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:

• 

  Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Alans - June 21 - 10:53 pm

  At age 52 this is the most fun car I have ever driven.

• 

  wow - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By lukey germyn - June 20 - 11:03 pm

  this auto is great. love to drive it. what fun and power. if you drive it youll love it.

• 

  Great Fun Car - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Al Johnson - June 19 - 1:10 pm

  A very nice, quality, fun car to drive. It has great looks, great handling, and great quality. I rate it A +.

• 

  awesome car!! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Petunyaone - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Best sports car Ive owned!

• 

  One fine convertible - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By walywrld - June 7 - 5:30 am

  I did a lot of research before buying this car and it paid off. This is one outstanding car which I am completely satisfied with. It is more enjoyable than I expected. The power is awesome, it drives great, is great for weekend road trips, the steering is dead on, exceptional driving experience. I find it quiet for a convertible, quieter cruising at highway speeds than its competitors. I find the seats comfortable and supportive, it is cozy but it is a 2 seat sports car, what does one expect? I have taken several long trips in the car and find it comfortable on the road. I can drive all day and am not tired and "beaten". Overall, the Z is well laid out and comfortable.

• 

  Nissan lost my business - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Exit Nissan - June 5 - 2:20 am

  Build quality is the worst Ive ever seen. 2,000 dollars in rotor work before the car had 18,000 miles on it. Window stuck, trans was a mess and the list goes on. New tires on the front at 8,000, 12,000 and 16,000 miles. The best deal I ever made was selling it. Ill never buy a Nissan again nor will any of the 47 family members who drive by Nissan. HUGE disappointment...

• 

  my opinion - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By vap - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This car gets more fun every time I drive it.

• 

  Awesome - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Cade - May 24 - 10:00 am

  The car is a dream to drive, and handles like no other. Nissan really built the car right, it has a very strong construction. However driving in the snow....not happening

• 

  Awesome roadster - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By drum99drum - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is the most awesome performance car I have ever owned. My Trans Am was fast but too heavy, my Audi was under powered and my Volvo too sparse. This car tops all and is a hoot to drive.

• 

  Hello Lover!!! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Connie - May 17 - 9:33 pm

  I have loved the Z for years, and when the new body style came out I had to have one. It is absolutely amazing!!! I constantly get comments on the looks of the car, and every time I drive it, it is such an amazing experience!! Wish everyone could experience such a sports car. You look at the car and just say to yourself "HELLO LOVER"!!!