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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  Not bad if you dont look at the paint - 2014 Nissan 370Z
  By Erin - January 10 - 5:28 pm

  BUYER BEWARE! I purchased my 2014 with a potential minor paint issue that has become a nightmare. The ENTIRE clear coat is separating from the paint. Some of it looks like a frosty pattern, other parts look bubbled. Nissan will not make this issue right, claiming that RAIN caused this issue with the clear coat. RAIN?! I have owned many cars, and rain has never damaged my clear coat. I have never regretted a car purchase as much as this one.

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  Fun car, not a family car - 2016 Nissan 370Z
  By Benjamin Reddoch - January 6 - 8:40 am

  The 370Z although getting long in the tooth, having been a capable competitor of the Mustang GT, and early reintroduced Camaro has fallen behind and between. The current iterations of those previous competitors have surpassed the Z but the baseline version of those cars still fall behind the Z. This leaves the Z in a weird place it cost about the same as those improved cars, but lacks the refinements those cars received with their respective updates. I owned a 300Z during my early college years and loved it, the gauges, the performance, the looks there Z captured my attention. When the 350Z made its triumphant return to America I was intrigued, the performance and look checked two boxes on my checklist, the interior felt so cheap and bad that I left the dealer disgusted. I dont know how people justified the price when you were being sold an interior that Kia, or Hyundai wouldnt put on their cars because it was too cheap. So I waited, then the 370Z came along, the performance improved, the interior was incredible (compared to the 350z). The only problem I proudly was driving an MKV GTi, so I waited, once I had the money, and driven my faithful GTi to 100k miles, I could justify the swap. I bought my 370Z, the trim, color and options I wanted, found one on the next largest town over and argued all Saturday until a price was met all sides could accept. I am tall, 61" 185#s and fit in the car fine, admittedly I push the seat as far back, as low and tilted back as it will go and fit snugly. The steering wheel only adjust in height, telescoping would be nice but is not included. The radio is very basic, it has Bluetooth for calls, and if you hook your USB to an iPhone, it will let you play music as well. The climate controls are straightforward and given the cars extremely small cabin work effectively it takes little time to warm or cool. The rear hatch is not for storage, you can fit a couple small pieces of luggage for a weekend getaway but this car will not help you move from one apartment to another let alone a house (of you dont mind moving 1 box at a time maybe... No just rent a truck if you need to move stuff) I would never suggest anyone visit Nissan of Boerne in San Antonio, the sales rep and manager will leave your very angry, I disclosed these concerns with their customer care and am happy I have many dealers I can visit instead of them. If you only want performance, the Z isnt your car, its great but needs an update, if you want looks, performance, and only 2 seats then try a Z, the smile I had test driving it I still put on every day that I continue to drive it.

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  Just a fun car - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By Peter - November 24 - 4:40 pm

  I grew up in Germany, last car I had there was a 325i Coupe, manual, and loved it, but have stopped searching for the bang for the buck that BMW used to have in the 80s. Reliability has been questionable - my mechanic loves the 2000+ 3 series. :-) I was going to buy a 2003Z new when they came out, but due to kids almost got me an Infiniti G35 6MT, drove home with a 2003 M45, which I love and still have. Kids are grown up, and the 2010 Z 6speed with performance package in black/black is in the garage. I love this car. I looked at a 335i Coupe 6sp manual as well, very nice, but wasnt that impressed, especially when considering the price differential...

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  10 370 Z best sports car for the money - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By carla - November 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Z. It reminds me of an earlier generation Porsche 911. Its a Touring coupe with Sports Package and Nav package. Tremendous roadability and handling with wonderful manual 6-speed tranny, decent power and beautiful dynamics, +++ fun factor. Its more of an eye-turner than my Porsche Turbo S cab. Only dislike is the exhaust note and slow initial climb to higher RPM.

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  Best value - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Rick - September 12 - 7:06 am

  This is my fourth Z and is clearly the best in overall performance and can match or outperform almost any sports car on the road. I test drove a Porsche Boxster the day before I bought the 370Z and it matched its performance as well as being quicker. I had some reservations about the restyling from the 350 before I saw it, but its gorgeous. The Sports Package, with SyncroRev matching, TC, bigger and dagger styled wheels is worth it. At 60", I felt very comfortable in the cockpit.I usually negotiate the price down, but even at MSRP, it was a steal.

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  Love my New-Used Nissan 370Z Roadster! - 2014 Nissan 370Z
  By Shelina Berry - August 16 - 6:19 pm

  You need to be short and small to own this car. It can be tough to get in and out of. Also, forget being able to put the seats back to rest. There is no storage, so hope you dont need to travel. That being said, this car is awesome. It is amazingly fast, and takes curves sweet! I am so happy with the car (despite the rough ride, which is standard with most sports cars). I love having the top down and seeing people give me thumbs up, nods, or a "nice car". I wish it was a little more roomy, but what do you expect for a sports car. The dealership I purchased the car from was amazing. They were willing to work with me and gave me quite a bit for my trade in to make this car affordable for me. I can truly say when it comes to buying another car, I will use this dealer again! And the Nissan. I dont see myself parting with it any time soon. :) Cheers Roadsters.

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  First Impression - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By George N - March 16 - 3:00 am

  Have 2008 350Z, very impressive. Only minor issues in 30000 miles. Obviously went to see 2009 370Z to compare. Gone are the leather door panel trim for left over seating materials. Gone is the rear storage, which was huge for this car. Gone is the accessible 2nd power point. Now located inside the armrest?????? Gone is the hideaway cup holder, replaced by an ugly hole in the center tunnel. Gone is the blended center dash flip up door. Replaced by an ugly covering of leatherette with white stitching that stands out and constantly grabs your attention. Gone is the rear wiper?????? Question: A tow hitch port in rear bumper??

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  370 Z a"Winner" - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By JPK - December 23 - 8:50 pm

  I traded in my 2005 BMW 330CI with the sport pkg and sequential manual tranny. It was a quality vehicle and fun to drive. I test drove the 370 Z and felt it was more me than the BMW. It looks great, (turns heads)has rapid acceleration, shifts easily, and corners like it is on rails. I,m 511" and weigh 170. The seats are comfy, head room is ample and leg room is good. I now have over 1200 miles on the car (mfrs break in period)and engine and tranny feel much better. I live in East Texas and the temp has been in the mid 90s and low 100s since Ive had the Z. 240 degrees is the highest the engine oil has gotten. The Z engine is noisy but seems quieter as it breaks in.

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  A dream car, but dreams arent perfect - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Sherrill - December 12 - 9:13 pm

  I drove my 1986 300ZX until 2005 and sold it for a great price even then. In the 370, it took a bit to get used to such tight steering and a great spring in the clutch. Another feature not to be forgotten is a very effective breaking system - press gently. I drove the car very carefully for 2 or 3 days. Now, I am taking curves at speeds that would tear a sedan off the road. This car sticks. I have a great feel for it. Still glad I took time to break things in gently. I have put 700 miles on so far. And summer awaits!

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  Dont waste your money - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By NICK - November 4 - 3:10 pm

  When I bought my 370 I really thought I was buying quality, boy was that wrong. I paid cash and still spent all day waiting why I dont know and I said I wanted a spoiler added my sales guy said no you dont well I was sure I did. The sales part took way to long and the dealers knew nothing about the car. The car itself was fun to drive for about 3 days I could hear every Stone smack and everything else possible, I had water in both tail lights all the little flaps behind the wheels fell off. The paint was horrible it chipped every time I drove the car, when the tags were put on the lot guy ran screws into the bumper why use the bracket? Nissan service was horrible save your money&buy something else.