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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It rocks! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Bender - October 16 - 10:00 amThis thing rocks! If youre considering a sports car... this is THE car to get. Ive had it for over 4 months and the neighbors still stare when I drive up the block.
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A Z for the record books - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Jay 300ZxPwr - October 16 - 10:00 amIve been a Z owner for some years now starting with the 300 model. For all of you enthusiasts like myself the new Z is no let down. The 350 is improved on almost every level; steering, handling, base power, and so on. Of course as always the Z was never really an all-weather car being rear wheel with quite a bit of torque its best kept for those sunny days.
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zgirl - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By zgirl - October 8 - 5:03 pmIts a wonderful car with awesome power. Ive never driven a car with as much head turining ability. We have a corvette and its hands down a better smoother riding car. Its a treat just to get in it and drive.
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Fun, cheap pocket rocket - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By brettbest - October 4 - 2:00 amThis car compares favorably with every car Ive owned. Toyota MR2, Nissan 300zx, Volksawgen GTI, etc. none of them compare with the z. Straight line speed, cornering and manacing good looks all combine in a package under 30k. WOW!
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Zzzoom - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Zira - October 4 - 2:00 amI have shopped quite a bit for a roadster as a gift to myself, or as some people say my "mid-life crisis". This vehicle fulfills all my expectations and criteria. It has great style, handling, performance, and it exhilarates. I love it.
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Good all around value for a sports car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Wlittleman - October 4 - 2:00 amThe engine is strong, exhaust note is intoxicating, steering response is immediate, suspension is tight, noise level is a bit high. Visibility out back is downright HORRIBLE. I had my 6 speed manual transmission replaced at 4000 miles, and I dont think the noises from the tranny are completely gone yet; not confidence inspiring at all. Secondly, Many 2003 and 2004 Z exhibit unusual front tire wear in a cupped fashion at exterior shoulder blocks. Dont buy a Z until Nissan fixes this problems (they havent). Save yourself a huge headache! If I had to do it again, Id buy the car next year 2005 when they get the bugs ironed out.
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Best Z Yet - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Mikeandjed - September 30 - 10:00 amI am 57 and this "Z" has put "FUN" back in life. After owning two Vettes and two "Zs", the new "Z" gets a 10 for looks, handling and design. None car buffs think its a new Porsche. They seem to love the design and I have received comments as best looking car on the road to better looking then the Porsche at 1/3 to 1/2 the price. I have the Liguid Aluminum paint and its beautiful sunshine or not. I cant say enough about it. I only wish it was American.
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YAAAAHOOOOO! - 2007 Nissan 350Z
By ZmaznZ - September 29 - 11:50 pmI owned a 1967 Austin Healy MK3 3000 in 1974. I fell in love with the "sports car". When I test drove my Z, it felt odly familiar, sensitive, powerful, wonderful, totally insanely FUN! I drive it every day and 2 years later still love it totally. I cant wait every morning to get in it and DRIVE. The car is for the drive. Period. I also test drove a 07 corvette, lots of power, but no fun, no road feel, felt like driving a squished super powerful station wagon! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Z! Still no mechanical problems and I drive the day lights out of it every day in the city.
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Finally a True Sports Car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By Hawkinson Nissan - September 27 - 12:26 pmI have driven some of the more popular sports cars (RX-8, S2000, Eclipse, Supra, etc) but none have the passion that the new Z has. Awesome acceleration, and all to the tune of that harmonious exhaust note. The only other rival I considered buying of course is the BMW M3. However, i couldnt justify the price difference as compared with the differenece in HP (30)
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My sleek machine - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By Gini Foreman - September 16 - 7:46 pmI absolutely love my Z! Besides being fun to drive, it is one of the finest cars on the road today. A pleasant surprise that contradicted my original opinion was how much the back would hold in luggage, groceries - stuff in general. I drive it 5 minutes to work, but I have also taken it on a couple of long trips and it handles great. I also love the great use of space. Whether I am driving to work, around the city of Houston, or on a trip, it is a great car to have.
