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:

• 

  Its a blast and ego booster - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By jlim - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Great design with matching performance and quality. Owned over 25 autos/trucks, from Ford to Lexus, and the 350Z is the most bang for the buck. The Z is a true sports car and before purchase, test drove the G35 coupe, Corvette, RX8, and Boxster. The Z shines and is well worth a serious look.

• 

  350z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By dragracer - December 1 - 10:00 am

  IT IS the best car I every bought . I used to own a 300zx THE 350z is miles ahead of it and all the competition!!!!

• 

  WOW - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Zhappy - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Z for seven months now and there hasnt been a day yet that I havent been excited to get into it and drive it. It is an extremely fun and exciting vehicle. It handles great and the body style is so cutting edge it turns heads constantly going down the highway. Its the best vehicle I have ever owned!

• 

  Why I will never get rid of my 350Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Christina Davis - December 1 - 10:00 am

  What a joy it has been to own this car! My husband bought it for me for Christmas and its definitely the best car Ive ever owned. We did comparsion shopping, looked at the Lexus 2 door, the Audi TT and the Mercedes, but this has been the best decision weve made. The sleek style of the car along with the engine make it a pleasure to drive! I cant wait for the convertible to come out later this year!

• 

  350Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By BKOZ - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The Z has a ton of torque and killer looks. Two regular golf bags fit with a bit of room left for soft sided luggage or duffles. Averaging 18+ mpg in stop and go suburban driving and a heavy foot. Zero problems and no defects so far. If you are looking for a great two seater, look no further.

• 

  Thanks for the memories - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By THAESQ1 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  My first car was a 1978 280Z, just before they went to the ZX... I was seventeen and it was heaven. Now, at 35, I have a NEW 350Z, and I feel like that seventeen year old again. And the ladies look at me more now than when I actaully had good looks...

• 

  350z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By diannak - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Love this car, I have owned porches, hondas, acuras and an old 280zx this car is an adventure to drive and the brakes are excellent. Happy Nissan came back with such a great product.

• 

  PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By AMANI - December 1 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS A FUN CAR TO DRIVE, WHERE FROM THE MINUTE YOU SIT IN THE DRIVERS AND TURN THE IGNITION AND START DRIVING, YOU FEEL LIKE THIS IS YOUR COCKPIT AND ALLL THE INSTRUMENTS ARE FACING YOU AND THE SOLID HANDLING AND THE TREMONDEOUS PICKUP THIS CAR GIVES YOU IS NOTHING BUT A THRILL. THIS CAR IS MORE FUN THAN ANY ROLLERCOASTER OUT THERE.

• 

  love it!! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By paula - December 1 - 10:00 am

  everyone in my family LOVES to drive the car. Only problem - it is so much fun to go really really fast!!

• 

  350Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Tom Veda - December 1 - 10:00 am

  For the price, this is the best sports car on the road.