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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  love it - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By des - March 10 - 4:36 am

  I just bought one for my wife and she loves it as do I. Its a great vehicle and you cant beat the price.

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  I love it! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Brandy7924 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my first sports car, and my husband and I really love it.

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  Blast to Drive - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Jim - March 7 - 10:46 am

  Being only 1 of a handfull of 350Zs in town this car gets noticed. I cant just take a quick trip somewhere, I always find my self taking the longest route possible because it is so fun to drive. I have spent thousands on suspension for cars in the past, but this car out handles any of my previous cars in only its stock form.

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  Nissan 350Z Intial Review - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By MDD - March 3 - 9:43 am

  This car is exciting to drive. When it comes to horsepower, the 350Z has 287 hp (auto),300 hp (manuel) which makes the hair on my neck stick up.

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  Fantastic - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By rtl - February 27 - 6:46 am

  It makes driving so much fun. It is everything I would ever have expected it to be and more. I have driven Nissans for years. I had a 280Z, and a few Maximas but the 350Z if by far the best one Ive owned.

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  beware of issues - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By my2ndz - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Great performing car! However, there are issues. One only has to go to 350Z forums to hear of the many problems the Z has: sever feathered front tires that need to be replaced every few thousand miles, pourpousing on cement highways, bad alignment, manual trans being replaced several times, front seat moves while cornering just to name a few. In general Nissan has not addressed these problems. Many Z owners have filed formal notices with the NHTSA, wich are vewable on http://www- odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complai n/complaintsearch.cfm I would check with your dealer and other owners before purchasing this car.

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  Best bang for the buck - no question - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Broohaha - February 17 - 10:00 am

  My goal was to find the best performing/fun to drive car. I ended up with the 350Z. The Z is a ton of fun to drive: from its throaty exhaust, to its extremely low stance and amazing handling... For those who need a backseat: see the Infiniti G35.

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  Incredible car for the money - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Daryl Erdman - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Z-car and by far the best. The price to value ratio is incredible! Sticker price comparison to my 14 year old 300-Z was only $500 more!

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  Just Bought the Ride of My Life - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By D-MINES - February 14 - 4:26 pm

  Just traded my 04 FX45 for my first Z, and love my outcome! Couldnt have made a better decision. The exterior rocks and the comments and wow factor from others is much more than the FX. The exhaust amazing. The stock stereo/speakers are a lot to get used to after having a Bose system. Probably have to replace as it looks and sounds low quality. The red exterior rocks. Im loving my Zed!!!

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  Love my Z - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By saildocva - January 25 - 8:23 pm

  Excellent in all aspects. Its a joy to own and drive. Very good handling and performance. Rear visibility is limited but good outside mirrors that adjust easily helps a lot.