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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  Bottom Line, This Car is Fun! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By BBinOC - January 14 - 4:30 am

  I purchased my Red 350Z Touring Model in January of 2004 and couldnt be happier. I fell in love with the body style when it was introduced at the LA Auto Show and couldnt wait for it to come out. The interior is comfortable and the controls are easily accessible. One of my friends says it is like sitting in a bullet, which is an apt description. The Z rides like a sports car, but that is why I bought it. It handles like a dream and is not only fast, it is quick and nimble, which is a necessity on LA freeways. On a recent trip to New Mexico I averaged 26.1 MPG and the drive was very comfortable. And, this car is definitely a head turner - one of the best looking cars on the road.

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  Mid-Life Crisis Relief - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By JADAMS1954 - January 13 - 11:30 pm

  Outstanding performance, lots of power, great ride. 3.5L deliveres G-force acceleration, great in turns. Two sitter with plenty of room. Storage compartments are out of reach is the only con I have against the car.

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  Wow! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Darrell Jennings - January 13 - 7:03 pm

  Very simple. If you want to have fun, buy this car. Great gas milage and even better power. Sticks to the road like glue, and definately will flat out move. Excellent Bose sound system makes the experience even better.

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  Great Car Great Price - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Don Mega - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the best sports coupe you can buy for under $40,000. Theres no other like it. Take one for a drive and youll love the interior and ride. Lots of Sport mixed with a lil Luxury. If your bank account isnt large enough to purchase a Porsche then this car is the next best thing. Performance is nice and the MPG is good. Nissan reliability is a major reason I chose the 350z.

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  Great car....bad tires. - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Grooveguy - January 11 - 3:36 pm

  This car is an eye-catcher and gets all sorts of inquiries...."How fast have you had it?" being the front- runner. The only problem Ive had in the 8 mos. Ive owned, the front tire noise. Had it shipped from TX and right off the truck, it sounded like the rotors were grinding gravel and destroying the brakes. Dealer recommended switching the tires from the initial Potenzas to Mich Pilots (like the Infiniti G35 coupe uses) ... presto! ... problem went away and the drive was 10x better. Cost $230/tire plus labor, fortunately Nissan issued a recall and reimbursed me for this issue.

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  STREET HUGGER - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ZROCOOL - January 2 - 10:00 am

  FASTER THAN IT LOOKS, ALOT OF FUN TO ADD AND BUILD WITH NISMO, THE WAY THE TOP OPENS IS UNTOUCHABLE!!! A TRUE COMPACT AFFORDABLE SPORTS CAR.

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  love my z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By silverz - December 30 - 8:33 pm

  This car is a blast to drive. It has a look no other sports car has, it is in a class by itself. Its beauty and class will definitely catch the attention of others.

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  Excellent Car for the Price - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Grand Touring - December 20 - 9:16 pm

  Ive had my car for about 3 months now and have enjoyed every minute of it. Ive been waiting for several year to get it and it was worth the wait. This was the design I wanted, so I had to go after it before the redesign hits next year. The 6M is very smooth and easy to use. All the interior controls and navigation system are easily accessible and easy to use. The seats are very comfortable, although a little snug compared to a regular passenger car. The head and legroom are excellent. The car is a blast to drive and the exhaust note is very cool.

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  Pure sports car - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Steve - December 20 - 7:13 pm

  Bought a Touring Roadster about two months ago. Here are the pros: powerful, handles great, roomy for a two seater (interior and trunk), great manual transmission, decent bose stereo, easy top operation, nice stock rims. Cons: poor gas mileage, no telescoping steering wheel, road noise, strange rattle over bumps, poor visibility. All things considered, its a great car. The fun factor far makes up for any imperfections. It feels like a true sports car. It has this "brute power" kind of feeling. Its a little heavy for such a little car, but I like that, it makes the car feel solid and planted to the road. I think for the money, it is a great value. I would highly recommend this car.

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  the ultimate in affordable sports cars - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By zUltimateDrivingMach - December 19 - 10:00 am

  The ultimate in affordable sports car. It is definitely fun to drive, especially around corners and on open highways. I found myself doing what you dont normally do on the road, if you know what I mean! I would definitely recommend it. You should check out Superior Nissan in Puente Hills, CA, my sales guys name was Ratana or RC.