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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Big Blue - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By Sandy L. Komito - June 30 - 8:40 pmIt is light on its feet and passes quickly and swiftly. Im glad I bought the blue one. Its almost electric. Its easy to locate in a parking lot. The headlights are creative and shed a great deal of light on the road at night. I bought the convenience net that holds items in the back of the hatch. It does a good job.
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"Z" real deal, no? - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By DChris14 - June 30 - 6:40 pmI bought my Z used with only 6800 miles on it and got a great deal. So, the price/ performance ratio is fantastic. Heads turn when I drive this, people even stop me in parking lots. People pull up in Porsches wanting to race me, I just tell them my car looks better than theirs. The engine is great, get the KN air filter and release the horses to 290. The pedal to engine response is tight but the tiptronic shifter could be more responsive but the handling of the car is smooth and flawless. Being 62 I fit perfect into these racing type seats, if you are 65 and above get the G35. The layout of the interior is highly functional and easy to use but needs a little flash.
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Great Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Brdgwtr - June 27 - 10:00 amThis car has been everything that I had hoped it would be when I bought it.
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It is fun todrive. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By tedpappas - June 27 - 10:00 amThe styling is a "show stopper".The ease of putting the top up or down is the best that I have had in owning 8 ragtops. The gearbox is responsive and gets me to the "head of the pack" when acceleration is is important.Cornering is very good ,but doesnt have the road holding ability that I experience in my Merces SL.. All in all it is the most fun that I have had to drive since owning a MGTC in 1947!
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Touring 6 speed, Nismo exhaust - 2008 Nissan 350Z
By OC350Z - June 24 - 9:50 amThe new Nagaro Red looks awesome and the car handles well. I only have 250 miles but it puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Had a Nismo cat back exhaust installed prior to delivery and it is the best option you could ever purchase. Sounds awesome, quality build, and is covered by the new car warranty. Looked at vettes and mustangs but their quality was lacking. The extra features like bose stereo, leather heated seats etc are worth the extra money in mp opinion. Drive one and you will buy it!
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ZZZZZZippy! - 2008 Nissan 350Z
By mssdoc - June 16 - 12:26 amI had a flashy red 2005 350Z (til hubby wrecked it on a slick road
). Just bought a 2008 350 (same trim level). Life is good again; its my daily commute vehicle, and I laughed outloud for the sheer joy of driving again on the way home (on the mountain roads) last night. I like the new steering wheel radio controls; the blind spot doesnt seem as bad as the 2005 version. Course that could be because Im so happy to be zipping around the turns again. WooHoo! -
Love the Car But.... - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By Zoom.... - June 13 - 10:00 amLove the Cars Performance, its a blast to drive, and it gets lots of looks... BUT...the door sills are high which makes it difficult to use drive through banking services, it is somewhat difficult to get in and out of the car, and replacement tires for this model are very expensive. FYI...You do not rotate the tires front to rear on the touring model...the tires are directional tires and the front and back tires are different sizes. The dealers do not inform you of this...I just happened to ask while I was closing the deal. However, these factors did not prevent me from purchasing the Z.
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Awesome car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By shager - June 13 - 10:00 amThis car is Great It quick, Awesome looking and handles like a dream Power is good for the every day driver or the track. The only complaint is that the motor is a bit lowed you can hear the valve train win driving All though the exhaust helps to cover it up. Grat car and a lot less than a vette or mustang cobra.
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my lil 350z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By frances d miciotta - June 12 - 2:26 pmi bought this car as a birthday present for me. i love it, but the only problem i have, is that there is no room for junk. it is small. no trunk space. i love the way it drives. it is definately a fun car to drive, especially when the top is down. more roomy then. i think i will keep it for awhile.lol
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The Real Deal - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By Walkman - June 2 - 11:36 pmI NEVER expected a Multi-Valved, Twin OHC engine to ever be so smooth and liner all the way through its power band. The engine in of itself was the deciding factor in my purchase. The handling was indeed a factor as was the styling but Ive also found the build quality be be very good. I bought the Base model through my ignorance but have plans of the purchase of an enthusiast model next.
