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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  My 370Z Car! - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By prefectos2 - December 6 - 2:33 pm

  Ive purchased a new Nissan 370Z in February and I havent had the time to drive it. It only has 400 miles, so I hopeful that I will be albe to enjoy it more in the near future. Ive owned the following "Z" Cars: 1970 240Z; 1976 280Z; 1990 300ZX; 2003 350Z, and now my new 370Z, which in my opinion, is by far the best of all the previous Z Cars that I have owned. Having said that, there are some items that Nissan must serious consider adding to the 370Z. The cars engine must have an engine oil cooler, because it cant handle any extremely hot weather without loosing a large amount of engine power, dut to the oil temperature getting to HOT!

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  So many pluses, but that road noise - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By Carol - November 17 - 9:00 pm

  I traded out of my Mercedes SLK350 to the 370Z and really like the Z much more. The Z is more of a sports car and is exciting to drive. Has MORE features and more interior room. I actually dont smash things behind the seat when I move it back. And I think the interior quality is greater in the Z. Definitely better, more attractive and comfortable seats. And now with the tilt down dash, I can have my steering wheel down and actually see my speedometer. The windows go all the way down and the cup holders dont dangle your drink over the electronics panel of radio and heat/ac. Nice. And this car really has some power and pick-up. Still on my first tank of gas so well have to see about that.

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  370Z Roadster 7 Speed Auto - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By Pinky - November 9 - 4:36 am

  I traded my 06 350z roadster on this 10 370z roadster. I loved the 350. But this 370 is fabulous. Taking all the other reviews into account, throwing out the 6,3" guy who is not happy w/ the room, not a surprise, I agree w/ all the good words. My wife and I love the car! The only complaint is the way too quiet and innocuous exhaust note. The same was said wrt the 350. Didnt the designers read any reviews at all? Not smart. As for road noise, I dont find it all that bad even w/ the 19" wheels etc. Of course mine is the convertible, not the coupe which I can understand would be a lot noisier for sure.

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  the red one - 2016 Nissan 370Z
  By wade starnes - November 6 - 8:27 pm

  just do your homework and test them out

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  Loving it - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By dwsq - October 22 - 6:03 am

  Ok went to dealer today at 1130am and drove out with car at 3pm, went from a 99 Yukon to this, kept the Yukon by the way. WOW, this car is amazing, never owned a Z car, was concerned about the visibility with mirrors, no problem at all, was concerned about being to low, actually feels like I am riding very high and have great views all around. I got the 7 speed auto because with the paddles, my left foot can just provide bracing as I haul down the road. Put over 125 miles so far in one day on this car and tonight when I got it home after taking the wife to dinner and she drove, we sat in the garage and just admired a sexy car, this car is sexy fast.

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  Wow - 2012 Nissan 370Z
  By kingbusa - October 5 - 5:10 pm

  The first word I said when I pulled into my drive way and got out of my brand new 2012 370z was wow!I have had it for a week now,I am most impressed with all aspects except the road /cabin noise.maybe some dynamat in the near future.the navigation system is money well spent.ample power,(I have a hayabusa,I know.)sound system,8 speakers,is excellent.I had my eye on the camaro ss and it would have been cheaper,but it. Cant compare to the 370z.(I still like the camaro).9.5 out of 10.the word I keep hearing about my 370z is sexy.reminds me of a porshe.I really like this car.

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  Awsome Value - 2013 Nissan 370Z
  By starcrzar - September 20 - 7:41 am

  The car is beautiful and is an awesome sight anywhere you happen to find yourself. The ride is not particularly good for city driving (bumpy, pot holed roads) but when you hit the highway your able to run and style with the best. The syncro rev manual transmission will help you shift like a pro. The car corners like it’s glued to the road’ it dares you to push harder than you imagine is safe (it will scare you)! Be aware of dealer mark-ups they call it “adjusted market value” they got me!

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  Engine Oil Temp Concern - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Alabama Driver - August 19 - 12:23 am

  This is a great looking, reasonably priced little sports car. It handles well and definitely turns heads at stop signs and coffee shops. I only have 1K miles on it, but it has been a blast to drive. My only concern at this point is the high oil temperature readings. I would really like to hear what Nissans solution is for the high temp readings.

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  2009 370Z Touring - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By G.D. Monhollen - August 12 - 3:46 am

  The car looks great and is fun to drive. The ride is a little tight, which is to be expected with the sport suspension. With the seven speed automatic transmission, the shifts are at the correct rpm and the engine idles at highway speed. The high school teens drool at the sight of the new "Z" car. I hope to keep this car for a long time...

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  Decent sports car for the money - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Jim - July 9 - 11:06 am

  I was driving a Cayman S and the Z car is a totally different animal. I know they are suppose to be competitors but the Cayman is much more comfortable and feels like the precision Porsche Euro sports car that it is and the Z car feels like a cramped Japanese sports car which it is. No comparison but I just wanted to try the Z car for a year or two but im going back to the Cayman S next time. Dollar for dollar the Z is a good value though and if you arent 6-1 like me its probably a better value . A smaller person might not feel as cramped as I do. I just fit in Euro cars better. Acceleration was ok but the Cayman S just feels more exhilarating for some reason.