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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  2008 Nissan 350Z Interior - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By nissedoff - October 30 - 1:58 pm

  The interior paint/coating on all plastic panels (door, dash, etc) scratches off with normal use to reveal a white plastic. Nissan knows about this and chooses to do nothing about the problem. I own five different cars all older then the 350 and more mileage, I dont see this in any of those cars. This is unsightly and started soon after warranty expired, 36 months. I have to have all these panels removed and painted by body shop. Also, my power windows motors quit, also known problem Nissan chooses to not solve. I do not recommend Nissan.

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  awsome - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Pearce - October 26 - 10:00 am

  i have been around car dealerships and this car is one of the funnest i have ever driven/owned.

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  350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Chris350Z - October 26 - 10:00 am

  The only thing I dont like about the car is the paint quality. Ive had the car for about a month and I have paint chips on my front bumper. Other than that, The car is awesome. Fast, fun and much potential. Killer motor and great chassis.

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By victor - October 12 - 5:13 am

  Great Car..hugs the road, hugs the driver...Great performance...Wow Speed. Excellent overall experience. Worth the money I paid

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  Grandtouring AT - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By tommy86 - October 7 - 3:57 pm

  This is my 2nd 350z, my first was a 2003 touring 6MT And hydroplaned it on hwy doing 80 mph Vdc was off.. wont do that again, however i now have a 2007 grandtouring AT due to broken pelvis dont like the clutch, love the new HR motor much faster, but i really miss the manual trans, VQ35 TILL I DIE!!!!

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  Hope the 2004 is as good as the 2003 - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Sammy_22500 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 is everything the manufacturer said it would be...it is fun to drive and great to look at.

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  Love My - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By VeryBZ - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my "Z" for 3 months and it is the most fun of any car I have owned. The performance is amazing - great handling, superb brakes, incredible power. It is a real head turner. And all of this from the base model.

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  Love my Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By hornet59 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I love the pull that the Z has from a dead stop. Acceleration is outstanding. This car is definitely a head turner no matter where I go. Overall interior layout is good, but the materials used could be of better quality. The exterior body design can be summed up in two words mmmmm mmmmm

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  The NEW POOR MANs Sports Car - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Memo Z To - September 25 - 6:53 pm

  I have had my Z for 2 months and so far its been a complete thrill to drive. Its fast, yet refined! It turns heads and gets attention. The powerful V6 really kicks and the baritone exhaust sounds melodious especially in higher RPMs. If you drive it smooth (which is VERY hard to do) you can get good mpg, but driving it like a true sports car can cause some frequent trips to the pump. The 6-speed transmission has great response on all 6 gears. All this for under 30K! Best deal out there!

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  some issues with 2003 model - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Andrew Lustig - September 19 - 2:40 pm

  I had this car for 3-1/2 years - just sold it today. Loved it for the first two years, but the following bothered me: 1. airbag light kept malfunctioning. 2. front tire problems, which the dealership was supposed to inform me of, but didnt. 3. tires kept losing pressure for no apparent reason (separate from #2). 4. fuel line/filter recall. 5. No Visibility to sides and back of vehicle.