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:

• 

  Mixed Emotions - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Zippy350Z - August 15 - 6:40 pm

  When I first got this car, I was astounded. It always got my adrenaline going, but now it raises my blood pressure. Enjoy the paint while you can, it wont last. Mine has chips all over the front of it and its barely 8 months old!! The cup holders are flimsy, so dont expect to put a big gulp in one. The Bose stereo is okay, but there is definitely better sounding systems on the market.

• 

  How i like it. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Tyler Sather - August 9 - 9:00 pm

  This vehicle has bad comfort after your sitting in it for 2-3 hours. Performance is really good.I wouldnt sell it for a new corvette.

• 

  "Z" owner - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By wowweee - July 31 - 10:00 am

  unbelievable car for the price and performance level. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a great car.

• 

  350z roars - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By john m van zandt - July 31 - 10:00 am

  i cant fault this car except for passenger storage space and small trunk. found it to be more roomy and comfortable than experts rate it. it is one of four cars and i just love it..

• 

  My Deep Blue Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By atomicdog - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great performance for this affordable sports car. Tight handling and excellent acceleration.

• 

  fun car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Mon and Jim - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The car is fun to drive, turns a lot of heads, and people who own other sport cars love to compete with the Nissan. Most everyone loves the car. My husband will sneak the car out of the garage and take it to work before I wake up!!!

• 

  Unnatural Love - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Jason Langford - July 31 - 6:43 am

  I have an unnatural love for this car! This is the first car Ive owned that truly makes driving an exhilarating experience. It provides ample leg and head room for those of us who are 6 (or taller). I am able to see out and around the car very easily, unlike other roadsters I drove. The convertible top is a breeze to operate and goes through its whole cycle in 20 seconds flat. The manual mode is really handy for keeping the wheels on the ground around tight curves and corners and to keep the car under control through those pesky school zones. I would highly recommend this car. A great performance car, with great style at a great price. Gotta go! Places to go, Porsches to pass.

• 

  350Z first timer - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Gito - July 19 - 10:00 am

  The Z experience has been an adventure everyday. I love the feel of the car, the way it handles in every situation. I can say my major disappointment has been with the paint on the car. I have Pikes Peak White and have already had one repaint - damage done at delivery to me, and ready for a second due to rock pings going to metal. I have had to replace my tires and brakes because of poor quality. The engine is amazing. I hate the dealership that I purchased this car from ABC Nissan Phoenix, AZ. It will definitely deter me from buying another vehicle from them. A 2006 is a must have for me! Bad dealer/service department-- amazing car!

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By San Diego Man - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Didnt realize driving could be so much fun. Previously drove an 2001 Acura CL, and was considering a 2005 Acura TL or a Honda S2000. Test drove the 350Z and was captivated. Constantly turns heads and turns my head every time I walk away from it. If you want sports car, this is the one.

• 

  Mom got a sports car - kids got a Rav4 - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Deborah Gray - July 8 - 5:16 am

  After driving the slow moving and top heavy Rav 4, I donated to my teenagers and bought out a lease on this lovely silver, gray 350Z Touring Coupe with every possible accessory including tiptronic automatic. It accelerates well, handles beautifully and looks great. Need to get a satellite radio installed and it will be perfect.