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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  fastest stress reliever - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jsquires - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I can drive 5 hours and it feels like 5 minutes.

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  Good Value car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Vick - July 4 - 2:30 am

  i get my Z two days ago. the performance is good. the interesting thing is, u will feel the true power when u shift to second gear. However, the interior shows a little disappointment and the luggage room is soooo small....i dont think U can pick up someone in airport with this car if the luggage is big. the shift gear seems little bit hard for me and the clutch seems too loose, it is unusual for performance. overall, its performance and appearance can cover most of the cons. the price is also reasonable for this car

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  Whata fun car to driv e - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By gschechter - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Never have riven a Corvette or any of the $40,000+ cars, but dont think they could be any more fun then this. The handling of the car is great-my only complain is that the convertible top is a single layer of canvas. My first car was a 1966 Pontiac LEmans Convertible and that also had a single layer of canvas-since 1980 I have owned 3 convertibles and they all have had a second layer of insulation-surprised that Nissan didnt realize this. Also just bought 4 Blizzak snow tires because if the car handles on snow anything like my 1986 RX-7, I will need them to keep from detroying the car.

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  Almost Perfect - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By arvali - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I traded up from a 93 300ZX, and as perfect as I thought that car was, this one is even better. The power and handling are amazing, and the ride is not as rough as you might think. The brakes are awesome. The seats are excellent. Be warned, that for the 03 model year, most have front suspension problem. The front tires wear more on the inside, and get extremely loud after about 4,000 miles. Nissan will swap them from side to side at no charge, but the problem comes back.

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  problems - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By robert - June 23 - 12:03 pm

  the car has had countless trips to the dealer for tranny, clutch, suspension, window motors,and audio....all of it has been replaced once or more times! There is countless tsbs on the vehicle as well, i suggest if you get a z get an 06 because i heard that they have improved most of the problems.

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  I hope you like buying tires - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Ron beckman - June 19 - 9:16 am

  The car itself was great but i found that i was buying tires every 4 or 5 months. i am 47 years old and the only driver of this car. I do not drive fast. I do not burn the tires. I dont even hit the corners hard. I have a friend who owns a tire dealership and he told me he has put on alot of tires for the new Z and they cannot find any tires that last over 5,000 or 6,000 miles. I am selling the car.

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  Fun Car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Alpine4e - June 10 - 5:23 pm

  I bought my Z about a week ago and absolutely love it. It looks awesome and drives even better. It handles like a dream. It doesnt have rocket like speed but it is fast enough. It turns heads wherever you go. I love the convertible.

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  A 1 year review on my 04 Base model - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Karl - June 6 - 2:13 pm

  After 23K miles I have been very pleased with this car. yes the tires feathered at 5K miles, and the axles had the clicking problem. But for 25 Grand I dont know of where you can get more bang-for-the-buck fun. I have noticed the gas mileage has gotten better and better. now at 23 avg. The only real gripe I would list is that the base model comes with the least adjustable seats. On a long drive the side bolster tend to poke into the outside of my fat legs and make them a little numb. I have defintely considered trading in on an 06 Z. I think i will wait for the 07. Love the new wheels. Also considering a Vette or a porsche cayman

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  owned new 1977,280-Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Jeff - June 5 - 5:40 pm

  Just purchased, so unable to give reliability review. Luv look, handles like slot racer, good power, interior i appeal sparse. Would like tach on top like other 3 gauges.

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  3rd 350Z owned, Love the vehicle. - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Eric Roundy - May 30 - 6:33 am

  This is the first roadster and I have to say the funnest of the Zs owned yet. Would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a fun daily driver.