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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  350ZZZZZZZZZ - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Bill - August 9 - 9:23 pm

  Great car as stock and I dont think additional cost of other versions worthwhile. Best performance bang for the buck with perfect reliability and comfort.

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  Looks great...drives great... - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By lwebb - August 9 - 4:40 pm

  This car has one of the best looks on the road...even in Miami Beach it turns heads. For the money, nothing comes close- a joy to drive with its muscular response and tight handling-it even growls like a true sports car. Ive had my 2004 for a year and a half without any problems- it still feels like a new car. Its a great value and truly fun to drive, even in rush hour traffic.

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  tight interior - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By demorambo - August 9 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive, gets attention on the road, but has no decent rear view, uncomfortable seating. Price was right but I should have test driven it more to determine it lacked interior space.

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  I Love My Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By JoAnns Z - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Once I drove this awesome car and listened to the exhaust growl, I was in love and was not going home without my 350Z. I have such fun roaring down the turnpike and even greater fun showing those who challenge me just how bad my 350Z can be. I have owned some great cars, but this car is my favorite and driving it is almost as much fun as you know what... ha ha :o) I LOVE MY Z!

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Robin - August 6 - 1:26 am

  Car is a dream to drive for the money. Handles beautifully around corners and sounds great. One pretty sports car.

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  Fun, but bumpy - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By chris - August 1 - 9:03 pm

  This is a very nice sport car dont get me wrong. It looks fast, it is fast, it takes off so quick I almost get whiplash everytime. It is a head turner too. But I have never had anything that is this bumpy and the rattles drive me insane. Ive had an S2000 and it wasnt this bad, and that thing had a super tight suspension. My Z rattles like it is falling apart, all along the dash, the center console, and if I am talking while driving it sounds like someone is thumping my chest. I have crammed things into seams and cracks to stop them, but its no use. But man is it fast.

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  Its the Best - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Vince Mariner - July 28 - 3:53 pm

  I have owned the Roadster convertible for 10 months now and it has been everything that I had hoped for.

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  A great car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Igor Sushko - July 26 - 10:00 am

  The 350Z is truly a great sports car that is extremely fun to drive. Many are quite surprised to see how wide the torque powerband is. The ride comfort is astounding and I love everything about this car.

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  350Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Bubba Lu - July 20 - 4:33 am

  Great car and a lot of fun to drive

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  Love our car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Daytona Blue - July 12 - 2:30 am

  Drive only on weekends. Great look and drive especially on mountain road.