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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  BEST DRIVING EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By pamela bruton - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I WORK FROM HOME AND TRAVEL 2000 MILES PER MONTH. I AM NEVER TIRED AFTER A ROAD TRIP. JUST LIKE RIDING IN COCKPIT OF AN AIRPLANE. I LOVE IT!

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  pumpkin eater - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Pumpkin eater - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Have 19 inch wheels, The car is very noisy. Otherwise I love to drive it. I have 1300 miles on it and it is breaking in very nice. It burns out and really moves. Top speed is 82 so far, when I get 1500 I will open it up. There are no arm rests and I could use them. Seat is Okay, but could be better. Headlights are great. Im 69 and need them. Dont care for all the brake dust, the wheels are always dirty

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  Sweet Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Snagles - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I had this car since the begin of last year and i found that this car is vary good. i would recommand this car to anyone that has money and would take my advise.

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  Its a Z...what else is there to know? - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By shabba - May 23 - 8:36 am

  Since 2003, Ive wanted one of these so it was my time to do it this month. Im quite happy I did. I own several Zs (and have owned many) so I can say this car has the Z soul. I didnt need to compare it to other cars (TT, Boxster, S2k) though I have driven them and they all have their strengths. The Z remains a pure and exciting sports car that has a soul and a personality. A fine purchase that I am proud of.

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  I Call Her Z! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Tammyz - May 15 - 10:00 am

  When I first took a test drive it was in a convertible and I knew at that moment I had to have one! When I finally got her, I was a bit uneasy about the gruff noise that was coming from the front tires when braking to a stop. Everything kept coming out okay. But low and behold, I received a recall letter regarding the proper alignment and tires, so after being replaced and the alignment done correctly, she is in beautiful working order! Nissan Corp. is great about standing behind their cars. I have always owned Nissans for this reason.

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  All Time FAvorite - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Stephen - May 14 - 1:36 am

  This has become my favorite car all time. Killer looks..a real head turner. Performance is awesome and it corners like its on a rail. The brakes stop on a dime, though they are very sensitive and demand a light foot in normal conditions. Raising/lowering the top is faster than my girlfriend takes to freshen her lipstick in the lighted mirror. And with the windscreen and low seating position she doesnt complain about the top down blowing her hair. I bought this for a fun 2nd car but its become the daily driver and my Saab 9-3 is the step child in the garage feeling no love unless I need to haul people or big stuff. Even the trunk is big enough for a medium sized rollaway bag.

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  Best Mothers Day Ever!!! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Cheryl - May 12 - 11:46 pm

  I was absolutely thrilled when on Mothers Day my husband and I went to a nearby Nissan dealership to look at a 2006 Enthusiest. I had been saving for this car for a few months or more after test driving one months earlier. We bought the enthusiast in the Silver Alloy/black top 6-speed manual and it is gorgeous!! We have had it for two weeks now and we are so impressed with the ride, handling, performance and how easy the top is to open and close! Not to mention I am having the time of my life!! This car gets a lot of looks and the regular interior is just fine and comfortable. I would not get the leather, too hot to sit on with top down. The stereo is alright.

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  Driving - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By TheZgirl - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I have been an Audi fan for a long time, until I drove the 350Z. It has completly changed my mind about the preformance of Nissan. Big ups to the Z and Nissan.

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  my hotrod - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By floridagirl - April 25 - 10:00 am

  love this car. traded in my mercedes which was very uncomfortable and totally unreliable and was always in the shop .

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  What a sports car is all about - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Billy D - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my car for over 6 years and purchased it new. It is a true drivers car with emphasis on going fast and doing it well. Practicality and comfort are afterthoughts. The trunk will take a reasonable amount of stuff, as long as you "pour" it around the strut brace. Its handling is very confidence inspiring and the car always eggs me on. Its like its always taunting me: "You know, you couldve taken that turn faster!" I recently replaced the OEM tires with BF Goodrich KDWs. Gas mileage plummeted, but grip is outrageous. The new tires turned my Z from a nice car to a race car. Engine is fantastic: incredibly reliable, predictable, smooth