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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  370Z is a dream come true - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Jeff - January 10 - 9:56 am

  I purchased this vehicle after 6 months of research. I got the sport package which I would recommend due to styling cues and the great rims. I previously owned a 06 350Z. The new design of this vehicle is so much better that the 350Z. The intelligent key is amazing. I recommend reading the owners manual to uncover some great features. The key can roll the windows up and down, but the intelligent key can only roll the windows down. Cruise control is now standard and the syncro-rev works perfectly. It also helps with a smoother upshift. I can not drive any where with out people straining to look. Road noise is acceptable and the ride is smooth for a true sports

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  Nissan Certified 370Z Touring 6MT - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By djrelic247 - December 30 - 8:43 pm

  Everything about the vehicles is a positive. Its a REAL sports car so there isnt going to be much of any cargo room. I mean the owners manual doesnt even fit in the glove box. Only Im luke warm about is the initial clutch engagement aka the friction point. It is very high on the clutch pedal and the window from friction point to full engagement is the smallest Ive ever felt. This is the stock clutch. The clutch is very linear as well, so you really need to feel when it bites at first. But there is a cheap fix for it, which is buying a clutch helper spring to replace the OEM one. Better fix is a new clutch assembly which makes it feel like any other car you have driven.

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  2009 Nismo - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Stephen Hare - December 17 - 1:26 pm

  I have had this car on the track and it also is my daily commuter car. I just love it. Everything they say about the car is true - road noise loud, very stiff, kidney shaker, stripped down, etc..... and it is exactly as advertised. If you want a track car that looks great and fun to drive then this car is for you. If you want seat warmers, GPS, BOSE system, all the creature comforts - stick with the regular 370Z with the sports package. Just my 2 cents worth.

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  ZZoooming the best deal - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Big Sky Blue - December 3 - 4:36 am

  A true sports car. Ive owned a couple Corvettes and Z28s but none tracked as straight and true as this car. Steering is tight but confident and nothing matches the brakes of the Z car! Ride quality is stiff for the Sport model, but one certainly does not wallow in the seat through turns. Interior layout and quality are excellent. Love the no-key ignition and locking system. In late summer temps of 80s to low 90s and running air conditioning, oil temp gauge never went above 240! By eliminating Styrofoam filler behind seats where Touring models add speakers...1 1/2 cu. feet of more cargo space was found. Amazing how much stuff can be loaded in this small car! Agree with Oldguy-soft paint!

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  Awesome - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By stubby - October 27 - 1:30 am

  As a previous owner of the 350Z I feel as they have completely refined an already amazing ride. Exhilarating performance, exceptional handling, everyday driving comfort ability, and sleek styling, for which pictures do no justice, to this Porsche like appearance and feel for a car that was only $30,000 with a sports package.

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  Blast to drive - 2016 Nissan 370Z
  By Bob - September 4 - 7:11 am

  My wife and I were looking to get back to our youth, we test drove multiple sports cars, (Frs, Brz, Mx-5 etc) but as soon as we drove this car, it was the car for us. We love the style being old Datsun 240 fans, performance, power, ride quality, comfort and price. We purchased a 2016 Magma sport tech. Everyone loves this color and style. I hear that the 370Z model is getting old and this may be, but dont overlook this car because of that. Its a proven sports car and a blast from the past to drive.

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  Get the sports pkg... - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By ndry_06 - August 16 - 1:37 am

  -Try the sports pkg and then the base. You will notice the difference. The sports hugs the road adding better suspension and sports tires and rims. - This car will get the "you drive a beautiful car" from the girls. - This car will cause cops to slow down or pull to the side as soon as they see you...turning on every bell and whistle to give them a reason to give you a ticket. - Dont buy this car if you are going to be looking at the mpg gauge.

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  What can you get better bang for buck? - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By Madfreak - May 12 - 1:40 am

  Best car for money for performance but the one thing a lot people dont know about this car is bullet proof build engine and trans. Somehow you can still get 30 mpg on highway!

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  Go kart on steroids - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By Larry - January 25 - 6:03 pm

  Wow, first two seater, but I have had powerful cars before. Great handling, cant believe how well it corners. Strong motor, very linear response. Fun factor off the charts. Very impressed with the styling, especially how I see the original Z in this model. Pictures dont do it justice. Got the Black Cherry Paint in the Base sport model, but went in to buy the 40th edition Touring Sprt. When I saw this color, I decided I didnt need the touring package. Synchro-rev match is pretty cool stuff, but the motor is the real gem

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  Performance that lives up to Style - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By SAvant - January 24 - 2:13 pm

  Have owned many sports cars before (from MGs to Porsches), but never had a Z. The 370Z really looks the part: aggressive, integrated, and brazen. The interior is a good place to drive in, and the seats work well for spirited driving. I have the touring pkg. with alcantra seat inserts that are comfortable in hot or cold weather. This thing goes great, brakes well, handles well, and is flat out just FUN! I considered a Porsche Boxster or Cayman, but this is more involving at 2/3rds the price. Not as refined, but youre not paying Porsche prices for parts or service, and it is arguably more fun in daily driving. Ride is firm but comfortable on the highway. Handling not upset by bumps