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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Fun and Dependable - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By miriam sexton - May 12 - 10:53 pmI love this car! I bought a brickyard color, 2003 touring model back in december 2004 and would gladly do it again. The car was purchased sight unseen from a dealer in Skokie, IL. I live in Alabama. I shopped around the internet for months until I found the best deal I thought I could get. I specifically wanted the burgundy color and an automatic with all the goodies. The car was shipped down here and I have been delighted with it since its arrival. I would definitely recommend this type of car for someone who wants to have fun while driving but also wants to know they are buying a reliable product.
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I LOVE my Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By A350ZLady - May 12 - 2:20 amI love my Z. Ive never had so much fun driving a car before!! It hugs the road and handles great!! And when I need the power it never hesitates!! Just press on the gas pedal and Im gone!!! I really LOVE my Z!!
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Awesome Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By 350Z man - May 3 - 2:20 amI love it! The dealership was bad after we bought it but other than that i have absolutely no complaints. I love everything about the car!!! Buy it
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Go out a buy a Z, well worth the money. - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By Rubenpts4u - May 2 - 10:00 amFrom the dealership, the ride back which was 700 miles was smooth, firm but not bumpy. I was impressed with the 23.6 miles per gallon at 75 to 80mph all the way back home. Passing other vehicles is beyond a breeze. Having gone from a Corvette to this 350Z for 20000 dollar less, makes absolute sense. Very and I mean very similar qualities. Very comparable
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I love my Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By Alhern67 - April 23 - 11:30 pmFun car to drive! I love my Z. I had the last 300 before it was discontinued and this by far is a superior automobile. Great off the line you can only appreciate this car in the manual instead of the automatic. Takes curves at high speeds like a cat holding on to a tree.
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love the car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By robert bates - April 18 - 10:00 amthe car is every thing i was looking for
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love it & disappointed - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By jacgutz - April 17 - 8:36 amI LUV MY Z, ITS FAST, AN EYE CATCHER, BUT I HATE THE BRAKES. AT 8000 MILES, I ALREADY HAD TO RESURFACE THE ROTORS, THE DEALER DID NOT CHANGE THE PADS, AND IT STILL SQUEAKS!! THEY TOLD ME THAT THE PADS WERE STILL GOOD & ITS ONLY THE GLAZE. BALONEY!!THEY SHOULD OF REPLACED MY PADS TOO!!MY HUSBAND WAS READY TO TRADE IT IN FOR A BMW.I SAID,IT DOESNT HAVE THE LOOK LIKE THIS CAR.SO,I WILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT UNTIL THE BRAKES FALL APART,THEN THE DEALER WILL SAY ITS TIME TO CHANGE THE PADS! BUT HOW FAST CAN YOU GO ON THE 91 FRWY IN CORONA CALIF? MAYBE 10 MPH!!!
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at age 45...350z gets me noticed - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By zgirl - April 11 - 2:00 amthis car is sooooo....sweet....it draws so much attention...people say what the he..is that?? A porsche? I say he..no its a nissan...it drives so great and fun and fast fast fast!!!....it is sooo beautiful...oh my god...when i look in my garage i cant believe its my car!!!
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Nissan 350Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By Jhensley - April 6 - 2:00 amThe car is solid and "tight." It seems to lack some of the power of the older twin turbo 300Z, but ultimately is more fun to drive.
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LOVE IT!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By diana23496 - April 6 - 2:00 amI absolutely love my Z roadster. The handling is fantastic and the get up and go is amazing. There is never a time I go anywhere that heads dont turn and people ask "what are you driving? Man, that is nice!!"
