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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  Awesome! - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By pakrat - October 26 - 3:33 pm

  I bought this car March 24th and still cant believe I own it. I had a 280Z 20 years ago and wanted to get another one for the fun factor. I wasnt prepared for the amount of fun it is driving this machine. They really out did themselves with the 2009 model and what a deal I got! Best value for machine versus money.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Dee - September 13 - 9:10 am

  Fun to drive, awesome acceleration, eye candy. Getting in and out takes getting used to. Be aware of blind spots and limited rear view visibility. Bucket seats somewhat uncomfortable, the raised sides excessively squeeze my legs, I am only 170lb so I can only imagine how uncomfortable that might feel for someone of a bigger posture. AC seems to be slow to kick in... Navigation hard to read on sunny days.

• 

  Lots of car for little money - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Damon44 - August 12 - 5:30 pm

  Purchased with Nav, sport,and touring. Awesome performance and handling.Good nav with audio controls and options. Low seating and a bit cramped inside. Noisy on hwy but expected. Hugs road with those 19" tires.Beautiful curves, w/ well fitted upgraded interior.Shift easily with SynchroRev. Found myself looking for errands so I could drive more :). Cockpit very ergonomic and detailed. Bought $400 over invoice.

• 

  great car - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By 3pitbulls - July 19 - 6:13 pm

  After thinking of getting a Corvette at first my wife and I stopped at a Nissan dealer, we just really liked this new design, looks amazing, and drives even better. Fun car to drive and it turns a lot of heads while driving, had it for 2 weeks only and we already lost track of all the Nice compliments this z car has gotten. Corvette can wait a few more years..

• 

  Amazing - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Seabass - June 16 - 3:43 am

  Came back from vacation and went directly to the dealership. I purchased the car Jan 5th 2009 and Ive been loving it ever since. I was told I was the first in Florida and one of the youngest at only 18. The driving and pick up is amazing, and the look just makes it all the greater car. I highly suggest the purchase of this car.

• 

  Too fat for a fun Z!!! - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Mike - June 10 - 9:56 am

  Just traded my F250 for a Z. What a car. Im actually looking for excuses to drive around. Never owned a standard transmission before, but it sure is fun!!! I cant imagine driving a car that could make the experience any more fun. Only problem is my rear is too wide for the little sporty seats. Hurts like the dickens after a little while. Guess I need to do more driving and less eating!!!

• 

  King of the Hill - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By Dennis Cook - May 24 - 2:23 pm

  Absolutely love this car. Perfect perfect perfect. Had a 2008 350 Z and ordered this one way back in March 2008. Mine was the first one sold in the US. I agree with so many of the articles I have read about this car, it is THE best bang for your buck on the market. I am getting another new one as soon as I can swing it.

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  Seats only the japanese could love - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By jeff - March 28 - 10:23 pm

  The sport seats on this car are impossible for my 63" 200lb frame. Why i didnt get that at test drive ? I dont know but this is THE most uncomfortable car ever. Then the clutch and stick require too much effort and are notchy. The top has a permanent indent that the dealer says is supposed to be there. There is no leg room either. I had a BMW z-4 before that was perfect. The new ones are 20k more than this car and so I was swayed. What a mistake!

• 

  Best overall sports car value - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By zedhead - March 1 - 10:00 am

  With the sports package you get great acceleration, great brakes, great handling, way above average reliability and a reasonably comfortable ride, especially for a sports car. Rev matching not a problem if you opt for the sports package which adds the (way) upgraded brakes, 19 inch forged Rays wheels, tasteful rear spoiler and the rev matching feature, which is a great feature.

• 

  After 1 year &2600 miles and top is beyond repair - 2014 Nissan 370Z
  By Jeremiah Lee - February 9 - 5:59 am

  A piece of plastic felt off from within the top damaged the headliner. Under warranty repair, the headliner was replaced. In the process, the outter top was damaged and needed replacement. Three attempts and with each attempt further damage was done to the top. Holes were drilled onto the frame to tie the top down and the top could not be fully attched to the frame. The gasket also could not be fully attached to the frame either. repair advisor at dealer informed me that this likely can never be repaired. The top opening and closing mechanism failed complete at the end. I have been out of the car for 6 weeks. At the end traded in the piece of trash. I ended up taking a lost of $15000 and traded in this piece of trash.