Overview & Reviews

Of the millions of Japanese cars produced for North America in the past half-century, most are memorable only through their sheer numbers. A small group, however -- including the Nissan Z -- have achieved true icon status. Originally sold on our shores as a Datsun, the Z has offered a special mix of style, performance and value from the get-go. The Nissan 370Z, representing the Z's sixth generation, continues this tradition.

The 370Z stands out thanks to its thrilling performance, sculpted styling and surprisingly comfortable cabin. There are some downsides -- the engine is prone to unwelcome roughness at high rpm, there's an abundance of road noise and outward visibility is poor -- but the 370Z it is certainly one of the most exciting two-seat sports cars around and a fitting progression of the Z's heritage.

Current Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z is available as a hatchback coupe or a roadster (convertible). The coupe offers three trims: base, Touring and Nismo. The roadster comes in base and Touring. Each comes with the most powerful standard Z-car engine ever, a 3.7-liter V6 that cranks out 332 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic.

Base models feature 18-inch wheels, automatic climate control, keyless ignition/entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a CD stereo with steering wheel controls. Touring models add leather and faux suede upholstery, power heated seats, Bluetooth, and a Bose audio system with satellite radio. The Touring roadster is treated to heated and ventilated seats.

The track-focused 370Z Nismo includes a performance-tuned V6 (350 hp), 19-inch forged aluminum wheels and high-performance tires, a limited-slip differential, stiffer suspension tuning, upgraded brakes, unique front and rear fascias, a larger rear wing and special Nismo interior trim details. If that's too much, one could just opt for the available Sport package (also available on the roadster), which adds larger wheels and tires, spoilers, a limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes and a rev-matching "SynchroRev" feature for manual-transmission-equipped cars. An optional navigation system is also available on Touring models.

Once underway, it's easy to maximize the 370's sharp performance. The high-winding V6 is gutsy, though you'll know you're approaching the 7,500 rpm redline when the engine starts to sound and feel coarse. The 370's tenacious grip and sharp reflexes make it the best-handling Z yet, and its ride quality is also quite civilized. However, an extraordinary amount of road noise filters into the cabin, which can grow tiresome on long trips.

Enthusiasts and novice stick-shift drivers alike will appreciate the optional SynchroRev rev-matching feature, which ensures super-smooth downshifts by automatically matching engine speed to wheel speed. The quick-shifting seven-speed automatic will also likely impress buyers.

Despite its all-around competence and slew of strengths, the Nissan 370Z's less practical sports car attributes limit its daily usefulness. There's only room for two passengers, of course, and its cargo area design limits visibility and utility despite a space-saving rear strut brace. If you need more room for people and their stuff, other "2+2" sport coupes might serve you better. But for those who prize speed over space, it's hard to beat the performance heritage of the Nissan 370Z.

Used Nissan 370Z Models
The 370Z debuted for the 2009 model year and was only available as a coupe. The Nismo Z was a late model year addition, while the roadster arrived for 2010. Not much has changed on the 370Z otherwise. An upgraded navigation system with Bluetooth streaming audio was also introduced for 2010, as was a limited-production 40th Anniversary Edition Z package with unique exterior paint and badging. The navigation system picked up a rearview camera for 2011. The 2013 Z lineup was treated to revised front-end styling with LED running lights, and the Nismo model got a little more luxurious with some options from the Touring trim.

Shoppers interested in the previous-generation Z should read our Nissan 350Z review.

User Reviews:

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  Lovin it! - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Red Z Owner - January 19 - 9:30 am

  So it came down this car and the 10 Camaro. Got to test drive the Z. Got to sit in the Camaro. Advantage Z. My initial concerns about this car were the "snugness" of the interior, and the extensive road noise. The test drive alleviated both concerns. The ride was comfortable, even for a former 510" 237lb football player. The road noise was acceptable. I for one like to hear the engine while I drive. It makes me feel more in-tune with the car. This car is absolutely gorgeous and its performance is off the charts. It has a very linear torque curve which produces "right now" acceleration no matter the speed or gear you are in. The sync-rev really makes working the gears a joy!

