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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My toy - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Bill McCarthy - January 19 - 7:10 amSaw this black on black Z on the floor and fell in love with it. Took a 2000 mile trip thru eastern Canada in August and car was great. Handling is supberb, ride is what a sportscar is, mileage on trip was as much as 24.5 MPG. Not very good in the snow or wet pavement.
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Too fun to drive - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Pitlizard - January 17 - 10:00 amThe new 350Z is an outstanding sport car to drive. Handling in all situations is excellent, my fuel economy is outstanding at 27-28 mpg. Nissan is correcting all the minor flaws from the first year of production. There are faster cars, but none will handle better for the price offered by Nissan. The 350Z is a true driving experience. Its hard for people not to notice this car, and even harder for the owner get that funny smile of their face... the pitlizard
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The best sports car for its value - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By flipflop214 - January 12 - 10:16 pmBefore buying the Z I test drove the Honda S2K, Mazda RX8, and the BMW Z4. By comparison to all of these cars the 350Z really stood out. The acceleration and torque is much more noticeable than its rivals. The throaty exhaust sounds awesome! There are tons of modifications that you could do to this car! I upgraded the pulleys, exhaust system, intake and wheels (roughly estimating about 5k all together with labor) and this 350Z is ready to compete with the German cars that are twice as expensive! Just get the base model and tune it up to your liking! I love this car even if my wife is asking me to get rid of it to get a German sports sedan! LOL.. NEVER!
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cant get enough! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By bayartist - January 9 - 3:56 pmSpectacular! I was a bit reluctant to buy a 350z at first, of course the performance was great, the look spectacular, but what about the no back seats or the harsh ride. well after about a month or so of driving, i had forgetton about what i might be missing and was concentrating on shifting b4 reaching redline, watch ppl disappear in my rear view and listening to the wonderfully tuned v-6 engine along with with awesome cool sounding bose stereo that comes in the touring model. Also this car gets tons of attention, even though theyve been out for a while, i still get looks cruising along the coast. people treat it, as if its an exotic.
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A true drivers sports car - 2008 Nissan 350Z
By Juancito Gario - January 7 - 11:16 amThis vehicle is the best bang for the buck when it comes to style and performance. I always get thumbs up when I drive through towns or cities. The body style just exhumes class and sportiness and the performance and the car is on par or surpasses vehicles in its price range.
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Fun, Affordable, Head-turner! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By mcnairda - December 31 - 10:00 amI bought this car from a dealer that grabbed it at a dealer auction. It had 12k on it. I had the service bulletins performed to correct the toe settings and some window grease streaks. Other than that, all i do is drive down the road and i get stared at in this car. Its a redline track model and the excitement of this car is believed by many and understood only by those who drive it. The handling and acceleration are next to none. However this is a true muscle car and definitely worth the money. I couldnt be a happier camper. I do feel that the interior lacks a little luxury, but you dont buy a sports car to have a posh interior.
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Just an AWESOME CAR - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By EX-BMW driver - December 31 - 10:00 amLove the car!! Better than a BMW roadster and better on price, performance, and power. Thanks Nissan for making such a superb vehicle.
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CHEVEATR - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By 4SFEDZ - December 12 - 10:00 amA build qaulity like no other,a bold face with legs to match,at an affordable price.The 350zs only downfall is its lacking of a turbo charger,(yet i have gotten around this problem with an aftermarket adaption of a t28 ballbearing turbine and cooler to match, good for 1.3 bar).Not a common vehicle witch attracts plenty of head turns,a classy streetracer with the elloquence no clumsy V8 could ever match.
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Best performance for you money - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By ALFONSO - November 27 - 8:23 pmSo far i have experienced great enjoyments and near death encounters with this vehicle. I take it to the extreme when i run my car in the curvy mountain slopes in hemet, ca.
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Love my Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By humahuma10 - November 23 - 2:00 amI do love to drive my Z. I love how the interior has been layed out and how easy every thing is to use.I would never buy another vehicle without the Nav system now, the ultimate guy tool.I think it gets great gas mileage, I get 25 to 30 miles a gallon, unless Im hitting the gas a little hard for what ever reason. The only complaint so far is the tire noise. At around 8000 mile I started to get the famous 350Z tire noise. I have not taken it in yet but plan to soon.From what I hear,it is a know problem. I have the touring package and for the price, it will be hard to find a nicer sports car..enjoy
