to be expected, but creaks and various rattles under various conditions. i have attempted to have the problem fixed but i believe that my local dealers mechanics are deaf or the noises dissipate when i am not in the car. at any rate they continue to exist. driving the car is surperb. the handling is outstanding and if not for traction control i know that on one occasion i would have wrecked my car. i wish the car had 50 more horsepower and 500 fewer pounds.

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  Awesome machine - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Tom - August 11 - 6:53 am

  This has to be one of the best cars out there! Its quick, comfortable, and very very nice looking. Awesome car and not expensive

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  over and beyond - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By abbey #15 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  this car drives like a dream.handling,performance,styling and the price..as one article i read said its a poor mans porsche...great car for the money

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  THIS ROADSTER ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By DRAGON21169 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  350 Z ROADSTER IS AN GREAT VALUE FOR THE MONEY. IT IS FUN TO DRIVE. I HAVE LOOKED AT ALOT OFF CAR AND THIS IS THE ROADSTER TO BUY AND KEEP TILL THE DAY YOU DIE.

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  drive a (z) - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ronnie c - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my (z) for a couple of months now ,and whats not to love about the car except for the rough ride the first 2000 miles. the looks are great. I owned a 300 z for 14 years 200,000 miles the best car i have ever had. we will see about the 350z.

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  What a ride - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By gscooter - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is an outstanding vehicle in every way. I have owned a number of sports cars and this one I truly enjoy. I dumped an 03 MB SLK for the 04 350Z. Im glad I did. Handling, acceleration and build quality are great.

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  The best - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ColoTio - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Simply the best car on the market. Nice in red. Wish I had another one.

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  Great Ride - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Bill - July 24 - 9:30 am

  Bought my black on black Z six months ago and fell in love with it. With the top down riding in the sun other drivers roll down their windows to comment on the great looks of the car. Im over 6 foot and find it very comfortable. The ride is better than a friends Corvette and I found it more roomy then the Honda S2000. When driving on the interstate with the top down I can hold a conversation with a passenger without screaming. Handling is exceptional and performance top notch. I would recommend this car to anyone that enjoys the open road or just cruising.

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  A Z car for all ages! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By nissan350Z - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have own two Corvettes and 2 Mustangs and this 350Z is a one of a kind. It has speed, handling and all the other bells and whistles that I like. I love the 5 spd manual shifting it is a lot of fun. One thing you have to get use to is all the looks you get from other people. Rides a little hard, but you get use to that after a while.

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  great - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By lloydgermyn - July 22 - 10:00 am

  great auto good looks fast and really gets up and goes