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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  350Z ROADSTER TO MUCH FUN - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By AL WARFORD - November 7 - 10:00 am

  WHAT A BLAST TO DRIVE!! PEOPLE LOVE THE WAY IT LOOKS BUT IT DRIVES BETTER!! VERY SOLID FEEL DOWN THE ROAD. TOP VERY EAST TO OPERATE. LOOKED AT A LOT OF OTHER CONVERTABLES AND THIS CAR FOR THE MONEY IS THE HANDS DOWN WINNER IN MY BOOK.

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  Just test drive it! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By David - October 28 - 10:56 am

  I wanted to go American, but reliability purposes I went for Japanese Muscle. So far Ive not been disappointed. I get compliments all the time. I drove this car 3000 miles across the country and loved every minute of it.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By AMX - October 22 - 4:16 pm

  Flawless performance and reliability packaged in what has to be one of the best looking cars on the road at any price. Ive always been a "bang for the buck" kind of buyer and I would recommend this car to anyone. The six speed is the way to go in a roadster.

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  This car fits like a well tailored suit. - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By ray deluc - October 20 - 10:00 am

  As great as this car looks, it drives even better. Plenty of power and handles like a go- cart. Eats mustangs for lunch regularly. The more i drive it the more i want to drive it.

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  Great Car, Classic winner - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By kbwoman - October 13 - 6:00 pm

  Just love the car. Fun and Hot!

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  Nothing Better - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Aricb - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Buy far the best car running. Than compare the car for the amount it cost, there is nothing close to it. I enjoy it everyday going to work.

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  Sweet Set of Baritone Pipes! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By 2003Brickyard - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Nothing compares to starting up my Z! The pipes just let out that sweeeet looooww sound! I love that car! Whew!!! If you are still considering purchasing one, then you are wasting valuable driving time!

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  Excellent - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Karen Settergren - October 7 - 2:00 am

  There has been 100s of people young and old who have told me "I love your car"

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  The 350Z is a Great Car to Drive! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Le Gosse - October 7 - 2:00 am

  The 350Z is a fun car to drive and a head turner! It is an exciting to drive with enough power to handle merging and passing other cars easily! The instrumentation is functional and easy to read! The music system is awesome and fills the car! I have owned sports cars for over 30 years ... TR3 and 250s, Rx7, Miata .... The 350Z is the best!

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  I Love My Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By spinout - October 1 - 2:00 am

  WOW what a fun car to drive. Nissan needs to get a handle on the front end alignment problems. Once that is accomplished I think my car might be perfect.