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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Good, Not Perfect, Sports Car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By Phat Larry - May 30 - 6:10 amIve had my convertible Z for 3 months and have 3,000 miles on it. Ive previously owned Mustang GTs and Corvettes, but wouldnt consider another one due to AWFUL reliability. I also test drove the S2000 (way too small and cramped), the Z3/4 (too cramped) and the new Miata (still underpowered). I have to pretty much agree with the Editors review. The Z runs great with a nicely tuned exhaust, handles great, is roomy, has some good amenities, and looks sweeeet. The downside is the small trunk (esp.in the convertible), cheap interior plastics (esp the console cover which is garbage), bland gauge lighting, and very mediocre gas mileage. I have yet to get more than 20 mpg even with hwy driving.
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A 2008 350Z beauty! - 2008 Nissan 350Z
By chaz1939 - May 24 - 4:46 amI have only driven my new Z for about two weeks and I love it. The Nogaro red is stunning and a real eye catcher. Handling, performance and acceleration are perfect and I just know that I am really going to enjoy this car.
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Great - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By meaghanator26 - May 20 - 10:00 amthis is a great car!!!!!! lokks awsome from the street and rides like a dream.
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3 Months Later - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By RJATC - May 13 - 10:00 amAfter three months with the new 350Z the new car feeling has started to fade but the sheer fun of driving the 350Z is still way up there. A periscope would be nice for backing up and lane changing but it is, after all, a sports car and you have to accept a few minor inconveniences unless youre Bill Gates. Im not Bill Gates. The engine is just incredible with its strong pulling power from any gear at any speed but second and third will put you right back in your seat when you press the fun pedal. The performance edition does not have the Brembo brakes but when you decide youve had enough, the standard brakes still bring the car to a stop quickly and smoothly.
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4 She Z !!! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By DesignDiva - May 13 - 10:00 amThe new 350Z is amazing and phenomenal. I take drives for no good reason just to feel it velcro itself to the road. Acceleration is smooth as a babys butt and fast as hades... I love it! I wandered in the land of many Mustang GTs over the years, and I will never go back!
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Best yet! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Dave D - May 7 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is one of many high performance vehicles that I have owned. To me it is the most fun of any of them including Corvettes and BMWs. The fun factor is awsome!
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I Love this Car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By slypr - May 1 - 2:00 amThis is the sweetest car ever. Emperor of Japanese Imports right now. Even its immitation, the Inifiniti G35, doesnt come close.
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AWESOME LIQUID ALUMINUM - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By SIX SPD Z - May 1 - 2:00 amSWEET & AWESOME TO DRIVE AND LOOK AT, NICE BODY LINES, IN AND OUT. YOU SURE GET THE LOOKS AND THUMBS UP WHEN DRIVING.
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silver touring - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By silver arrow - April 27 - 10:00 amGreat car for the money...
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Love It - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By dexico - April 27 - 10:00 amTremendously fun to drive. Has become my primary car. Convertible makes all the difference .. hardly ever drive with the top up.
