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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What a CAR!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Fast pilot. - April 5 - 10:00 amReally, this was a dificult desition for my to buy this car here in Mexico City, since the streets aren´t very "smooth going".. This car handles, delivers power, and accelerate in a very impressive way. Although we have VERY bumpy roads, the shocks and every part of the suspension behaves INCREDIBLE. CONGRATULATIONS NISSAN..
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My overall opinion of the 2006 350z - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By Terrence - April 5 - 12:46 amThe 2006 Touring edition is far better than the 2003 i owned. This vehicle handles very well in corners as well as rapid acceleration in 3rd and 4th gear. The transmission or clutch is a lot less jerky than the 2003 model. Its a smoother ride when shifting. This car rolls extremely well at speeds above 120mph. You wouldnt believe the speed you are going. Its a quiet ride at that speed. This is an awesome sports car.
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Excellent Vehicle - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By dsw - April 1 - 10:40 pmI have had this car for three years. The only problem I have had with it was the tire misalignment that they had with the first year vehicles. Nissan replaced the tires and corrected the alignment after two years of driving for no charge. It is very fun to drive with ample power. Mountain roads are a blast, if traffic cooperates.
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Its been fun, but.... - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By Z_Owner - April 1 - 10:16 pmIve had my manual 2006 350Z Touring Convertible for 4 years, been fun but expected higher quality & reliability for $40k. Good-Fun car to drive, great styling, always turns heads. Good power, good mileage. I dont drive it very hard, its a commute vehicle, but have pushed the speed and cornering a few times and had a blast. Bad-The stock tires had to be replaced after 26k miles ($700). Constant reliability problems (not including small items under $50), in a short 4 years, Ive experienced a cracked drive shaft, cracked convertible top, bubbled coating on both door handles, failed convertible top mechanism, belt replacement after 2.5 years, interior paint degrading & peeling off
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My 350Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
By archduke - March 30 - 2:00 amIwanted a car that would turn heads and give me a thrill when I drove it. The 350Z does all that and more!
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its all in the details - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By 14u2env - March 24 - 2:00 amOverall not satisfied with the 04Z. Ive owned two Hondas brand new and a Lexus that was pre-owned. The style and engine on the Z is terrific. The details however need more than lots of help. Ive been to the dealership 3x for defective parts or craftsmanship, plus 3X for regular mnt. its only been 3 months. Im ready for the next round of defective repairs, knocking when breaking, squeaking breaks, and tattooing under the paint + orange peeling. Windshield looks like it was sprayed with pebbles. Fabric is all ready wearing where you get in and out of your vehicle. If youre a busy person youll need to hire someone to keep track of the defective parts.
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Wow! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By jrm1963 - March 17 - 11:36 pmDecided to trade in a 60s muscle car for something newer that we werent afraid to drive in weather & parking lots. Found this car by accident and never looked back. The acceleration takes your breath away and it sticks to the road like glue. And with the top down its still a wonderful car just to get out and cruise under a star filled sky. I may have to look to Nissan for my family sedan now if it has any of the breeding of the Z.
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PROBLEMS - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By MAV - March 13 - 10:00 amI have had nothing but problems with my 350z. Ive been through 2 transmissions now in only 10,000 miles. I have also had problems with my windows and my stereo. My z has been in the shop for 4weeks out of the 6 months Ive owned it.
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A True Sports Car Thats Affodable - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By WKW - March 9 - 10:00 pmThe 350 has an absolutely impressive V6 engine and transmission combination, excellent build quality with superb looks, the ride is a bit ruff but NOT Harsh, for daily commutes. It was everything I had ever wanted in a sports car and now I can actually afford one! A Real Road Rocket that wont Hurt the Pocket!
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A great value for the performance - 2006 Nissan 350Z
By DanR76 - March 7 - 3:56 pmI went from a Lotus Elise to a Mini S JCW package to this wonderful 2006 Nissan 350z (Daytona Blue). It is a lot of fun to drive. I get a ton of looks when I drive by people and with the new wheel packages over the old alloy look, makes this ride look even more tricked out. I got an AVIC Pioneer NAV put in it and it monitors my G-Force acceleration which hits 1G on occasion when I launch out of the gate. It is not my primary car so I am not sure how the day to day drive would be or long trips would feel on the back, but it is a great care if you like attention on your car for all the RIGHT reasons. I highly recommend this ride!
