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 350z - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By charles a. williams - October 25 - 9:33 am

  the 2006 350z is an awesome car!!! before i bought it i test drove a 2006 mustang gt, then i drove the z, and after i went a half-mile from the nissan dealership i was saying to myself i have to have this car!!! the handling, performance, engine power and willingness to rev is amazing for the price.the cars that come close to this performance, power and level of luxury cost 10 to 15k more!!!

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  So far so good - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By BD - October 25 - 5:50 am

  Bought a black Roadster Enthusiast on 2/21 - so far so good. The fun factor is off the scale - I love the throaty growl when you put your put into the accelerator and the ride and handling is great. Interior comfort is good and we went without leather since were in Arizona. With the top up blind spots are severe but manageable. The trunk is acceptable - much better than the Crossfire we test drove. Wind noise is noticable, but you can have a conversation with the top up or down. I have a concern about the tire feathering and will keep an eye on that issue as we drive. Were expecting many, many years and tons of miles from this quality Nissan product.

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  FUN CAR TO DRIVE - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By REHOWARD - October 25 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR BUT TWO PROBLEMS THAT CAN BE FIXED BY DEALER ARE BRAKES LOCKING UP DUE TO ROTORS OUT OF ROUND/WARPED AND TIRES FEATHERING DUE TO INCORRECT TOE IN SET AT FACTORY. CAR IS A WINNER AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE.

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  350z enthusiast 5spd auto - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Alek - October 23 - 6:10 am

  I bought my orange 350s with 107k miles on it, now it has 114k and still running with no problems. A few minor things such as flex pipes for the exhaust and a door seal which the tab broke off need to be fixed. Other than that its a great car, quick, responsive, it corners tight and comfortably, and takes a lot of concentration to keep your foot out of the throttle, its clear this car was built to run on a track.

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  350 Z Touring Roadster - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By markmartin12197 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Just love this vehicle. Quick and responsive. Everything is within drivers reach. Love the way it hugs the road. I have owned other sports cars and I must say that this one is the best yet.

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  This is car is expensive but AWESOME! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By PinkStar8906 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I am a young driver (been driving for 1 week) and My parents bought me this car on Monday and Its the Greatest!

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  My 350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Lyle S. - October 14 - 10:00 am

  The Z has been a great car to drive. I still get many stares. My complaint is that I have a rattle in the door and considering I bought it last year and it only has 8K miles there should not be any rattles. I would have liked Nissan to have put some more higher grade products for the interior, but that is about the only thing I can say negative about it. It really goes. If you are looking for a fun car that will get you there fast this is the car. You cant beat the amount of car you can get for the money.

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  Awesome Ride! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By T - October 8 - 7:36 pm

  This is my third Z and I am more impressed each time. Ive had a hardtop, T-tops, and now a convertible. I absolutely love it and cant wait to until the next time I can take it for a spin. I take the long way home just to make the experience last longer. My Z totally makes my day and improves my mood after a long hard day at the office. I actually can forget about work once I get in. Its fast and fun. Taking corners is a blast! It absolutely rocks! So much thinking has gone into this car. Get the GPS, especially if you are logistically disadvantaged! The stereo is impressive. Its beyond an incredible value. At this price point, its a major steal!

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  Way fun to drive - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By cablainer - October 6 - 8:03 pm

  I bought this car used with 50k miles and was in mint condition. The dealer had to replace the passenger window motor before I took it home. I have driven for a year as my daily driver and have taken trips like LA to Vegas and San Diego. This car is awesome. Superior handling, Has major guns and is FAST! Always gets looks and positive comments wherever I go and it over 4 years old. Its flashy but not vulger. I use synthetic oil and change it every 3 months. I have NEVER had to add ANY oil ever! It just doesnt got through it. i have had Zero problems at all. Extremly reliable car. Comfort short trips OK., Long trips not so much. Little storage and tiny trunk are my only complaints.

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  Blue skies - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Travis Trevathan - September 24 - 10:00 am

  With a little over 3k miles, my biggest problemhas been keeping the car clean. It gets 400 miles between refills using ~17.5 gallons. It drives a great on the freeways as the canyons. The gearing on the 6spd MT is good and I never lug in any gear or wind out in any gear. Full use of engine and tranny from 1k - 6k rpm. A little bouncy on the 5 freeway where the concrete is choppy for all cars, I expect to improve the cornering with better shocks & sway bars after a few years. I look forward to changing the brakes because they get dirty quickly and tires because they have short tread life designation.