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:
Showing 731 through 740 of 1,005.00-
24000 miles on mine - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By Tbob007 - September 19 - 10:00 amI love this car like a child but like any child it has its problems. Front tires replaced under warranty TWICE for the alignment/tire wear problem. New tranny at 21,000 miles, dealership said it was preventative. Okey dokey. Brake squeek (they might have finally fixed it after 3rd try). Power window switch broken. AC compressor busted. etc. . .etc. Trying to sell it. Low, low resale value (all these problems maybe?)
-
No one within ten grand can touch me - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Yellow Hammer - September 13 - 3:16 pmAll of the reviews are correct. Great engine, good design, and a fine little vehicle for fun and top down days. I find myself hunting down Z-3s and Boxters and eating them up (legally of course) just because I can. Nissan put the money where it counts...in making it GO! 0-60 in a little under six. If you are concerned about visibility, put the top down.
-
350Z Roadster (6MT Touring) - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Zthuzist - September 13 - 10:00 amThis is a terrific car. The ride quality of the 04 is much, much better than the 03. The roadster is more fun than the coupe.
-
Beware - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By BS 2K - September 9 - 12:36 pmWhat a fun car! It goes fast, looks good and it attracts attention. However: 1. The paint is poor quality. Faded quickly and had a few "stains" that the dealer couldnt get out. 2. The brakes and rotors needed to be replace at 30k miles (mostly hiway and hardly used) My Lexus coupe had 130k on the original brakes and still had 40% left on the front when I got rid of it. 3. Electronics: 3a-The auto transmission stopped shifting after a heavy rain. 3b-The auto-up windows go back down rather than stay up. 3c-The airbag sensor went out. 4. Tire wear is only fair. You can expect only 25-30k if you drive the car easy. But, it sure is fun to drive!
-
Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By aaron L - August 24 - 10:00 amI just recently purchased this sporty car, and it has blown my expectations of performance right out of the water. It is sleek to the eye, ferfectly comfortable and a VERY fast little car. This car is for all who want to grip the road like a glove. Its fantastic.
-
Great Fun to Dollar Ratio - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By MGHTYDX - August 23 - 10:16 pmGreat fun to drive. Tremendous turning radius. Very nimble and handles corners superbly.
-
Warning: Do not buy this car for now - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By lothario - August 21 - 11:36 amMy tires are feathering on the insides after Nissan did re-alignment several times and it still prematurely wore out. The car drifts to the right immediately when i drove my car the 1st week i got it. There are structural problems of suspension ,expect a loud roar from your tires. Nissan only will prorate your tire eventhough the warranty is still valid. Poor customer service, lack of respect for customers. 3rd gear grind had to get transmission replaced, headlights condensate on the inside which dealer wont fix.
-
Well worth it - 2008 Nissan 350Z
By george - August 14 - 5:43 amGreat car. Fun to drive but missing a few things. No iPod dock, memory seats, or usable cup holders. The nav system isnt worth it and the stereo sounds good but isnt user friendly. Bluetooth is also flawed, our Acuras system was much better. Power and looks are awesome. Get the windows tinted and a spoiler for the finished look. The car rides low so be prepared to replace the windshield a few times. Limited sight visibility also takes getting used to. Getting around 30 mpg under normal driving conditions.
-
Government Offical - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By plumber - August 12 - 2:00 amI guess the first thing that sold me was the Design of the Exterior as well as the Interior. Then the performance of the Z was what I was looking for. Let me tell you this Car will bring the little boy out of you. When I researched the Ouality and Reliability then I was sold. I didnt even test drive the Car because I new it was what I wnated.
-
sporty, sexy and intimidating to viewers - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By WendyZ - August 7 - 6:30 pmIt is fun and stylish. But expect other drivers to be jealous. The exterior view of this car is sporty, sexy and intimidating to viewers.
