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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  beautiful but uncomfortable - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By stox29 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful, fast, excellent fit and finish,lots of looks. However, gas peddle is too far to the right for me and edge of seat digs into my thigh. Very uncomfortable in about 1/2 hour of driving.Im 175 lbs and 6 ft tall. No fat butt.Sitting on piece of 2" foam rubber now. Seems to help.

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  Best Car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Frosty - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this car one of the best i have ever driven it is the perfect car for anybody looking for a racing car.

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  350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ~mK~ - February 10 - 10:00 am

  OH my goodness this car is soooo awesome. Nissan makes really wonderful car. This car is so smooth and sporty. I was driving 120 it just felt like I was flying. No air noise no bumps... this car is soooo great.

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  The Best in Its Class - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Happy Owner - February 9 - 5:23 am

  A joy to drive on CA expressways and country roads. Quick acceleration and handling tops.

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  The Greatest of the Great 350z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Bells ARE RINGING - February 4 - 10:00 am

  The turning power! I LOVE IT! sHE HUGS THE CORNERS

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  mid-life crisis - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By buck81 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  when my oldest child turned 16 and could drive the other two, it was time to turn in the 5 series bmw and go back to a two seater. its fast, fun and always gets a comment, even at gas stations. im enjoying it but my 46 year old back is telling me im not a kid anymore! it is rough on the back but all in all, not a bad trade off for all the positives of ownership.

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  The last car Ill ever buy. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By msimon - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Roomy interior gives one the sense of driving a full size auto ie. plenty of leg room, head room and view of the road. Drives like a true sports car should. Great handling, no slop in the steering. Holds the road goes where you point it. Instant power no hesitation at all gears. Very smooth breaking. I take the top down even when it is 35 degrees outside and feel nice and comfortable. Very quiet when the top is up. Havent had any blind spot problems. Going to do a route 66 experience this summer with my wife.Trunk space will be more than sufficient, just plan on sneakers and jeans. Sound system is first rate even with top down and cruising.

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  New Z Owner Impressions - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Kangster - January 27 - 5:10 pm

  After thinking long and hard about it, I decided to get this car over the Subaru WRX STI. I dont have kids yet and when I do, I know I wont be getting another sports car until theyve grown. Ive had it for about 2 weeks now and am very pleased. There is no Performance model for the 2006 model year, I guess they wanted to sell more Track models, but by far I think this has the best features (DSC, VDC, auto-dimming mirror) for the price (dont need to pay for leather, bad bose stereo, stock GPS etc). For those who want more HP out of this thing its fairly easily done with aftermarket performace parts like a twin turbo. Ive seen you can get it to 500HP if you really wanted to.

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  Amazing Vehicle for the Price! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Beth - January 26 - 9:43 pm

  I purchased this car last week, and I couldnt be more impressed! Its the most perfect blend of performace and elegance. Nissan got it right when they went back to their roots and introduced the new and improved Z; its the affordable, but high performance sports car its ancestors were known for. Its sleek lines and stealth performace are superior most other cars in its price bracket.

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  DZ - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Dan Zeiders - January 24 - 10:13 am

  This car is incredible. I grew up with the Z car and this is a great addition to the improving line from Nissan. Without even pushing the car, I have come to respect what it can really do. This is not made for going through the drive thru or strapping on a bike rack, it simply performs. Young kids today buy cheap cars and sink money into them that only makes them sound horrible. This car sounds great and blows all the little tin cans away.