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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  A fast, reliable, loud beast! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Ski - August 7 - 2:46 am

  I bought this car at 28,000 miles. Its sitting currently at 91,000, with no problems or major issues yet and upon my full inspection, nothing building. This car is extremely fast, with the new exhaust I put on it, amongst other engine modifications Ive done, is louder than any other Z Ive been around. It definitely turns heads! Even though Im getting ready to sell my Z for a older muscle car, Ill get another one here soon. These cars are reliable as anything and are what theyre supposed to be, a raw, fast, no bars held performance vehicle.

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  Ds Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By DL Thomas - August 5 - 11:10 am

  ive always had my eye on a 911, but the minute i sat down, buckled up, and took off (and i mean TOOK OFF)i knew this was Z Car for me. the handling- SUPERB-took it out on Hwy 49 back roads to Tahoe opened her up and away we went, smooth transition from inside corner to outside open lane. be prepared for stares. I travel extensively for my job - and this is the car i WANT to be in every single mile. Handling SUPER. Safety GREAT. Cost OUTSTANDING for 287hp. Comfort EXCELLENT (especially the seating - you fit like a glove). Get use to the stares, nose prints on your windows from admirers and having many try to challenge you as you motor along...

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  350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By lgarrett_design - August 2 - 10:00 am

  the car is fun to drive and drives well, however some of the interior isnt of the highest quality material. Overall well worth the sticker price when shopping comparables.

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  Great ride - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By kwonchoe@yahoo.com - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Great car overall. However, a few gripes: Grinding driver window not repaired properly. A tweeter that came from the factory already blown. A loose footrest. Not what youd expect from a $42K vehicle. A bit heavy for this segment. Still, for a car with this level of performance, it would be tough to beat 350Zs combo of power, handling, and price.

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  350Z Track - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Pigpen - July 27 - 10:10 pm

  Fun to drive, very reliable only problem was drivers side window motor. Added cold air intake and high flow exhaust, gets 24.5 MPG. Track model handles well w/ 18/19 inch wheels, bimbro brakes and stiff suspension.

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  After 4 Months and 5000 Miles Later - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By 5HOLZin1 - July 20 - 9:50 pm

  For your money, the best 2-seat sports car on the market. Great styling with close to 300hp to back it up. The last 4 months and 5,000 miles down the road, I enjoy getting behind the wheel each and every day that my wife lets me. We are both very happy with our purchase. We bought the Z and Murano SUV at the same time. The service at our dealership is excellent and we dont regret our decision on either vehicle. The Z leather interior is comfortable and the Touring package seating is fine for 2-4 hour drives both in the city and on the freeway. The Z gets plenty of compliments from lookers and the only thing I would add would be a 19" chrome wheel package.

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  the Z is back - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By WayneTN - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The 350Z is a great value, a lot of performance and style for the money. I bought this car as my first sports car and I definitely have not been disappointed. My primary objective was to blend performance, reliability, fuel economy, and styling - and the 350Z delivers. Its a great looking car; it turns heads. The overall performance is comparable to that of much more expensive cars. Fuel economy has exceeded the stated values. Reliability, whether around town or on vacation, has never been in doubt. If you want a true sports car at an honest, reasonable price, this is it: the 350Z. You need look no further.

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  HMMM...Very nice - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Bryant Cox - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Everything is unbelievably nice. One thing on the exterior I dont like is the back end doesnt look sporty enough...and its torque isnt as high as I want. But theres nothing that a turbo charger wont fix. lol

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  Awesome! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Rocket Z - July 10 - 2:23 pm

  I never thought I would say it...AWESOME! I have never had more fun driving a car. I got a great deal (saved $20,000.00) off the price of a new one. Test drove both and could not justify the price difference to buy a new one. This car has it all. Pleased and in my favorite color...RED!

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  Nissan did a fantastic job - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By A Nissan Z lover! - July 7 - 5:36 am

  I have owned Porche 944s and a BMW Z3, and wouldnt trade my 2003 Nissan 350Z for anything else. This car is just a whole lot of fun and great at the price! It is a really classy car.