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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  Its a MACHINE! - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Ross - September 21 - 12:53 am

  I bought this car in July and put appx 3300 miles on since. I just gave it my first oil change. This car is a complete MACHINE! Feels great on the road. Great fuel economy, outstanding performance off the line and from 60+. Its the enthusiast version so it has the limited slip and traction control. Really sticks to the road. Very maneuverable. I test drove the 2008 Mustang GT, Chevy Cobalt SS supercharged, Mazda rx8, Mitsubishi eclipse GT. The 08 350Z Enthusiast just blew them all away. Might have only 2 seats and room for golf bags, but in the end, no one can really fit in the "4 seater sports cars" anyway. Best car I have driven to date. Very happy.

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  Speed Demon - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By cazz61 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car!!!!

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  Nissan 350Z Go For It!!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By kangcat - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I liked this hot new roadster so much I traded in my 2001 Corvette Z06. Yes a bit of a drop in horse power from the Vette. But lower payments, cheaper insurance, better gas, cheaper DMV,outstanding six disc CD player, and gret looks!!!

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  porche killer - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By sonyds - September 19 - 10:00 am

  fast, torquey, sharp handeling, chic magnet... all for 30k what more do you want from a sports car. This car does it call. Yes it has some quirks such as flimsy center console door, and window grease stains on window but all in all its still one of the best cars out there. keep up with boxter s while having an extra 25k in your pocket.

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  Fun! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Lankey - September 18 - 8:20 pm

  This is a wonderful convertible. Lots of power and handles like a dream. The one drawback is interior room. If youre a big/tall boy you may feel cramped.

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  nice car - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By steve - September 18 - 8:26 am

  one of the funnest cars to drive ive had in a while. the cornering is amazing.the interior is nice and geared toward the driver. stereo is not bad but can fit a kenwood dvd nicely. real eye turner, expect compliments.

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  2008 Nismo - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Boz - September 13 - 5:50 am

  Best handling car period with traction control on or off. I love this car. Makes me smile with every drive. Super tight and well built. I have owned many Porsches and BMWs. The only thing that handles better is a M3 or GT3 and the Corvette Z06. The Nismo could have a bit more power as the 306hp V6 is a bit short in torque and pull. That said, for $30-35K this is the one in my garage.

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  Awesome Drive - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Angus - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Everyone wants to talk about the car! Awesome!

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  No mid life crisis; just have style! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Billa - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Excellent sports car! The Z Rocks! Design/shift combo are exhilarating to watch and feel as I attentively look ahead for a corner...Had vettes and other muscle cars before, but this is the best! If I must pay the prices of todays auto market to commute to and fro, itll be in something that balances class, style, looks, performance, fuel economy and an incentive to get out of bed and go. The 350 Z delivers all that and more... MB > MC! Business minds understand!

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  The Bomb - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Ex-B-52 Driver - September 6 - 4:06 am

  As a pilot and a driving enthusiast I find the Z a perfect sports car. The suspension is tight and the handling is extremely responsive. I can max perform the car and still feel totally in control of all parameters. The engine performance is so very impressive providing a smooth torque curve and extremely quick response. The troaty sound of the exhaust system keeps you informed of the engines performance but most of all it just sounds great! I considered the BMW Z-4 but the styling of the 350 is better and the cost is $5,000.00 less with equal or better performance.