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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Love this fast, crazy car!!! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By Speedracer! - May 31 - 1:16 pmI ordered this car last August and it arrived in late December. It is fun, fun, fun! Love the updates on it from the older model. Seats are a bit tight, but Im a 56" woman, so okay. Theyre not the most comfortable in the world. We own an Infiniti FX35 (which I love), but I love the Z just as much. Be careful though, I just got a ticket. I was doing 93/94 mph on the freeway...not good! Its easy to go fast in this car w/o realizing it. I also love how my hair doesnt blow everywhere...I also love the Audi TT and almost bought one, but my hair was in knots after 5 mins! With the Z, its no problem and everyone looks cool in this car.
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KENOMAN - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By JWOLFE - May 31 - 10:00 amFantastic Car Drivers Seat Adjusting controls make right leg tired on long trips.
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First 2000 miles - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By pkoch88 - May 31 - 10:00 amBeautiful music, fabulous torque ... etc. Performance and looks; how much more can you ask for?
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Steves 350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Stephens 350 - May 31 - 10:00 amThis car is awesome. I purchased mine on June 11th and since then it has given me no trouble whatsoever. This car is a great sports car considering I have been around Ferirris my entire life.
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...and my 76" surfboard fits inside! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By Mike - May 25 - 10:06 pmStarting with the Silverstone exterior paint and the burnt orange leather seats, this car is gorgeous! The feeling of power not only comes from all those horses under the hood, but the weight and driving feel of the car- its quite a secure feeling! I just got back from the beach, and the drive to, was just as much fun as the waveriding.
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Love this car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By Girl with a Z - May 25 - 2:00 amI love this car!!!! I have a black extirior and balack interior. It is a head turner where ever I go....Some poor guy jogging tripped over his own feet looking at the car. I feel a lot of speeding tickets coming along with this car. Wheres is the radar detector they should make that a standard feature. Love it, love it love it
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Turns Heads - 2007 Nissan 350Z
By RPM - May 18 - 3:40 amI got my 2007 Grand Touring Roadster (convertible) just about 5 months ago, and overall, Im really happy with my purchase. I bought this as a second car (couldnt part with my BMW 325i), and thought Id primarily drive it on weekends and when the weather is nice. Well, I havent driven the Beemer but maybe 5 times since getting my Z. Ill garage the Z when the winter comes, but until then, Im in it with the top down.
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The Nissan 350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Rich Borek - May 18 - 2:00 amBasically the Nissan 350z is a second car. It is just used for pleasure driving and I dont drive it daily. I never had any problems with the car and it is comfortable on longer trips.
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350 Z Touring - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By ktrepagnier - May 14 - 10:00 amI have not had any problems with the vehicle and love it. It has to be one of the most enjoyable cars I have ever had. I do have to say that it has a sports car ride, so if you are looking for a luxury car ride this is not it. I do have to say this is one quality vehicle and allot of fun to drive.
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great car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By mitchell gomez - May 14 - 10:00 amwords cant describe how i feel about this car!if you want one get one.you wont be dissapointed,trust me
