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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  350Z SPORTS CAR WITH AN AUTOMATIC - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Vicki - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I Love it. A true sports car for everyone. You get incredible styling,power,all the bells and whistles, comfort, luxury in an incredible package all with an Automatic transmission (5spd). You get it all without having to lose the performance and features when you order it with a automatic transmission versus an 6sp manual. I had driven a 2004 Mazda RX-8 and the model with an A/T was doggy and after researching the specs you gave up alot as the vehicle was totally different when equipped with an A/T versus a manual. This drove me to the Nissan 350 Z. I have owned many sports cars and had traded in a Honda S2000 for this 350Z.

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  The BEST of the BEST !!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Ronald Remis - July 30 - 10:00 am

  More Bang for the Buck! I have owned Ferraris, Porsches, Corvettes, Benzs and this new "Z" is simply remarkable!!! Great exterior looks, Dramatic interior, Superb handling, Bose stereo system, Ease of operation drop top and just FUN TO DRIVE! Why spend more and get less?

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  chicks think its cute - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Tim - July 28 - 1:40 am

  I will end up averaging about 1000 miles per month over my first year owning this car. I live in a region with many excellent sports car roads and little severe weather. Twisty mountain roads are the favorite hunting grounds of this predator. Z4, CLK230 and Mustang are its favorite prey. Although its ultimate grip around a corner may not be the king of the hill, it loves the transitions and flies through them with great balance. Feedback to the driver is excellent. I have the 17-inch wheels and they seem to have better comfort than the 18-inch from what I have read. Car makes you feel like you are a much better driver than you are. Moreover, it lets one become a better driver, too.

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  Best Car Yet - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Scotty B - July 19 - 4:33 pm

  Although some may complain about the lack of luggage space or room for more than 2, this car wasnt meant to haul things. It was meant to be driven, and I havent driven anything since that has been as pleasurable as my Z. Not a Mustang GT, WRX, 3 Series (2003), A4, or even a C5 Vette. I even get 23+ mpg in it!

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  FUN - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Bruceco - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I have never been a car enthusiast, that changed as soon as I got behind the wheel and on the road with my roadster, I have the leather/mesh seats, this car makes me FEEL the road, the shifting is so smooth you almost dont need the clutch, need to pass someone? go ahead, make it a boxer too!! Cornering is incredible, Ive actually tried to get the car to skid, nothing doing. 20 seconds to put the top down, yes you can get ooos and ahhhs when you put it down while waiting for the light to change. have fun, I am. Bruce

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  i Love this cAr!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Melissa Tucci - July 18 - 2:00 am

  i love this car!!

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  ZZZZZZZZFUN04 - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By J&RII - July 18 - 2:00 am

  FOUND TO BE A SUPERIOR AUTOMOBILE FOR THE MONEY,GREAT LOOKING,GREAT TO DRIVE,

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  touring vs. track - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By ricerocjoc - July 15 - 8:16 pm

  last year i bought a touring model, i then traded it in on a new track model. aside from the manual trans and the "dreaded" ground clearance...it is almost a perfect car to drive. tight, attractive, responsive and affordable.

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  funcar - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By burton - July 14 - 9:20 pm

  Very fun car to drive, turns alot of heads, seems very safe for a small sports car convertible. Very fast and handling is awesome in the mountains and with top down you cant beat it.

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  The number one sports car of the world.. - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Lao Moua - July 14 - 4:43 am

  This will be the ride of anyones life. Even better then six flags roller coasters.