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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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By rioleck - March 27 - 1:59 pm

  Ive owned this car for about 1.5 years so far and have driven it over 30k miles. It has been both a daily driver to work and used on 1000 mile trips. The car handles very well with good acceleration and braking. Overall this is a comfortable car for me at 61". The seats hug you so you dont feel like sliding out of your seat around sharp turns. There is now over 120k miles on the car and it still drives very smooth with zero problems.

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  350Z touring - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By dr eyes - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun by the barrelful. Site lines are poor especially with the top up. Interior is without storage spaces but overall a great experience. This is our third Z.

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  gggrrreeeeaaaattttttt - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By lanieg - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Im always getting compliments even from owners in more expensive cars.

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  Not that Great - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By SNOREZZZZZZZZZ - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The car is nice inside and out. THe stereo BOSE dont waste your money on it, NO GOOD. The front end tires have been re alligned twice now and still hear road roar and noise. Pesonally would not recommend or buy another Nissan again GOOD LUCK

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  awesome car! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By jjorgemiami - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is great, powerful, handles like a dream, and loads of fun to drive. The interior is comfortable, sporty and neat. The exterior is sleek and smooth.

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  zzzeriffic sport car! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By RWDoll - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Have owned the 240, 280, and 300. This is the GREATEST of all.

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  Just plain fun and fast - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By dcsinc99 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The dealer has treated me great. The car out performs my expectation. I have a little problem with the navigator and the currency of the DVD disk. Still working on solving that problem. The jury is still out.

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  After 4 years, still turns my own head - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Christine - March 16 - 2:30 am

  After having driven my Toyota Celica 293,000 miles without a single problem short of a flat tire one time, I decided to get another awesome looking car in a convertible. This car rocks! i have had it for 4 years now with no downtime, incredible handling, solid feel and performance on all kinds of surfaces, turns, and weather. My only complaint is the interior paint on the door peels off easily. Dashboard and controls are friendly, well-placed for real driving. Cockpit is made for comfort and incredibly body-friendly even on long drives. I drove this car along Rt 66 starting from Phila, through Chicago and to Southern california and it was a comfort rocket all the way & great fuel economy

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  Z-YA Later - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Mike - March 14 - 10:33 pm

  The best sports car if you cant afford a Porsche 911. Boxsters dont count, there not a real Porsches!

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  350Z, The best performer on the lot - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By SkimboardDude03 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  over all exellent car. A fast,sleek look gives the 350z a dominating look to any one who stares at it. Good handleing, nice smooth ride, and, pettal to the metal performance. this car is a lot better looking than the G35. this car is the best one on my lot!