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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  Simply awesome - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Troy - July 21 - 6:23 pm

  I am extremely happy I chose the Z. Mine is black with a soft top. The lines are sleek and powerful. The factory rims are phenomenal. My colleague owns a 911 and I wouldnt trade rims with him for anything. The ride is smooth and the engine is extremely responsive. Honestly, the car is almost too quick for me, but I am steadily getting acclimated. I love the car and I would recommend it over any of the other roadsters I see floating around the roadways.

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  6th Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By cptnbill - July 15 - 12:23 pm

  I have owned six Nissan Zs from the 240s up to the 300s and my 2004 350Z is the best. The 240 was the car that could get a young man into a cool sports car at a low price. The 350Z is a car that can do the same but can blast most other cars off the road. Yes the new Ford Mustang can do the 1/4 mile in less time but by the 1/2 mile point the pony is sucking fumes from the Z.

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  A True Sports Car Thats Affodable - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Simon Sioni - July 13 - 5:36 am

  It really is a bargain compared to anything that can run with it!

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  350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By christiane - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive it. The only bad thing about this car is the rear visibility.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By FredericM - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Best Z Car Made. I have owned 4 pervious Z Cars and by far this is the BEST.

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  Say No To Snow - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By obushido - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The performance of the car is exceptional. Steering and handling is great. Overall its a real fun car to drive.

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  Best Z Yet - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Cains10 - July 9 - 4:03 am

  The 2004 350Z Roadster is the best, sportiest, most entertaining car ever. The fun factor makes the car a bargain. It turns heads wherever you go. People stop to talk and IÂ’m happy to give my opinion, which is terrific. It gets good gas mileage. Driving for 3-4 hours with the top down at speed is a pleasure. The re-tuned suspension is much better than the Â’03 coupe I traded in on the roadster. So is the Bose stereo. Buy this car.

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  Hot Ride - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Al - July 6 - 8:00 pm

  This is a tremendously fun car to drive. It has great power and handles like a dream. The top retracts in 20 seconds- couldnt be easier.

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  Made for the Track!! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By trak350 - July 5 - 12:10 pm

  I have owned my 350 for about 2 years now and its still as fun to drive now as it was when I first bought it. Super fast, awesome design and lack of them on the road still allows the heads to turn when I drive down the road. Although some of the interior features are a little cheap, I still feel like Im in a cockpit behind the wheel. The handling is outstanding, but you pay for it with bumps on the road. Have had gliches with the windows, but it was covered on the warrenty. This car isnt just for dudes, my wife drives it all the time. Not much else to say except go see for yourself!

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  Dream Come True - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Steve - June 24 - 6:30 pm

  In a word, fun. The "Z" is all sport car and doesnt make any apologies. It is quick, has high handling limits and a great exhaust note. It rides firm not harsh, stiff frame, very positive steering and easily modulated brakes. The power available does require a bit of discipline but you can get to the limits very quickly. If you are looking for a plush touring car you had best look somewhere else as this car demands your attention, but rewards your attention with great performance, fun. I always look forward to getting in and going. Want a ride?