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:
Showing 41 through 50 of 110.00-
Great Car - 2010 Nissan 370Z
By Ray - December 21 - 7:56 amBought the 2010 370Z touring model about a month ago. Really enjoy the ride and handling. The style and shape is a big improvement over the 350 model. The manual transmission takes a little getting used to, but is worth the work.
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A Real Sports Car - 2009 Nissan 370Z
By Musashi - August 21 - 1:50 amI have owned a lot of sports cars that cost significantly more money and let me tell you the handling and looks of this car for the value is untouchable. The manual transmission is great and so is the sport package. The touring model has all of the amenities you need for daily driving. Well worth the price.
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Great handling much improvements, but... - 2009 Nissan 370Z
By 09Zed - August 12 - 2:20 amThe 370z is a great handling bang for the buck sports car. The interior is really comfortable and has fantastic styling inside and out. No other sports coupe comes close in this price range. Synchro rev matching is fun but does get old after a while.
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My New Nissan 2009 370Z - 2009 Nissan 370Z
By Larry - June 13 - 1:36 amIm the previous owner of the following Z Cars: 1970 240Z, 1976 280Z, which I owned for 27 years, and did a complete restoration (frame off), 1990 300ZX, 2003 350Z, and now Ive Just purchased a new 2009 370Z, which in my opinion, is the best Nissan Z Car that Nissan has made, by far! Having said that, there are several features missing on the 370Z that would really make the car truly outstanding. They are as follows: This car desperately needs an oil cooler for it to perform at the speeds its capable of; needs the same low tire pressure monitoring system that was on the 350Z; needs to have a digital speed indicator, like the 350Z has; and the information panel need a complete update.
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sexy rocketship - 2009 Nissan 370Z
By Alan - June 6 - 5:00 amGreat car was gonna purchase a 2010 Camaro but when I went to the nissan dealership to test drive fell in love with this car. Soon as I test drove I was overwhelmed at how comfortable this car really is. The speed and comfort this car gives is truly a masterpiece . Just bought a car cover for it today so it wont get dirty. Will ONLY be taken out nice days.
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Luv my Z - 2010 Nissan 370Z
By djtime - May 30 - 8:03 amI love the Z roadster. Fun to drive, A real head turner. I added a cold air intake and acceleration and fuel mileage have improved but the engine/exhaust sound are still only so-so. Id recommend this car to anyone who enjoys driving.
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Keeping Fingers Crossed - 2010 Nissan 370Z
By 2MMEZZZ - April 6 - 10:00 amThis is my first Z since high school. Traded in my S Class Mercedes. Love the fun of it and hopefully will continue to adjust to the road noise and sports car ride. That being said, like others backing up and changing lanes is an adventure. All the controls are at your fingertips and very comfortable seats. My husband is 6 ft. 5 in. so not for him but its mine anyway.
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Engine Oil Cooler - 2009 Nissan 370Z
By Prefecto1 - March 29 - 10:06 pmHey out there, All you new 2009 370Z Car owners need to ensure that your 370Z Car can handle high Ambient temperatures. I live in Georgia, and the ambient temperature is almost always above 90 degrees, during the months of June, July, August and September. Ive had numerous contacts with Nissans Consumer Affairs Department, regarding the 370Z Cars need of an ENGINE OIL COOLER. The 370Z can not handle driving at speeds of 60 MPH, or more, with out the ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE reaching the 280 degree mark, which is what Nissan indicates is the MAX OIL TEMPERATURE the car should operate at. All 370Z car owners should contact Nissans Consumer Affairs Department and demand a RECALL!
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Love this car - 2009 Nissan 370Z
By nuts4nissan09 - February 22 - 10:00 amI turned 40 in 2009 and decided to give up riding sport bikes and buy something safer. The 370Z was the perfect choice for me. Purchased a base 6 speed w/ the sport package. I have driven it in the mountains of NC and was able to attack curves w/ the same speed as I was able to on the bike. I look forward to every drive. Yes, the 050 Bridgestones can be loud on bad pavement, but that is what Dynamat is for. Easy fix. Dont let tire noise keep you from enjoying this little gem. The best value in sports cars period.
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It iZ what it iZ - 2009 Nissan 370Z
By Terrence M. Green - January 10 - 11:13 amOwned for a month, now 1500 miles on it. It is amaZing! Installed K&N Air filterz and seemed to help with the car breathing better, little more powerful. AC off, drive 55, you can average at 30 mpg or over. Of course up to 70 with AC on I was happy to see 25 on average. Touring Sport pkg/19" wheelz, road noize on smooth blacktop iz reazonably quiet. Texas throwz down that Hot mix surface crap to save money & soundz like Im in a Jet over the enginez. Not Nissans fault the SouthTX roadz are crappy. Road surface makes a difference. Car was made for better roadz. Yes, lots of looks. My favorite DPS officer took a look and granted my 1st speeding ticket in yearz! Have to watch in Z!
