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 car so far! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By John - September 9 - 2:43 pm

  Have had this baby for almost a month so far, cant say enough about how much I love it! The drive, handling, power, mpg, and the list goes on! Still have my 2003 Maxima for times when this might not be practical. In the past have had a Mitsubishi 300 GTVR-4, couple of Honda Preludes incl Vtec, etc and two Maximas. Nissan does a great job. This car makes driving fun. Youll get lots of compliments. I find I want to take the long route anywhere I go.

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  Zagnificent 350 - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By SM - September 3 - 1:13 pm

  This is one tight car. From shifting to cornering the 350Z has a dynamic racing feel. Your wish is its command. This is a true sports cars sports car. Highway cruising speeds do not do this car justice. It is extremely smooth and deceiving on the open road and equally capable on curved surfaces. The always illuminated gauges are there to inform you about tire pressure, mpg, temp, speed, rpm max, dte, and more. The practicality of the 350Z is not so much. After all this is a true sports car. It has moderate storage compartments behind the seats and the stabilizing bar in the rear hatch area really reduces your cargo space so pack lite. Bottom line:This is a drivers car that wont dissapoint!

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  Beautiful -Fun Car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Joni - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. I have the Daytona Blue. Get a lot of looks. Great performance, acceleration, etc.

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  the best value in a sport car period. - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By saviorofsoul aka sos - August 22 - 2:00 am

  this car in one word is awesome. anyone who dissagreeds needs to race me and find out.

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  Caution - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By trmazzucca - August 22 - 2:00 am

  The service tech at Gwinnett Nissan informed me that it was normal to have the front tires wear out,even though I only had 14,000 mls.He told me they did have front end problems & they were not equiped to deal with the problem,I would have to contact Nissan.I inspected the tires by turning the wheel all the way in my driveway. I discovered both tires were totally wore out from the inside & I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ON STEELCORDS.With the low profile of the car & the outer treads looking fine I had no idea of the unsafe condition.I called Nissan & Ryan gave me a complete run around. A car rated for 155 mph should not have this type of problem.

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  off the hook - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By tim p. - August 18 - 10:00 am

  i really dont own one but i would like to because this ride is off the hook. i can snatch chains when the sun go down and head to the club and kick it. this is a reliabile car and it draws a lot of attention.

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  Z has a rumble of its own - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By dinola - August 8 - 6:43 am

  What a car. The car turns heads. The convertible top is well hidden when down. The rumble of this car is very distinct. Its a fun car to drive and its styling is all its own. The 2006 model has improved the suspension and the interior. Because of its low profile you need to be careful on roads with potholes.

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  04 Roadster Touring - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Rick - July 30 - 3:16 pm

  The exterior of the car is stunning, while the interior could be a bit more refined. I have had the car for about 8 months now and the only problem I have had with it is the NAV door had to be replaced because it was not opening intermitantly. This car is off the scale if you are looking for fun to drive. And youll get more looks than you could imagine while driving it.

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  My FUN car - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Larry B - July 29 - 9:23 am

  I am 55 years old, and always had a second car while a teen and into my late 20s! A go to school model, and a sporty car, including a GTO (1969) and a Cuda 1st one off the assemble line! Well, I took a hiatus and just got my new 2nd car....wow!! This car is pure dynamite. I live in South Florida, and when the temp is cool enough, I pull this baby out of the garage, and can drive all night with my now balding head enjoying the cool breezes. The radio is unbelievabe, the handling is great, and the ride is pure delight!!! The price was great, and the thrill is better than that!!

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  The Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By JANE - July 22 - 5:26 am

  I love this car. I get a new car every 3-4 years and this is by far the most fun I have had. The stereo is great, the convertible is a blast. I have had some trouble with the paint, but the dealer has taken care of it. So far no problems other than a few tweeks.