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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  My Driving Machine - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Mollie - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I was ready for more power.I was intrigued with the new Z car that I saw in an article about 3 years back when they were teasing everyone with articles announcing this new sexy beauty back by popular demand.I remember the article had the orangish color with the matching interior.Then it came.More incredible than any picture.The lines of this car are so voluptuous.The drive is great.When it is driven the way it was meant to be driven-wow.The power is fantastic.I feel safer with the curtain airbags.I got a fat ticket a few weeks ago and it was worth every penny.I thought about the S4s as well and I couldnt be happier with my selection.

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  It is what I wanted - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Carnut - September 18 - 12:53 pm

  The comfort, visibility and storage are all lacking. That said, its a sports car! I expected what I got and I love it. I have had mine a month and I still love it. It is very difficult to get in and out of. You need to be in good shape. It goes like a rocket, it is probably the hottest car I have owned.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Roodi - September 11 - 8:56 am

  Beautiful car, very athletic handling and performance. I have leather, navigation and bluetooth. This car exceeded my expectations.

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  The BlueZ - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Derek H. - September 7 - 10:00 am

  While working 7 days per week in multiple locations, nothing makes me happier than driving this car from place to place. It feels solid, yet quickly responsive. The power and precision of the steering allow me to escape other drivers who pay less attention to driving.

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  Dream Car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Tracy Galloway - September 2 - 12:00 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned for performance, fun, and overall highway comfort. Nissan has a real winner in the 350Z and it is beginning to show with the numbers of 350s on the road these days!

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  Cals 350 - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By CEL - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Four months and 11,000 miles later, I am still enjoying this car. I get looks and compliments where ever I go. I finally, removed those useless cupholders from under my elbow, and Im using the box for storage. I use the passenger. My 2nd pet peeve, is the dipstick. You have to be a mechanical engineer to get it in correctly.

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  350 Z Base Coupe Owners - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Charles M. Anoff - August 30 - 11:10 pm

  6-spd standard transmission. Handling excellent. Performance very good. Comfortable to drive. Replaced exhaust with twin Borla. Replaced speakers with after-market. Excellent sound. City driving can be somewhat punishing with standard suspension. Highway driving is a dream!

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  My 2004 Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Hottoddyo - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun Ive ever had with a car. Everything about it is pure enjoyment.

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  Whats Not To Love!? - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Rubydoo - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This is our 2nd Nissan sports car and we LOVE it. Cant ever imagine getting rid of it. We owned a 1993 300z when it was new and this 350z is even better. No matter where we go, people comment on the looks and think its a 75k+ car. It handles great and is a blast to drive! We have had zero problems with it.

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  Good value - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ZMan Charlotte - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Z for a little over a year now, and am still glad I got the car. It is by far the best "sports car value" around. It looks great, is a joy to drive, and doesnt break the bank! Those people that complain of a cramped interior, or bumpy ride need to stick to a Lexus. For Petes sake, its a sports car- not a sedan!