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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  350Z best buy - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By maureen sloggie - September 3 - 10:36 pm

  I am 49 and waited for a car that caught my atttention well 350z did just that. The performance in this car is life changing. Every time I drive this car I cannot help but smile I find the long way to go to and from where ever I am heading. I have owned 7 Corvettes and this car out passes all my expectations.It is soild responsive and just plain beautiful. The interior is hugs your body. Details are all over the car even in the AC vent with the Z in the vents. The one touch roof opening in the roadster is awsome. I love this car and recommend it. Worth every cent I paid.

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  Nissan 350z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Shimon g - September 1 - 10:00 am

  The 350z is a great car to drive. It takes driving to a new level. However, i felt that Nissian could have done a better job of comfort and design on the interior. The car is a beautiful looking car that lives up to its name with its intensee driving power and superb handeling, gripping evry corner on a turn.

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  Love my Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By melissakwl - August 28 - 12:33 am

  Having finally crossed over to a 2- seater after many years/makes of the Maxima...Ive learned the driving experience like that from the Z easily makes up for not having a back seat. Sooo much fun to drive. Get a Z and never look back!

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  Love. - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By DebZ - August 26 - 8:13 pm

  Dont even think about driving it if you arent planning to buy it. Because once you drive it...youll fall in love. Its so quick, sleek, and sexy I knew we have to buy it. Weve had no problems in our first year of ownership, only pure joy and admiration for such a beautiful machine. My husband and I are both 6 tall and are comfortable as can be. If youre interested in hauling a bunch of stuff around, this car is not for you, but I take it weekly to get groceries and its perfect. We did store it over the winter as it doesnt do well on Snow, but it handles like a champ in rain. Its a sportscar, so dont expect a sedan ride...its low to the ground and bumpy. But...worth it!

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  looks - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By ed - August 26 - 7:03 am

  i enjoy it so far fun to drive and people love its looks

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  great car - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By mike - August 12 - 3:26 pm

  From the day I drove off the car lot I have never had such a great driving experience as I have had with my 350Z. I have driven many performance cars and the 350Z is the best.

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  350z track model - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By trackman - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my new 350z and while I have not spent a great deal of time with it the time I have spent with my 350z has been simply amazing.I have owned all types of sports cars from the corvette to the bmw.But its the 350z that really stands out among the others.It is so much fun to drive.I drive it everywhere I go from the grocery store to work.I cannot think of any other car I have had this much fun in and enjoyed so much.It defintly best the bmw m3 in the fun factor.

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  Mikes Black Track ... - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By blackTrack - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is rock solid !!! Power through every gear. The mystique of this car rivals the exotics. Many people are amazed when uit arrives. Many are suprised by the price once they learn of it. I have "played" with the spectrum of cars from Camaro SSs to Porche 911s. This car can spank most of them, and hang with the rest.

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  Sportbike Fun - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Mattuuu - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have been an avid sportbike rider for a long time and wasnt sure that I would have that much fun in a sports car. I was skeptical about making the purchase but have no regrets now that I own a 350Z. Sure it isnt a quick as a sportbike but it is just as much fun. Hopefully a twin turbo is in the making.

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  Mikes Review - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Mikey Riedel - August 6 - 10:00 am

  My 350Z is really a nice car.