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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Awesome with the top down - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By thornick - April 13 - 10:00 amThis car feels much, much bigger than it looks! The ride is so solid and strong you forget you are in a two seater. The weight (400lbs heavier than a coupe) influences some of this feeling. The car is quiet with the top up and very wind resistant with it down and windows up. It handles extermely well. Power is strong after about 20 mph. A pleasure to drive!
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Perfect!!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Daniel Chaney - April 8 - 10:00 amThe experiece you get with a Z is like none other. The feeling you get as you accelerate past other vehicles is an incredible feeling. Its not the fastest car out there by far. But it feels damn good when you push that gas pedal. The style is very unique and so is the car considering how many were built.
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Truely a pleasure - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By chademerick01 - April 1 - 3:07 amWell, the very fact that I am taking the time a. sign up for edmunds & b. to review a vehicle, pretty much sums it up- either a great car or Im very upset. The 350z is amazing.. I also own a Honda civic (great car), but I havent been able to get out of the Z yet. This car makes you feel like a champion every time you drive it. I honestly would sleep in it if I could. Looks good, sounds freakin awesome (class leading exhaust in my opinion- leave it stock!!), and performs & handles like a dream. Highly recommend- coming from a bang for your buck kind of guy.. Also, Nissan is a reliable engine, what more is needed?
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fun for less money - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By tulsajim - March 24 - 1:20 amI just bought this so this is 1st impression. I had a 280zx & currently have a bmw Z3 which I love & will keep. 350 z is a beautiful Daytona blue, fast enough & more comfortable than when I drove one in 2003. Compared it to MB slk350 & bmw 3 series convertible. I like it better & $25,000 less than MB.
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My third Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By Patrick - March 20 - 6:10 pmThis is my third Z and have been driving them for over 24 years. They keep getting better. My current 2005 anniversary 6 speeder is the best yet. The car has character and class in styling, handling, mechanical performance and most of all pride in ownership. These cars just feel and fit right, like slipping on a leather glove. The road handling characteristics on twisting roads shows balance and stability which gives the driver confidence to negotiate the next tighter turn. Its an adrenalin rush for a fair price.
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Unreal - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By Chase Link - March 18 - 10:00 amBoxter? Eclipse? Celica? WRX? As far as 99% of reviews and forums are concerned, the 350z, with the proper driver of course (me), this set of prey will be eatin alive by my 350. Especially with just a few modifications to the intake and exhaust, pushing the powerful V6 to close to 300 horses and over 290 torque, they will be nowhere in sight.
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In love with Z - for performance & looks - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By NY sportsdriver - March 17 - 9:33 pmCouldnt be happier with my Z - has testosterone and class, with better performance & lower price than BMW Z3, Audi TT or Porsche Boxter. Acceleration & handling are excellent, and especially smooth at 80 - 100 mph. Leather interior & Bose soundsystem are sophisticated & sporty. Could use better use of glove box & trunk space, but you dont buy these for carrying capacity. Great low-end torque blows by Mustangs & Kompressors alike. Coupe quieter than convertable - for performance lovers....
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Beautiful! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Mark - March 16 - 1:30 amI have owned an MX6 and a GTO (1966) as well as a couple of Vets and and MGB. By far the greatest driving vehicle I have ever had the pleasure to drive is this 350Z. It drives like a cloud.. so responsive.. you almost think it through the turn. Truly a wonderful automobile!
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fun ride - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By jerros - March 13 - 3:40 amI just got my 350Z,black convertible and Im very happy with it. It is very fun to drive and very good looking. I like how it handles. And the taking the top up and down is fully automatic and it only takes about 20 secs. awesome......
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Best sports car in its class. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Zcarnut - March 12 - 8:53 pmThis is my 7th Z car and the first I could AFFORD to buy new (I was too young to afford the $45k for a Twin Turbo in the early/mid 90s). The power is great,excellent handling,shifts nice,very good brakes and a decent ride for the type car it is.Interior quietness is good but you get some tire noise on certain roads.The stereo is mediocre at best.Even the pricer Bose system in Touring models is a letdown. Great car to get next to Lancer Evos,RX8s and S2000s with.The fantastic lowend repsonse assures many stoplight victories compared to most of its competitors requiring high RPM clutch drops. The Enthusiast model is the best value IMO. So much more value than the pricer Euro sports cars.
