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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  Sweet ride - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Jeff - April 20 - 9:53 pm

  This is a sweet ride. Better than the 2003 touring coupe model I owned. The 2007 models have more power through the whole rpm band.The car is well balanced and is lots of fun to drive. Yes there are faster cars for the money but this one looks good, drives great, and is well made.

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  Z Roadster - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Bugeione - April 10 - 7:06 pm

  Nothig but a good time so far. Still turns heads and averages 24 MPG. The Z eats tires though so be prepared to change out every other year. The grip on turns is ferocious, this is where I usually pass everyone up. Hard to question the bang for the buck quotient with the Z. Especially the roadster. Are there cars with better interiors and stereos...sure, but for under 40K this one is hard to beat.

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  Z only car that matters. . . - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By m3000gtsl84 - April 8 - 7:50 am

  Excellent engine, and aside from a notchy feel, excellent manual transmission. Gets looks no matter where you are, and will dust anything aside from GTO or Mitsubishi Evo. Handling is excellent, and the car is one of the most solid feeling on the road.All in all, a successful advance from the excellent 300ZX.

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  Bring it on. - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By RedWings - April 1 - 10:00 am

  To think I was waiting for the 2004 supercharged Monte Carlo. Damn, Im glad I do things spur of the moment. This has to be one of the sweetest non-european sports cars out there. I know we cant compare to Lambo or Ferrari, but pretty much anything else is fair game, especially in the price range. I just need to find a winter car so I can make this puppy last.

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  Empty nest - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Z-lover - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Z. This car gets stares every where we go. It is a blast to drive. Very fast! Shifts to second a little rough, and the seats are not comfy for a big guy. All and all, a great car.

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  Wonderful sport car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By jeg1004 - March 22 - 12:23 pm

  I love this car. I love the way it accelerates and turns corners. It is just a matter of how fast are you willing to turn. You can take 270 degree entrance ramps on higways at 70 mph and the tires dont even make any noise. The Bose stereo sound very clear and loud. Lots of rubber neckers look your way and smile. The Xenon headlights work great. The only complaint I have is the seat belt not being used does bounce off the wall and make some noise. For the price it cannot be beat by any Porshe, BMW or Mercedes. Remember when you buy it that this is a try sports car and dont expect it to drive like a SUV.

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  SUEZZZZZZZZZ - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By shakenbake - March 19 - 2:00 am

  the bose system is hollow sounding...needs to be trashed.

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  The best sports car I have ever owned!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Shane Young - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and great styling,fast and handles like a dream!! I traded a 2002 Ford thunderbird for my nissan,the thunderbird just didnt have the horse power and the style of the bird! The only compliant I have is I wish the seats were just more comfortable! The 350z touring convertiable is the best sports car !

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  zcar4me - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Greg Nichols - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car, a real head turner. Superior performance and handling. No regrets here!

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  Great Sports Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Jack - March 14 - 11:23 pm

  This is a true sports car. On the interstate this car is like a rocket! People stop me to talk about my Z and tell me how they would love to own one. This is the car that I have always wanted. I have had my 2004 1/2 touring model Z for 3 years and I have never had one problem with it other than trying to keep my speed down on the highways. If you have to commute at least enjoy the drive.