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:
Showing 941 through 950 of 1,005.00-
Nice! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Pete Zahut - October 12 - 2:00 amIts a great car!
-
Hot Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Greg in WestTX - September 22 - 2:00 amHot Car, Rally fun to drive. Everyone looks at the car going down the road.
-
da bomb - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By lil pada - September 22 - 2:00 amvehicle is awesome and is the best thing i have ever driven or ridden in
-
Looks Great but too many problems - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By ylewis - September 16 - 2:00 amI love the look of the car but with the problems experienced with tire feathering, faulty front cup holder and rattling sounds when idle Id NEVER purchase the car again. No glove compartment and limited trunk space. This was my first Nissan and my last.
-
350Z Review - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Dr. Jones - September 16 - 2:00 amWell besides the fact that the car isnt very well in the snow, on regular dry pavement this car is a blast. It handles corners really well and the accelleration is great. Owning other sports cars in the past the seats have never been comfortable on long trips, but the 350Z seat are very comfortable. The rear window is a little difficult to see out of but after a little time you get used to it. All in all, this is just begs to driven more and more.
-
goes like hell - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By dr. eyes - September 16 - 2:00 amBacking up is an experience. Goes like hell. Interior has no space. Still goes like hell. Great value for the money.
-
Ya Gotta Love It! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By dfkelley - September 10 - 4:43 amI love this car. I owned a 260z when "much" younger and have craved the rush over the years. The interior does not have storage but it is made up for with the way it handles and the design turns heads everywhere I go! I would recommend this car to anyone wanting a true "sports" car.
-
VERY fun car - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By mike - September 3 - 1:00 pmexcellent performance! Gas mileage very good for such power. Interior construction a little average compared to most foreign cars. Looks better with the top down. 156MPH more than anyone should use; but very fun to drive. Handles like a true sports car should. Off the showroom floor just a very hot car!!!
-
The best sports car for your money. - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By John Lei - August 26 - 8:36 pmThe scrumptious little Z is back with a vengeance. This bad boy comes with a 3.5 v6 287hp (300 standard on 2005 models). The track model is an even better model than the rest for its lightweight forged wheels, vdc, brembo brakes, and underchin spoiler and rear spoiler. With a price of only $34,000 you cannot go wrong. The interior is a little bland but this is a real sports car remember? You bought this car not for the economical use but for the raw power and great suspension. This great coupe has one of the best suspension set ups Ive ever encountered. This is the budget mans Japanese porshe in my opinion. But they put in 5-10 grand and it is just as fast or even faster than a porsche.
-
Awesome Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By azjimbo - August 17 - 10:00 amThis is the 4th Z I have owned and have loved every one.My last Z was a 1990 300Zx and I thought that car turned heads.It is amazing the looks you get in this car.The 1st day I purchased the car people stooped me to look at the car.The 1st time I washed the car 4 people came and looked at the car.When you add up price,performance,handling and styling I believe the Z takes a back seat to no car on the road.It is the best bang for the buck.
