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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  love it - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By sexy350z - December 1 - 10:00 am

  not only do i love the speed of the car but i like the attention of driving it...not a day goes by where someone pulls up and says nice car...

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  AWESOME PERFORMANCE - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By scott f - December 1 - 10:00 am

  i love it the greatest car i have ever owned i want to drive it everywhere

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

  It is nice and stylish and very fast, i like it a lot, definitely one of my favorite cars.

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  I like my car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Jake M - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I dont have much to say.

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  Z #2 - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By CWA - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The 350 is my "fun" car and not primary. I had a 280Z in the 80s and loved the car. I did not like the 300 series though so when I first saw the 350Z in a mag. I had to have it. Ordered 9-02 and it finally arrived with all the snow in 1-03. Same wonderful Z roar as the 280 had. Turns eyes/heads everywhere I go!!! Great fun to drive---handles exceptionally well on interstates that allow +70mph and crocked mountain roads. My only complaint is that I cannot spend more time driving for fun.

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  nissan - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By blaine08 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  i dunno i just think that it looks kool and that i wish i can have one when i get old enough to drive

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  Best for the $ since my 3000GT-VR4 - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By George Prieto - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I had been looking for a car that handled as well as my 3000GTs (I had several incl. 3 VR4s). This car is it. I cant believe the torque and speed without even having a turbo. It corners as well as the VR4s even without 4- wheel drive. I believe thats because the engine is just behind the front axles. Only complaint is I keep scraping the small black spoiler in the front (just $79 item). Im selling it to get the conv. Buy for $32,000 (Touring w/aero) 954-294-2277

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

  Overall an excellent vehicle that is fun to drive. The only dissappointment was the stereo. It is the worst sounding, premium car stereo I have ever heard. So much for Bose quality. I enjoy listening to the engine even more now. Definately worth the money.

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  Great Car and Value - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Rob - December 1 - 10:00 am

  First and foremost, this vehicle is new and exciting and gets more interest than any Porche. It also costs much less than most sports cars with simular performance, if not more. There are a few flaws in the design which include heavy blind spots looking rear, mostly if you are tall. Difficult access to the storage compartments, and a poor stereo with the top of the line track model. These flaws are minute however, compared to the pros.

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  350Z better than that - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By steve centamore - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Touring edition "Z" for 3 months and could not have made a better auto purchase. It is all that I had hoped for and in mant ways better. This rocket of a car takes me back to my muscle cars of the 60s.