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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  A real bargain - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By bodeets11 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  From the exhaust note, to the slick shifter this car has it all. (As long as you have just one kid).. Even the fuel mileage is impressive with an average of 22.3 mpg and I drive this car pretty hard.

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  love it - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By gb bubba - July 26 - 2:00 am

  love it fun to drive will keep for long time great value will be fun to watch how its rated in ten years classic????

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  excellent - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By cso123c - July 23 - 6:00 am

  its wild to drive. the car is fast and fun to drive. it also is wonderful to get away from problem drivers. all you do is gas and your gone

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  ZCar - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By wjanus - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Well-built, well performing car. Original brake pads dust like crazy, needed replacement to Hawk Street Pro. Front wheel toe-in needed adjustment , causing uneven tire wear. Bridgestone Potenza tires still very noisy. Bose stereo amp needed replacement. Only other complaint is no glove compartment. Otherwise, great car and a blast to drive.

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  The Z experience. - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Mercs999 - July 5 - 12:03 am

  The Car drives great.. looks great and its amazingly fun to drive.. the only thing that goes against it is definitely the visibility and the luggage space.. but then again IT IS a sports car.. you didnt buy it to transport supplies.

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  Stunning - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By catlady - July 4 - 3:00 pm

  This is my 2nd Z. Had a 2003 350Z Touring and there is no comparison. The improvements that theyve made were right on target. Engine is stronger, interior is more comfortable and better looking. Loved my old car, absolutely ecstatic about the new one. If Nissan keeps making them, Ill keep buying them.

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  I like it! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Tennz - July 3 - 3:36 am

  Love the Z. It load, firm, fast, and fun. I commute in mine every day 60 mile each way. I get an average of 28 mpg, I have seen 31 mpg on the freeway and 19 around town. I have owned Mazda and Mercedes roadsters and this is by far the best. Others have complained of blind spots. I have none, you just have to set the mirrors correctly. I will buy again.

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  awesome - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By allenas - June 8 - 10:00 am

  car rides and looks great

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  350z: best sports car for the price - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By nash - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had it for about 2 weeks now, but the feeling when driving it is awesome. Great road handling, and its quick! The clutch seems a little heavier than other sports cars Ive driven, and sometimes it seems that you need to push on the gas a little harder to keep from stalling when pulling out of 1st gear. Again it might just be being new to the car, but down shifting out of 6th can be a little awkward. Sometimes you need to double check to make sure youre going to 5th and not 3rd.

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  The Quiet Storm... - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By therazzman - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Exhilarating, fun, practical to some degree. Le Mans Sunset color with chrome rims really gets you noticed. For the money, you cannot go wrong. The DVD based navigation is awewsome and accurate. The sound system is okay, burt being an audiophile, I am highly critical.