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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  Great Fun in the Sun - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Charlie - May 29 - 12:31 pm

  Love this car. This is my third Z. I think it is the best. Only problem area is small -- the doors will not stay open. Replacing the door stops at a dealership cost $250. Update: got the door problem fixed at dealership. $250.

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  Fun 2-Seat Coupe - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By No Business Of Yours - May 26 - 2:16 pm

  Bought one used after deciding I needed a new car. Went with the 350Z rather than a WRX or S2000 simply because its sexier than the Subaru and more muscular that the S2000. Been extremely satisfied so far. Drives like a dream, hugs through corners without a complaint, tranny is relatively solid though clunky, and even gets decent MPG for a sports car. Definitely turns heads, especially with the Solar Orange paint, as its more rare to see than the likes of Mustangs and Camaros. My only serious complaint so far is the interior quality -- the black paint- like surfaces are easily scratched up. The interior more or less looks like a cheaply constructed cockpit.

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  Best Japanese Sports Car Ever - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Dolemite - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt even going to test drive this car after being anti-Japanese sports cars my whole life (always thought copied European designs and watered the character down). I was blown away by the Z. Great driving position, a transmission and steering with true feel, and excellent brakes too. Almost bought an M3 before driving this. Any real driver would be crazy not to take this car over a beefed up sedan that costs 20 grand more.

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  Outstanding! - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By RTLBT - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought used 1 owner only 7858 mi! Has all warranties. What a car! Had a 280z, no comparison, but I loved it. No nit-picks (like telescoping steering wheel). Have had several sport cars, this one is it! So easy to drive, do not get tired after 3 hrs, like my Chevy, must be the seats. Mileage is great for this h. P., 21-24 mpg like book says, but did get 26 mpg at 75 mph. Love to clean it and feel fine lines of car, I know, Im a nut case.

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  Z lover - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By G.F.Paolini - May 15 - 3:26 am

  You get a safe feeling when in the Z.It feels like your driving a much heavier vehicle.It hugs the road on tight turns and steers like a go-cart- that is very responsive!

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  The Z gets it right - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By cooper1970 - May 8 - 6:33 am

  My GT finally arrived last week, and Ive been spending the past week driving it around town. Best car Ive ever driven, and for the money, the best deal. I love this car!!!

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  Road Noise a REAL PROBLEM! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Zster - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Z new in March of 2003. The dealership (Thopmson Nissan in Doylestown, PA) is the best in terms of service which is why I bought it there.The problem is inherent in the vehicle though. Ever since I bought it, I get so much excess road noise, from the car being inherently out of alignment, that its just not as fun to drive as I thought it would be. In fact thousands of Z owners have the same opinion who have 2003 year models.

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  awesome - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By chris shirley - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive Excellant Handleing Great exhaust note!! Great power band

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  2007 350Z Touring - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By David - April 30 - 4:03 pm

  I have had some issues with the clutch which I have had to take back to the dealership for warranty repair. The clutch was sticking to the floor. They fixed it, but it still grinds when trying to shift into 2nd, 5th, and 6th gear too fast. So I still need to find the time to get that fixed. Other than that, I love the car.

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  The Most Fun to Drive for under 30,000 - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Erich Wolmart - April 22 - 7:33 pm

  It is an awsome vehicle, I trade my 1998 740il rocket for this and the only thing i realy miss is the interior space. But I will buy another one in a hartbeat.