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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  Love My Car! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Heidi Kolb - July 8 - 11:16 pm

  In the past 10+ years Ive had the opportunity to own some really great high performance cars: corvettes, mercedes, BMWs. This little Nissan is by far my favorite car of all time! It fits me like a glove and is a blast to drive! In a few of the other high performance cars I was not as comfortable with the drive or the performance. This car truly feels like an extention of me. It also attracts some attention which is always fun! I love the fact that I see very few other Nissan 350Z Convertibles when I am out ~ and there seems to be a corvette or BMW at every corner. It is really fun to drive something that looks and feels special. I plan to keep this car for a very long time.

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  Heaven, Again! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Wanda - July 5 - 10:46 am

  Driving the new 350Z is truly like being in heaven again. I havent had a Z car since 1981 and this car is definitely worth the wait. Not only is she absolutely beautiful in design, but her performance makes driving fun...again!

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  great "Z" - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By william b - July 4 - 10:43 am

  a much harder drive than i expected the lights do not go on when you start the car but the car is fun to drive and i am getting 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the road

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  LOTZFUN - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Dave Craik - July 3 - 9:03 am

  Well, I sold a 65 GTO and bought this one. Does that speak volumes? The fit and finish inside and out is very good. No rattles (roadster),power top works perfectly and fast. The car IS quick ... as fast (0-60) as my Tri-Power GTO. Also, it performs just fine on REGULAR gas! Ive taken out new Honda Civics with after market additions on them. I love to see their faces when they finally come along side me to see a SENIOR CITIZEN has "flashered" them! They usually give me a "thumbs up"

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  fair weather car - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By xxxxx - July 2 - 1:20 pm

  My son owns a brand new 350z which he purchased in nov of last year The mileage at this time is very low based on the following. If anyone would have explained up front that the car is terrible in snow,ice and rain I am sure he would have looked elsewhere for a vehicle. The car it self is beautiful, however when you can only drive it on a dry day it really take the fun and enjoyment out of the car. With the weather we have had over the past few months, he has been forced to take my car instead of his. This is the only way he could get to work, as his z had to stay in the drive way.

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  Love my Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Aquia - July 2 - 4:46 am

  Beautiful responsive automobile. Can take the full clover exit at speeds that would put all except the Z & Vette into the rail. Just crank the wheel and give it slight acceleration, pay attention though, ya gotta straighten the wheel out in short order at the end of the clover!!

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  Great and fun car - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By collmurphy - June 25 - 5:22 pm

  Bought this car in early 2013, with 130k miles. A lot of miles, but the car looked too good to give up. Had it for almost 6 months already and nothing has been wrong with the car. Accelerates fast, great bose stereo, and overall a super fun car to just haul butt in. Get a lot of compliments on it as well. Great car for the price!!

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  Love my 350Z !!! - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Fred B. - June 13 - 6:13 pm

  This is my 2nd Z (owned a 280Z for 11 years) and I am so impressed with the performance, beauty and quality of this vehicle. I get many compliments wherever I go on the styling and black appearance. The Bose sound system rocks. I really believe the value compared to other similar sports cars (i.e 3.5L V6 DOHC variable timing, suspension) is outstanding.

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  My Fairlady - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By 06fairladyz - June 10 - 10:26 am

  Ive had my Z for 6 months now and it runs great. It gets quite a bit of attention anywhere you go. Ive had lot of compliments on how good the car looks more than anything. Most people who dont know about the car think its a $40,000-$60,000 car... I guess it does look that good :) Thats one of the main reasons why I decided to purchase this car over others.

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  z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By aldawg - June 5 - 2:00 am

  very happy with this vehicle. performance, handling, interior and exterior is great