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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  blast from the past - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By llteacher - May 4 - 10:00 am

  the track model is like being in an airplane cockpit. the power is great, and this car handles like a dream. it is fun to drive. the interior and exterior are nice. the car is everything i thought it would be. the track model is fast, quick, and good looking.

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  From Z to Shining Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Bobby S - April 30 - 2:20 am

  My new 2005 350Z Grand Touring Roadster compared to the 2003 350Z Touring I traded in is going from sweetness to heaven. The original 2003,serial number was in the 3700s, had its obvious opportunities. Nissan Corp handled the tire issue,the window grease issue and a leather seat issue with flawless professionalism. Knowing this, and having experienced the cars performance and style gave me the confidence to go for the Roadster. Black on Black with the Brembo breaks the top down... 1st Class.. Black tie look.

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  Never going to sell my Z. - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Z Owner - April 29 - 7:53 pm

  Excellent balance of performance and strong good looks, I look forward to many years of driving enjoyment in my Z.

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  61704 AB Review - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ab61704 - April 23 - 7:26 pm

  This car is awesome...a looker with power and finesse. It is red with black interior and the sound system is the best...a huge bass pumping speaker behind the driver makes certain you HEAR YOUR MUSIC the way you want to. The electric top is fast and can be lowered at a stoplight while waiting! It is a little light in the backend so you have to slow down on curves on hills is my only complaint. I can say I love this car!

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  I love my ZZZZZZ - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Eileen - April 21 - 2:53 am

  I have had nothing but positive driving experiences with this incredible sports car. Its handling and speed capabilities are only for the person who really enjoys driving. Southern California is the perfect place for this wonderful automobile.

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  fairlady? - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By ttoussaint21 - April 16 - 11:36 am

  i bought my 2005 base 6 sod manual. car runs great. had some little problems but was purchased used at 78k miles. thermostat went out which caused the car to over heat, headlights went out. and battery went bad, all simple problems. after owning it for a year. i noticed transmission makes a rattling noise at idle. also clutch feels very soft, ive read lots of discussions saying clutchs and trannys go out a lot in these. also nissan dealerships are never helpful. the car is amazing. couldnt have a better sports car for the money. still looks modern, just know that if you buy one, its a gamble, and the dealership wont help.

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  Close to Perfect - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Brandon - April 14 - 6:00 am

  This car is quick, handles well, lots of power no matter the RPM and the hatch still has room for your weekends luggage. Transmission is smooth, a little clunky but smooth and close. Handling is good, its a bit of a heavy car and you can tell when you turn in. Unlike its competitors that turn in a curve the road, this seems to barrel through them but its still fun. City driving is a bit uncomfortable due to stiff suspension but its not unbearable. Brakes are strong and the steering is responsive and quick. The 350z is a great drivers car, sure its not perfect but what car is unless you spend 100k. It may not be the best bang for your buck performance wise, but you wont be disapointed

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  Good, Bad, & Ugly - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By ths - April 2 - 2:00 am

  The Good: - great handling - gutsy engine - great exterior design - fantastic engine note - supportive seats - what a bargain! - can steer with the GO pedal:) The Bad: - creaks and rattles with only 12000 miles - notchy shifter that needs a lesson or two from Honda - choppy ride - orange dash lighting screams "Pontiac" - chintzy interior plastics - rear visibility - touchy brakes The Ugly: - the absolute WORST stereo Ive heard outside of an AM radio; Nissan/Bose should be ashamed

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  Kts review - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Katie - March 17 - 4:23 am

  WE have a pearl white nissan. its wonderful. one of our best buys, no doubt!

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  AWESOM - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By AJLNCM - February 24 - 10:00 am

  AWESOME CAR THAT IS EVERYTHING THAT I WOULD EXPECT FOR AN AFFORDABLE FOREGIN AUTOMOBILE.