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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  I finally got a - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By SKS - January 22 - 2:00 am

  After wanting a 240Z back in the 70s, I finally got one, a gift for my 25th wedding anniversary from my husband. The 2004 version of my 70s dream car was definitely worth waiting form. I love it.

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  tw - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By tony W - January 22 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR, SOME OF THE INTERIOR PARTS ARE POORLY DESIGNED AND CHEAP PLASTIC AND VERY FLIMSY

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  The Leyend of Z lives - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Dragon350Z - January 18 - 4:10 pm

  This is a true sports car! The handling is superior and there is plenty of power on tap. My car is a super black enthusiast with the aero package and it looks great. I always get challanged at the light by WRXs, mustangs and even a jaguar and I have to say that they eat my dust! Im pretty sure that a vette and perhaps a 911 will leave me behind, but that I still have to live through.

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  NISMO Z Best Performance Value - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By NISMO Z - January 17 - 10:20 am

  I read the professional reviews by Edmunds and was a little concerned where they stated the car was not a daily driver, etc. I loved the styling much better in person than pictures. The body and added performance bits were for me though. I have been driving the car for a year now (and in the winter with winter tires and different rims) all I have to say is that this is definitely a daily driver car and I live in NE Ohio. The Sport suspension and killer looks never fail to impress. Added the NISMO intake kit and wow what a sound. As good a ride as any performance car. Go figure... It all depends what you like. I have driven 14K miles in this car.

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  350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By darienlim - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car overall! I believe you will enjoy driving it! Three months since I bought it, and still people complementing my 350Z is a nice one!

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  Showing a little age - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By James - January 13 - 1:53 am

  Just hit 57,000 miles. Replaced the original tires with Nittos. Great tire and highly recommended. Had the fuel sensor go out about 5,000 ago. $800 repair. The drivers side window went out 500 miles ago. Other than that I am pleased. 28-30 mpg on highway road trips and no other problems (fingers crossed).

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  Finally a comfortable 2 seater - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By stogie - January 11 - 5:30 am

  Finally a comfortable and performance based two seat roadster belongs to me. Nissan has a sure winner having provided this sweetie with loads of torque, incredible power and good qaulity. I drove the Oregon coast last summer with the top down and it was worth the price of the car. Great automobile!

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  Very satisfied owner - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Steven L. Weinstein - December 29 - 10:00 am

  After owning a Datsun 240 & 260Z back in the early 70s, I was pleased to see the 350Z arrive. The car is everything you can ask for in the price range. Its fun to drive, turns heads everywhere you go and asks to be driven hard. I have had zero complaints and look forward to many, many miles of enjoyable driving.

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  I love it - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Pitlizard - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Traded 1982 280ZX for the new 350Z. Traction control "ON" is a must for normal driving. First year model does have some issues, but Nissan is doing their best to resolve. I am very happy with the response of the 287ph and the 6 Speed is very smooth. Its hard not to punch it every time you get a chance. Handling and performance are outstanding for a $30K true sports car.

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  Guaranteed to put a smile on your face. - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Eric - December 19 - 6:53 pm

  This car will turn heads wherever you go. Little kids, men, women - almost everyone seems to go for the look of the Z. The 350s performance and handling cannot be beat without spending thousands more. The car begs for open road, which sometimes makes me wish I didnt live in DC. I took it out to my friends house in the country last weekend and let him drive it for a while. He got three separate raves on the car in the space of an hour. Of course, he claimed credit by pretending to be the owner. I had to reclaim the drivers seat before his ego burst.