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  Zooowaahhh - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By machZ - November 7 - 2:36 pm

  Wow this car just getting lots of looks wherever I go, After driving SUVs (automatic) in the last 19 years its time for me to get the driving-fun back in my life. I cant stop grinning every time I sit on my 370z I had been in the market for a sports car and I was considering the Gen Coupe, oh Boy Im glad I went for the Z. I got a great deal ($1000 below invoice) and the APR I want. Syncro Rev match really helps you if you are a novice driver. Best bang for your buck in terms of performance and handling for a sports car.

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  370Z - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By baldman - September 27 - 9:53 pm

  Much improved looks inside and out from the 350 z. Great engine and brakes. Nav system is very good. Tough to beat features for price.

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  Great sports car for the money - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By sportscarlover - August 4 - 7:00 am

  This is a super fun to drive sports car! Ours has 20" wheels and tires, which helps with handling and performance. Platinum graphite paint job - WOW! This car turns heads! The interior is plenty roomy for me, great sound from the Bose stereo, fairly smooth ride for such a small car. This is a great sports car, at a great price. I thought I loved my last car, a 2000 Toyota Celica GT-S. The Nissan 370Z is a million times better! I wont complain about the gas mpg, its a fair trade off if you want a higher performance car. This car isnt for you if you want a family car, or SUV. But if you want a true sports car - this is it!

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  Only Negatives - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By DMW - June 16 - 10:26 am

  I only want to comment about negatives aspects of the car because there are too many positives. First, Nissan needs to fix the dull looking fuel guage. Also, the guages are very hard to see in the sun light. Second, and PLEASE NISSAN, LISTEN TO ME ON THIS! PLEASE have an option to display the SPEEDOMETER DIGITALLY. I cant tell you how much easier it is to have a digital display. If not replace the traditonal needle with the digital display, at least give us an option to show it with a multifunction display inside the speedometer, like Honda and Mercedes-Benz has done! Fix some blind spots and the rear visibility, but I guess that might take away from the exterior beauty of the car.

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  Love my z! - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By allicsirp19 - April 27 - 2:53 am

  I was a bit hesitant when my husband was considering this car because of the price. After having this car for a few months, we have no regrets whatsoever! Totally worth the price and it is constantly turning heads. Its actually better on gas than I thought it was going to be and we are very pleased with what a show on TV said about it. It said if the mileage is kept low and it is maintained, it will be worth a lot in the future! Good job on this car Nissan!

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  Fantastic - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By rebe945 - April 5 - 1:56 am

  Black on black. Fantastic looks in and out. Very fast, comfortable ride. Handling fanatstic. No problem with noise as I have the 18 inch wheels. Never even noticed. Interior wraps around you and makes you feel part of the machine. Cozy yet roomy. Love the creases on the hood from inside. Seat comfort good and grows on you till you love it. Have to wait till Spring to drive it again. Cannot stand the wait but the anticipation is fanatastic. Best car Ive ever owned.

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  love the z - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By marc - January 5 - 3:33 pm

  Had my z 4 months. Love the engine,handling and brakes. The 6 speed is good but not as sharp as my rx8. The interior noise levels were bad at first but I have adjusted to them -Sure wish nissan had made a quieter car. Had a speed sensor go bad and had to be towed in the dealer paid for it all. Amazing how many looks this car gets.

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  A Gem, Actually a Pearl - 2016 Nissan 370Z
  By Deborah Vollmer - December 1 - 7:54 pm

  This my third Z, and Im more than brand loyal. The Zs are fun to drive, incredibly reliable, and relatively safe for sports convertibles. You could buy two of these cars for what you might pay for a Porsche. The Bose sound system is crystal clear, and the road sound dampening improvements in the 2016 cars are a real plus.

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  No, you may not borrow my car - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By rodster - December 1 - 10:03 am

  Bought this in June and have 8k miles on it. I love the power that this Z provides so that even when I hit the gas at 70mph Im pushed back in my seat! The Bose stereo provides great sound quality and includes some nice sub woofers. Its amazing how many people turn their heads to look! I commute 50mi/day (mostly highway) and avg 25mpg which is acceptable. No comfort issues here. The cockpit wraps me like a cocoon (very cozy!). My oil temp never exceeds 240 even on my July roadtrip at speeds of 80-90mph. Rear visibility works for me since I attached small wide angle mirrors onto the side mirrors.