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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  Fun car at first, But Z ya later! - 2009 Nissan 350Z
  By bryanbrock - May 29 - 6:40 pm

  car is impossible to get comfortable in after about 30 minutes of driving. The designer should be shot, The center console and door mounted arm rest are "for looks" and are located way down ware your hip bones are. Its either both arms stretched out clinging to the wheel or nothing. You will feel every bump in the road terribly!! ..this is the year 2010, if others can be sporty and not buck you out of the car doing so than so should the z! You know what.. Ill just come out and say It, Buy a ford Mustang GT and save your self a lot of grief! mustang has 300hp, Mustang has more room, you dont feel every bump, interior is great! convertible tob works better! ..WE do not miss our Z at all.

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  C my Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Charles White - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Nothing else on the road looks like a Z. A pure and simple head-turner. And the way it handles moving in and out of traffic, and mountain roads is agile as a cat. The rear suspension brace keeps the wheels on the road even in wet weather (within reason, of course) The manual transmission is quick and solid. If you invest in leather seats, you wont be disappointed. Mine had to have a fuel tank pressure regulator valve replaced at less than 10000 miles, but no other problems.

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  My Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Joe De Vivre - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is a winner! A Snug interior, sleek, new design, very quick very smooth. Handles perfectly. The 20 gallon tank is a terrific feature allows for long rides without frequent stops. The storage space in interior is more than adequate. I really love the Z. Its more fun than any other car I have ever owned. Other people seem to really love the look, I know I do. The Z has all the fun and great performance of the pricier sports cars with a more reasonable price. Nissan has a winner here in this new Z. I Love it!

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  Suspension issue - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By David Matt - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Front-end suspension design issue is prevalent in the 350Z leading to excessive road noise and premature front tire wear.Technical Service Bulletin NTB03006. The problem is not alleviated by Nissans quick fix and must be addressed. Nissan has not returned my requests by email on whether the matter is being looked into.

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  I Love my Z and so does everyone else - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By sandyZ - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is a work of art. I fell in love with it at first sight and I knew I had to have it. Its affordable! My biggest problem is I drive it too much, Im racking up the miles.

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  Best Value in a Sports Car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Best Value - May 13 - 4:06 pm

  Ive had 3 Zs and this is the best. Performance is excellent; handling is as good as a Porsche and driving it is fun. The ride is harsh, but thats the way it is with a true sports car. The rear visibility is poor and the stock tires are terrible in wet or snowy weather, so you have to replace them with quality G/T sports car tires that have a good rating is wet weather. Terrific performance for the money.

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  Great car, a few glitches. - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By craigj - May 10 - 9:26 am

  Overall I love this car - it looks great and handles great. The performance is great and though the ride is stiff, I find it to be comfortable even for 2 or 3 hour rides. I get about 19 mpg which is all surface streets, even getting on it occasionally :). The handling is very neutral - not too much oversteer, just what youd expect from this configuration. The interior is, in my opinion, just right for a sports car - nice and clean, a little spartan. the exterior is just beautiful, especially in titanium with the 18" wheels and brembo brakes. I do feel that there are some issues with the build quality. To date Ive encountered a leaking roof, a drivetrane rattle, misaimed headlights.

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  Awsome - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By pete10stmu - May 9 - 2:00 am

  One of the best sports cars around, absolutly a thrill to drive.

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  350z - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Tony - May 7 - 4:53 am

  This is the ideal sports car for its price. The handling is very in touch with the road while body roll remains minimal. The unique exhaust note, long legged 6 speed transmission, and scare your girlfriend power under your right foot make this car a fun drive.

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  Best sport car on the market - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Brian Chaney - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I havent had it but for a couple of months, but Ive enjoyed every mile. However there are a few thing to change, such as the braking system, rear visibility, and the position of the blinkers & seat warmers. But other than that I beleive its the best thing Nissan has done in a while. You wont find anything better for the price, and I beleive its the best sports car on the market for 2004.