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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LOOKS, PERFORMANCE, VALUE - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Timoteo - December 31 - 2:00 amThis oh-so-picky driver has had an Acura NSX, Chevy Corvette and Audi TT in recent years. For the money, the 350Z passes all of the above--esp. in six-speed manual mode. The addition of ultralight Nismo wheels and oversize Bridgestone Potenzas amplify the roadsters strikingly muscular good looks. So do burnt-orange leather seats (with black "comfort net") and super- black exterior. Bottom line: Z best car to date!
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I love my 350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By ZDriver37 - December 31 - 2:00 amWhen I first sat in the Nissan 350z it was heaven. My plans were to just test drive the Z and get a taste of the vehicles performance. Instead I went against my plans and purchased one that day. The test drive was so much fun I did not want to get out of the car. I knew it had to be mine. Since the day I purchased the Z I look foward everyday to driving the car after work and school. A car that performs excellent at 150mph with no problem, and is priced under $40,000 is an excellent buy.
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Greatest Driving Machine Ever Produced! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Julia Mahre - December 31 - 2:00 amMy brothers car, the 350z, is an awesome car! Everyone in town thinks so too. Any time I get to ride in it we have quite fun, and we also at the same time feel safe, comfortable, and we know that we look cool!
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Best buy for the $$$ - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By L4 - December 29 - 4:56 pmIm a legacy Z watcher, and finally pulled the trigger in 06. Im glad i waited for the 06, I drove the 03 and 04 cant compare to my purchase. Although its not a primary vehicle its well worth it for anyone who cant or doesnt want to pay Porsche $$.
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yeah baby - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By jh - December 27 - 11:46 amWell, after reading zillions of excellent reviews, finally purchased a 04 performance coupe from the orig. Selling dealer w/only 29k! On it. Has a stillen exhaust, cold air intake & 6 spd., wow! Dont wait like I did, just do it! Performance is awesome, everyone looks & it drives like its on rails. Much better than the Porsche boxter I had. Do it now, you wont regret. Had to Post this as all the reviews were so helpful to me.
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What mid life crisis? - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By MichaelZ - December 27 - 4:30 amMy Z is a daily driver. I chose it over the S2000 and RX8 because the Z has great power/torque without having to take it to redline. Acceleration is effortless. The automatic works well in stop and go and is still fun on the twistys with manual mode. Handling is amazing and that exhaust note... Pure testosterone. This is a beautiful car. The lines are great from all angles. The stock wheels on the 06 are gorgeous. Interior is comfortable and roomy. Whether I feel like a boy-racer or a businessman my Z delivers fun and grins everyday. I love my Z.
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Impressive! - 2007 Nissan 350Z
By Jason60050 - December 25 - 12:10 amI have owned many cars both American made and Japanese, but this car is by far the best quality I have seen in some time. Being that it is a convertible it does have some squeaks and rattles sometimes but other than that the car is exceptional. Bose stereo is nice and loud even with top down. Very impressed with the quality of the leather used for the seats. The only gripe I have this far is that this car absolutley needs to lose some weight...weighing in at 3600 lbs it is nearing my old 300c with the hemi.
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Cool Car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By luvin350style - December 21 - 10:00 amGreat Car, fun fun fun
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read this - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Hotel - December 21 - 10:00 amGreat car. Fun to drive.
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Very, Very Fast - 2007 Nissan 350Z
By Timothy - December 18 - 2:23 pmThe 2007 Z is a joy to drive. The last Z that a drove was an 05. I also owned a 2006 G35 coupe. There is a huge difference from both of those vehicles to the 2007 350Z with the new engine, especially in the the power/road handling performance. I have owned and driven a lot of cars: Infiniti M45 w/ 340hp, AcuraTL TypeS, etc. Nothing even begins to compare in the speed and handling department. I love it!
