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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  my z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By yotzeeee - December 19 - 10:00 am

  the car is beautiful on the outside and fun to drive with good power and an extremely good manual transmission. interior a bit on the cheesy side but you have to cut somewhere to get that much car for that little money. would definately reccomend to sports car enthusiast on somewhat of a budget

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  awesome - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Evalee - December 19 - 10:00 am

  All I know is this car is so cool. It will make all of your friends jealous. I love this car!

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  It is a Slice of Heaven! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Aquaman265 - December 16 - 8:13 pm

  Always wanted a convertible living in Sunny South Florida. Did my homework and went out and purchased a 2004 350Z. For the money, you cant beat it. As a former Lexus owner, the ride is nowhere near as smooth as the IS300 I had, but in handling, braking, speed and performance the 350Z wins easily. I am 100% satisfied and look forward everyday to cruising topless around South Florida.

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  350 Z - Ride of your life - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Erik J - December 16 - 7:43 pm

  This car drives fantastic, even better than the SLK350 I tried before I got my Z.

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  A REAL SPORTS CAR - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Walt Lipski - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Have owned a 240, and 300Z, but this car tops them all in brute power and handling.Am always telling myself to keep it cool. My wife loves the way the seats wrap the body; she "gets respect" when she drives,and she also loves to drive the car. We get 37 MPG when we go to Las Vegas from San Diego and back. The seats are more comfortable for traveling long distances than the previous versions. This is a keeper.

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Roger - December 12 - 7:46 am

  Extremely fun car. Always makes a bad day great! Compare to others on maket and the Z is without a doubt most polished for the price. Plenty of power, great features, and really clean looks, especially with top put away.

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  Compare them all. Youll buy the Z. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Kenn - December 7 - 2:00 am

  We actually bought the 350Z Roadster for my wife as a daily driver. After comparing the others in this class, we found the Z to have the most interior room, power, standard equipment (Bose stereo, heated seats, variable traction control and cruise control), and the lowest sticker price. You cant beat a 287 hp, convertable! Did I mention only 3000 imported for the US market this year, and no scheduled maintenance for 100K miles. And at our local dealer, free oil changes for a year. Look and compare them all, afterwards you will buy the 350Z. This vehicle insured, with everything, for about a thousand a year.

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Taylor Walker - December 2 - 10:00 am

  It is an overall great car. Its fun to drive also.

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  The car for me. Big Bang for the Buck - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Richie_1956 - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Good Morning to All, My wife and I was looking for a car we both could have fun with. She was looking for style and ease of driving, and I was looking for performance. With this car, we found both. Im 62" and 240 pounds and I fit well, and she is 52" 105 pounds and she can adjust the everything to fit her needs. This car is a true winner. After driving the SLK series (the worst), the Audi TT Roadster (ho-hum), and a Corvette Roadster (not bad for a second choice but got pricy with options), and the 350ZR (the winner)!!! This was what we were looking for. Good fit and finish, handling, eye appeal and fit our budget.

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  good car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By red track - December 1 - 2:00 am

  nice looking and fun to drive