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:

• 

  The Black Widow - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By jefsal - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Cons: We are having nothing but MAJOR problems with the car. STAY AWAY. 1)We are in the process of having the ENGINE REPLACED. It has 14K miles on it. The engine is burning oil and requires more work than NISSAN thinks it is worth. 2) There is a major problem with many of these cars in the suspension causing the alignment to go off prematurely ruining the tires. NISSAN is quietly panicking over this 3) Had a stabilizer problem. Now fixed

• 

  Fast, fun, and beautiful. - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By thaibxrusa - December 15 - 12:09 pm

  September, 2012, I was lucky enough to find a 2005 350Z with just 10,500 miles. I bought it from a retiree that garage kept it from day one. In 1.5 years Ive already added 20K miles because I want to drive it everywhere I go. It could be a little faster but with 300 horses, its hard to complain about. It also draws a lot of looks and I get compliments often. Mine is Daytona Blue and the color really pops. I did replace the Bose stereo but theres nothing else you can do to make this car any better. The gas mileage in the city isnt great, around 19mpg, but I took it on a 1,500 mile trip, all highway with the AC on, and got an average of 31mpg, believe it or not.

• 

  BEWARE OF THE PAINT JOB (REDLINE) - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Desiree27 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for one year.I was willing to deal with the minor issues of a first year car seeing that Nissan North America was supportive in fixing the issues. That has come to a screaching HALT. The paint is coming off in what I see as flakes leaving behind white spots over the entire car.This car has 9900 miles is garaged and pampered but now looks terrible.Nissan North America is stating that it is rock damage and will not rectify the issue.I drive on well paved roads and am not being pelted by rocks as they suggest.Major disappointment as I am facing thousands to have a one year old car repainted.

• 

  Why I wont buy another car from Japan - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Ihatemycar - December 11 - 12:16 am

  I got my car a year ago let me list the problems. I have had to replace the brakes that was at 20 thousand miles I put the NISMO pads on at a cost of almost 800 dollars! mind you I dont drive it hard I mean that! The factory wouldnt warranty it because its "wear" and use! I bought new rims for it hear a growling noise bring it in they say its normal had a tire blow out on me and I had to pay for the rim and tire not to mention there was a recall because of some problem with alignment yet I voided that by putting after market rims on it! The heater just went out havent found out if thats covered by warranty or not yet and the head lamps fog up not due to moisture some BS. thats all I can fit

• 

  This Car Turns Heads - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Dave - December 9 - 9:53 am

  Wow!. This car not only turns heads, but its fun to drive and ride in. Always being stopped to be told, "Nice Car, man!" Quick, sleek, sexy hotrod. Gotta love it! Fun, fun, fun in the sun, sun, sun. Gotta go. My Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz is calling.

• 

  Best bang 4 the buck - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By J. Rivera - November 20 - 10:26 pm

  Impressive. I have the one with the Interlagos Fire paint. Looks are great as well as performance. I test dove the G35, the S2000 and RX-8, but for the money this is a best buy. Who cares about limited room? Very easy to customize too. No need to look in another direction if looking for a sports car. Two big thumbs up!!! P.S. Nice exhaust note!! Bravo.....

• 

  Good Car Tip - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Shawn Wolfe - November 19 - 5:13 am

  I like the car. A good tip is buy a Clear Film Bra for the front. The paint is not thick at all and chips easy. So invest in a clear bra. They are about 500 dollars but it is definitely worth it.

• 

  too good - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By tom - November 17 - 7:46 pm

  Great fun car. Power, handling, brakes are excellent. Suspension is stiff but this is what you get with a car that is glued to the road. Great combination of straight-ahead speed and cornering capabilities. When applying the brakes, watch out for cars coming from behind you; no way they can slow as rapidly as you can. Exhaust sound is cool - reminds me of an Austin Healy 3000! You have to 50 years old to remember that car. Only problem is that on the interstate I cant tell if Im going 70 or 90 mph without looking constantly at the speedometer. Too many speeding tickets verify this comment. By the way, 70 to 90 acceleration is way good!

• 

  Fas Kiwi - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Aaron - November 16 - 10:56 pm

  handles like a dream, I love the drive quality, not too firm but enough to use as a day track car. stops on a dime with the Brembo brakes. Its a beautiful car.

• 

  Nice car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Devone Luetzke - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Had this car for 18 months now, no complaints except seat warmer turns on when rest arm, bad design choice, but so trivial for a car of this magnatude for this price and performance reminds you got something hot under your arse...