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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  No Longer Needed a Truck - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By EJ - November 17 - 7:16 pm

  Great fun to drive! The car has super handling and accelerates better than expected. I use it as a daily driver to commute about 15 miles to work each way... never looked so forward to driving to work and going home before.

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  My zzzzz - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By JImmy - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE IT. Still turn to look at it as I walk away.

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  Nissan Z Redline Review - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By schumacherboy1 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  It is a fun car to drive and it handles great! It sure is a head turner!

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  I dont want to complain, BUT......... - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By gee-rizz - November 13 - 5:56 am

  Car is great fun to drive, but there have been LOTS of minor issues that negate that - audio system sounds great, but repaired twice (not under warranty); crappy placement of 12V outlet and cup holders (cant use radar detector!!); driver side auto-close window doesnt work, tires replaced twice, thumping passenger-side seatbelt, etc. Anyone owning the 350 certainly recognizes these problems BUT.....to drive this car is to forget these admittedly trivial issues (theyre not that trivial, but I get very forgiving once behind the wheel)........

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  350z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Zpower - November 13 - 2:53 am

  fun fast car to drive...drive it down the 5 and find out yourself

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  Z YUH ! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Tam2uiam - November 11 - 12:33 pm

  Ive only had my 350Z Roadster for 8 months and i have loved every minute of it. It responds awesomely to everything i want it to do. And to think my husband had to drag me to the dealership to give this car a try... I didnt get the soccer mom 4 door I wanted but heck, my kids are old enough to drive and its my turn now! Z YUH !

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  Fast & Furious - If that is ALL you want - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By overlord - November 6 - 4:06 am

  I bought mine new in mid 04 so I actually got the 2004.5 model with the softer suspension. Its been traded in thanks to the cops. It was my 3rd Z car. Downsides: very expensive insurance, NO CARGO SPACE AT ALL. I totally hated the car for that as I am a musician so just forget taking ANYTHING with you. Oh lets not forget unnecessary razzing by the cops (got me jail time!). Interior was well put together, and thought out but littered with cheap plastic. When I traded it in after 3.5 years no one wanted it, and those that did wanted to give me $14k when I paid $40k! Car was in the shop a few with bad rear bearings, leaky rear fluid, tire problems, check engine light, & 2 sets of brakes.

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  Its a blast!!! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By capgun - November 4 - 9:56 pm

  I bought my 05 Z as a CPO with 18k on it in October of 2009. 34k on it now. A windy mountain road will allow you to experience this cars full capabilities. (My wife doesnt tell me to get something practical anymore!) The styling can get you more attention than desired. Ever since I powder coated the wheels black, I get challenged to race every time I take it out. My Z had been trouble free until recently. The left rear wheel bearing went out ($250 fix covered by the CPO warranty) & a short in the dash gauge clusters mother board ($1,100 fix not covered). At such low mileage, even the dealer agreed this is unusual. But every car has its hiccups. Hopefully itll be a while before the next.

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  Z Personal Experience - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Ramon Martinez - October 31 - 6:03 pm

  In my research for sport performance cars back in 2004 the 350Z came out to be my best option over the Mazda RX-8, Mustang GT, Chrysler Crossfire and Honda S2000. The V6 engine with 274 lb- ft of torque and 287 Hp offers around 22 to 23 average mpg which is great for a sport car. Plenty of torque and interior space over Honda S2000. Interior plastic trim tolerances far better over the Mustang GT 2004 model. Interior design is comfortable for adult drivers up to 6 ft tall. The touring model with automatic transmission and traction control is excellent for everyday driving and leverages shifting fun vs. ease of driving.

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  350Z Review after 25,000 miles - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By 350Z Review 12/04 - October 31 - 5:10 pm

  I have owned my 350Z for almost 2 years and drive it on 1-5 hour trips and around town. It is fast and reliable and has never been in the shop except for 1 tire recall (I got 2 new tires after 18,000 miles) and normal maintenance. The Z is fun to drive - the 6 speed makes the experience better. The ride is acceptable for a sports car, the interior is plain, however the outside is still fashionable and the 3.5 L engine is the best. I miss a back seat, but for the price, you get a lot for your money. I call it my poor mans Porsche - I tell my Porsche owner friends that I can buy 2 Zs for the price of 1 Porsche and enjoy it more. You cant go wrong with the price, power, and look.