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 is an Adrenaline Rush - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By MACCRAZE - April 29 - 10:36 pm

  Just purchased a new 350Z Conv. and its awesome. The interior design is very simple, which I love about Nissan, not too little, not too much. When I heard this car crank up for the 1st time, I thought I was going to start salavating. All in all, I love that "WOOM" sound it makes. The engine just barks at you and Im a 30 yr old female. The salesman said I could get a turbo put on it. I told him, he was insane. Thats asking for trouble. Best sports car for the money!

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  z4me - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By z4me - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I have never had a car with the ability to attract so many people. I get questions from people all the time. They even flag me down when Im driving down the road. The car is a true sports car. It doesnt have earth shattering speed however it really does hawl butt. I love it and it is truly a real trip to drive. Well done Nissan!

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  Fun and Reliable - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Teri - April 25 - 10:53 am

  The automatic/manual shift gives me flexibility for the road type. This car starts and stops precisely. After 4 years, I still enjoy driving it. People are always asking about the cars speed and agility. It draws a lot of attention. And its FUN.

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  Hot Tamale - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By R.E.T. - April 20 - 5:56 am

  Test drove every Roadster under $60K before buying; narrowed field to Boxster, Z4, 350Z. Though Ive always driven German, found myself returning again & again to the Nissan. Quicker (no turbo lag!) & more powerful than my 04 250HP Audi TT Roadster, handles/corners better, too. However, TT had better quality materials (interior dash & console, exterior paint, etc.). TTs (Bose) sound system far superior to 350Zs (also Bose). Z system surprisingly tinny & weak. 350Z top drops & stows quickly and effortlessly -- action is smooth as silk. Looks, performance, power, price, fun-factor combined; 350Z cant be beat. Seriously fun to drive & a real head-turner (especially in red!)

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  The Truest Sports Car at a Bargin Price - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By SIMON SIONI - April 18 - 7:26 pm

  Incredible value! New & improved, even more powerful V6 Engine; Hood Design; 7500 RPM Redline; Bluetooth now available; Improved switch visibility (example; Open/Close - Top).

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  2007 350Z touring - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By David Colas - April 18 - 4:06 pm

  Very happy with the car, comfort gets an "8" because of road noise. but overall very happy with the car, had owned a 71, 240Z, a 77, 280Z, and an 86, 300ZX, by far this is much more car.

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  Blast to drive - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Jedi Z - April 18 - 11:16 am

  This has to be the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. Sure, its small and other cars are a little faster but the combination of Japanese quality and unique styling make a true winner.

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  Truely Awesome Pure Sports Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By FLPNOUT - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Within the last 4 years I have gone from/owned a 3000GT, S2000, BMW 325CIC, Acura CL, and BMW 330CI. But none of those cars have full-filled my need for speed and handling until I test drove & purchased my 2004 Redline Touring 350Z roadster fully loaded. This car is the most thrilling car that I have ever driven and believe that I will actually keep this car as a classic! You definately get a lot of head turning, excellent performance, and bang for the bucks! This is a keeper. I now feel insecure leaving my car in a public parking lot due to the amount of onlookers that leave finger prints!!

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  350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Dr Joseph Barrett - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car for the money....

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  Get One Now!!! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By ZM@N - April 2 - 4:56 am

  I have owned several Zs from 280Z- 300ZX, of all models this one is it, it handles better than any other affordable car on the road and just as good as the $50,000 cars out there. Take a drive to Lake Berryessa in the Napa Valley and I guarantee you will be driving up those curves every weekend!!