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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The Z almost right - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Matt_S - September 11 - 12:36 pmEverything about the Z is great except.... They still havent fixed the tire feathering problem on the 2004, I just turned 10,000 miles and I have the problem. If you search the web a bunch of people still do. Nissan still does not have a proper fix yet. Also Im disappointed that the base model doesnt come with cruise control. A 27,000 dollar vehicle should come with cruise, Im sure it was some jerk in the marketing department who took it off of the base model so people would have to play the extra 2k to get the enthusiast model. Other than that it has been a great car. But I will not put tires on it every 8k miles. Nissan YOU NEED TO FIX THIS!
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simply the BEST - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By glen perkins - September 10 - 11:33 pmThe Nissan 350Z will be a classic. It is the most watched car in my town. I love the material used for the interior. The roadster has the top down in 20 seconds. There is very little wind inside the cockpit with the top down. Even with temps as low as 40 degrees I am still comfortable.
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Right Choice - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By ken - September 9 - 6:33 pmWaited for 2005 model to work bugs out. Great Car! Find a crooked road and go nuts. Love the sound of the engine and how smooth it winds out. This car will make you find a way to go driving. And the dealer gave me a terrific price!!
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Nissan failed to act - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By bikerjesse - September 5 - 2:00 amLOVE my z! Nissan should have listened to buyers of 03s re the HORRIBLE radio. Some wind noise at high speeds, but this is not a Mercedes. Fun to drive, looks GREAT! $30k cars should come with decent radios.
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consumer - 2007 Nissan 350Z
By hani - September 4 - 6:23 pmIt is nice to drive, has a strong engine, is stable with speed good transmission. gets reasonable gas mileage
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lots of car for the money! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By neilAnnis - August 30 - 2:00 amthis car is really designed for the driving enthusiast. There is very little storage room. It performs terribly in the snow. You can only accommodate one other passenger. But...if you want to drive, have fun, feel the power, and do it in great style, this is the car for you. YAAHOOO!! Great sound system too!!!
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I love this car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Jerome Deutsch - August 30 - 2:00 amThis car is a great buy for what you get. With the available drop top on the roadster, and an available 300hp v8. For 36,000- WOW!
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Return of the affordable Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By 3fiveohz - August 30 - 2:00 amIm a long time Z fan and after getting a second car that has space I traded in my 03 A4. I should have bought this car a year ago but waiting a year was probably a good choice so Nissan could find the bugs. Power, handling, looks, and Japanese build make this thing worth the money. I would suggest looking into the Track model since upgrading the brakes is $5K alone and the light weight wheels will set you back another $3K. Im extremely happy with the Enthusiast Model.
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WHAT A BEAUTY - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By NISSAN NORM - August 30 - 2:00 amJust got this car about a month ago, and it is as much fun as you want, but it looks even better. Everybody looks at this car when your on the road. Its comfortable for a non luxury car, AND THE CONVERTIBLE IS A REAL BONUS. It handles like a dream. This is my toy fun car and it really lives up to my expectations. My neighbors asked me if it was a Porshe! (At a third of the cost!!)
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My second 350Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By Natasha - August 29 - 6:30 pmYou get the true sports car feeling when driving. I love the highway gas mileage! My second 350Z.
