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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  Worth The Wait - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By homyroo - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I waited a long time for a sports car comfortable for a big guy 63" [minus pwr seats] and affordable for a working guy. This is my car!! Almost purchased a Z4 [+$10k], passed on Boxster [cramped under the wheel],Audi TT [stands for too tiny], selected the Z350. It looks beautiful in black. (2) Golf bags only with drivers pulled. Im OK with that!! Both bags are mine!!

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  Wow Go Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By rfrangie - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I followed this car since it was only a future design I fell in love with it and compared it to the big boys, M-B, BMW, Porsche, and agreed with this website description of the Z car ( al lot of bang for the buck). This thing is fast and impressive in turns.

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  Not perfect but pretty darn good - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Buzzdsm - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Z for about 9 months now and Ive been pretty happy with it. I would like to see antoher 30-50HP and this car would be a rocket. It does have a lot more torque then most cars in its class. Ive owned many cars (mostly sports) and none of them has drawn as much attention. The interior is nothing exciting but its tight and it does everything I need it to do. Im 62 and I have plenty of room. Another plus is that Im averaging around 24- 26MPG.

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  1 FUN Z!! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Suechat - July 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car just as my son was turning 16; my present to myself after having driven the same car for 10 years that I gave to my son. I never thought that driving a vehicle could be so much fun. I ABSOLUTELY love my car. It has been babied for the 2+ years I have owned it.

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  Fun Car!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By College place - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. Great sound system, very well thought out, could have better side and rear visability need to watch in your mirrors. Watch out on slipply wet roads or ice. Great motor very responsive.

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  awesome ride!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By stuckgeetar - June 19 - 10:00 am

  The car is great, all i have to say!!

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  2003 Nissan 350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jwlangky19 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  The car is amazing to drive and even better for a long road trip!

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  Yes, Im buying out my lease... - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Deb - June 17 - 7:56 pm

  Fast, fun - get lots of compliments all the time everywhere I go. Went to lease blue, came home with black. Love the dash, foot pedals and overall appearance of the car. Mileage is OK, depends on how you drive it (lead foot = lower mileage). Normal driving nets better mileage, but its hard to stay under the speed limit. Would have leased a new one, but the dealers arent dealing, so Im going to keep mine with low mileage, 3,000 mile oil changes and hand washed since I brought her home. Shes a keeper.

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  Z car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By James M. Sitzes - June 17 - 9:00 am

  Muscle to have fun on stretches, tight steering and frame to handle turns at high speeds. Too much fun....

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  Great first convertible! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Phil R. - June 2 - 3:15 pm

  I was looking for my first convertible as a birthday present for myself and found this 04 with 41,500 miles, platinum with a navy blue top. No dents, no scratches, leather in good shape. Only problem was that the interior plastic seems notorious for looking pretty beat-up, especially around the interior door handles and the center console. Fortunately, my issues were all on the center console. I took the center console apart (PIA), which took a lot of time and care and sprayed all of the black parts with flat black plastic paint (Home Depot) and it came out great. While I had the thing apart, I also installed a back-up camera (make sure your head unit will support this before you go through the trouble) which I got on line for $15. This is very helpful for backing up with the top up! This car is a hoot to drive and holds the road well with the Michellin Pilot Sports its wearing. I am so glad I got the manual transmission as it is much more drivable than the automatics I tested. I have put a little over 4,000 miles on the car and am still really enjoying my toy, and can say the following about performance: The Z holds the road well with the above stated tries (45s up front and 75s rear) but has noticeable body roll. Maybe its a convertible thing. It is quick but not as fast as it seems with the top down. With the right tires my Infiniti G37 will blow the doors off this car in a straight race, and possibly do so on a slalom course. With all its power, the Infiniti also beats the Z for mileage by a long shot. I realize Im comparing apples and aardvarks but, there it is. That said, you just cant discount the "fun factor" of driving top down in this beautiful car on a winding road. To anyone looking for a fun second car, do your homework. Youll find better cars but I dont think youll find a better value.