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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  Arent sports cars about fun? - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By My 4th Z car! - March 4 - 12:20 am

  The 2004 350-Z Roadster is the 4th Z car that I have owned. By far, its the most powerful in terms of acceleration. It can go from zero to sixty in a heart beat! Be careful ... its not for the faint of heart. Though the interior is not flashy, it still works. The sound system is better that any of the previous Z cars built. The 6 disc in dash CD player is superb. For the money I couldnt find a better buy. I am sure that I have just as much fun driving my 350-Z as any BMW, Audi, Porsche owner and I have more cash left over. Fun doesnt have to cost a fortune.

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  Best Car I ever Bought - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By tiswicked - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I ever bought. Fast, Sexy and reliable!!! what more can you ask for.

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  Drivers Car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Mike Stavola - February 22 - 8:43 am

  Unbelieveable car on twisty roads. Absolutely no oversteer or understeer. Easy to drive like professional racer.

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  So glad I bought the Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Tans Z - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I am so glad I bought my Z. I have been in love with them since I was a teen. My previous cars were a Sentra and 200sx. I love Nissans, and I am very pleased with the comfort and all the attention I get driving it.

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  Z U next year - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By sokrateZ - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the car of affordable sports cars. This attention grabber has been a conversation starter every since the night I picked her up. Nissan has outdone itself with the new body style and performance.

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  tinas review - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By tina - January 23 - 7:00 am

  I love, love, love my z its gorgeous and soo much fun to drive it is my third z i think i will always be a z girl..........

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Gail Riecken - January 19 - 6:30 am

  We have owned a vet, austin healy 3000, mgb and have driven many other sports cars. Nothing can hold a candle to the 350Z for less than $150,000 she is great.

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  What a thrill! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Gremmie - January 18 - 2:00 am

  After driving my Triumph TR-6 for the last 32 years, it was time to get a sports car that I could contimue to enjoy. The 350 is just terrific and $50,000 less that the Porsche, every bit as fast, and looks even better. I purchased the Touring model (Silverstone) 6 speed, and put on high performance wheels which are a knockout. Love the car and it is so much fun to drive. It turns on a dime and the 6 CD is terrific. I give this car a 10 all the way around. Thanks so much.

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  Awesome machine - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Steffi - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is a dream come true! Its a car that makes heads turn. Great acceleration and awesome handling. The vehicle dynamic control system helps adjust power to the wheels. Stability bars front and rear keep the car stable. Accelerate the car to his speed and its extremely stable - doesnt feel like youre going fast. Suspension is tight so youll feel the road. Also, due to high torque, and wide tires, this car does not handle snow and ice. Best to keep it in the garage on snowy days and take it out when the roads dry out.

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  Still having fun - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Bob - January 16 - 3:50 pm

  Had the base model now for 6 months and loving it. The take off is astounding clean shifts and comfy interior. Gas mileage Ive been getting is around 24 mpg half highway half city. The interior on the 06 is a nice improvement over the 05. It feels far more solid. Trunk space is fine for me and I can accommodate a lot it only takes a while to organize the trunk if I do a big shopping trip. Very roomy for 2 people and road noise is low unless you run at high revs then the engine loves to growl. Passing power great even in 5th gear 6th for cruising mainly. Havent had anything break or make funny noises. Cant get a hold of an appointment at the dealership for maint to save my life.