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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  Best Car Ive every owned - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Mike the Car Guy - June 4 - 6:56 pm

  I cant say enough about this car! I was apprehensive at first because it was so reasonable, pricewise, compared to other true sports cars, but it has proved to be the best auto decision Ive every made. Heads turn everywhere I go. The styling is just timeless. The engine is absolutely silky smooth upon acceleration, and the car sticks to the road like velcro! Nissan could easily charge more for this car!!

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  Z Lover for life!!!! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By zprincess - May 28 - 4:55 am

  Purchased a 2005 Z Roadster Enthusiast with 91k miles. It was in good condition (better than most I saw). The performance/engine are in excellent condition. My husband is doing some interior work. This car will look new come this weekend. I LOVE THIS CAR! I have never owned a Z. I hated driving, it was something I had to do. Now I drive for no reason at all. I never imagined a 9 year old beauty would make everyday so much better! Even at its age no one can guess how old it is. They stare at this car! Its Chrome Silver Metallic with the burnt orange seats (love those). The speed, handling, appearance, EVERYTHING is 5 plus stars. Get ready for compliments. One of the best made cars EVER!

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  350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By nleegunn - May 26 - 10:00 am

  FUN CAR TO DRIVE

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  Fun To Drive - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Jim Valenti - May 6 - 10:00 am

  It is a great day, regardless of the weather. Either wet or dry the 350 holds the road suprisingly well. I absolutely have no fear driving my Z when the road is wet considering all of that power just under my right foot.

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  Beats the Family Truckster - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By lsadams - April 24 - 2:00 am

  A very enjoyable car to pamper and then drive like I was a kid. Tight ride, sneaky fast, but not a Vette off the line. Wish I lived where I could drive it all year round. After all the work and family cars, this is a real kick to drive without cleaning out the bank.

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  A to Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Scooter-ZRD - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a lot of cars over the years and my 350Z Roadster is without a doubt the most fun car Ive ever owned and drove! Great acceleration, cornering, and looks to boot! Who could ask for anything more? One area that I would like to see Nissan improve upon is the interior material. More use of leather would be nice.

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  What a Ride - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Sammy 12 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I took delivery on 12/24/03. The first thing I notice was how tight the car was and how good the ride was. Put the top down, turned on the heated seats and went driving. I received thumbs up everywhere I went. This is one fun and well built car.

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  I LOVE MY NISMO - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By NISMO 1441 - April 18 - 1:30 am

  If I had to give up my wife of 20 years or NISMO.....oh thatd be tough...That end of the day experience of crawling in the cockpit and ZZZZing up that engine is like therapy. I wanted an 08 before the styling changed...beautiful curves, not a bad angle to the car. Walked in to a dealer on V-day 09 ready to check out the 09s, not really in the market and there was 08 1441 sitting on the floor with $26,500 on the windshield. Are you serious???? Pack it up....and drove it off the showroom floor. My wife looked at it and said, thats all bad, hence my plates "ALL BAD."

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  Nismo Tracked - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Tony - April 14 - 11:23 pm

  I thought the pricing was about right on my new Nismo, until i got it on the track. What a deal for this car. The car handled very well at full steam even being heavy. The new handling package on the Nismo was fantastic. I have raced professional and know the difference between a car that handles and a car that does not. If they could add another say 75-100 hp it would be perfect. I recommend this car as a true value in a market full of over priced sports cars.

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  the best car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jeffrey baker - April 13 - 10:00 am

  i love that car. when i get on a straight away with no cars it has the best speed. i accelerates very fast. i would not give that car up for anything