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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  Wow This car is amazing! - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Reggie - August 30 - 12:20 am

  I purchased this car at 80 miles last week and I already have 800 miles on it. Its such a blast to drive it. People pull up next to me while driving and ask questions about it. I have no problem with the seats(mines leather) and the bose system is awesome.The music does not distort at all even at the highest setting. Ive reached speeds up to 120+ mph easy. The manual transmission is really tight and close. It can jump off the line with no problem. The trunk can fit at least 2 mid sized suit cases. The two problems I found though is that there is a blind spot behind you and when the sun is shining directly on the fuel gauge you cant see it at all. Other than that I highly recommend it

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  Great car! Only a couple draw backs - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By mille436 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Love the car! Awesome handling and a decent amount of power. Needs more low end power and better exhaust note. Fit and finish is great. Needs better paint. It isnt very durable. Bose system great, and the car is extremely fun to drive! Highly recommend. Also, Fort Wayne Nissan was great! I recommend them as well. Top notch sales and service. Great deal too!

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  Unreal!! - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By jbuzz - August 23 - 3:10 am

  Had the 350z roadster, the 370z is better in every way!! Faster, lighter, shorter, wider!! Leather, suede this car is turns heads!! Easily the best car I have ever driven!

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  TOO MANY issues... cant be fast if its broke. - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By mstephenson51 - August 1 - 5:13 am

  I bought a 2010 with every option-touring sport nav auto. On paper its a great value, fast car, and everyday friendly. NOT in reality. Entire fuel system is not designed properly. 4 times in the shop now and keeps running out of gas while showing 1/4 left. Hard right turns cause the pump to starve and the car stalls. Tires are junk, they are poor in rain and only last 10k miles. Hankook ventus is a much better tire, rear should be up to 285 for better handling. In TX, my oil temps are routinely above 240 f. Theres a rattle in the exhaust that reduces gas mileage by 12 percent and they still havent fixed it. After talking to Nissan NA, they told me "Too bad..." Also, paint is soft.

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  Nostalgia Strikes - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By GAR - July 11 - 7:56 pm

  I owned 72 240Z and my wife had a 280ZX. I have several similar cars over the years. When I first drove 370Z I was reminded powerfully of my 240. This is a drivers car. You dont step into it but instead you wear it. You feel the road in your hands and the seat of your pants. You hear the roar of the road and judge its condition from the sound. The sport package makes the handling even more precise. The car seems to go where you want it too by thought control. This car demands your full attention but you are rewarded with an exciting driving experience that makes any trip even the daily commute fun. If you want a 2-seater sports car the Nissan 370Z deserves your serious consideration.

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  Best Ever Owned - 2013 Nissan 370Z
  By pshiva - June 15 - 9:20 pm

  Excellent Ride. Always go with MT if you can you have full control over the speed unlike AT which has a lag time.

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  Z the rockect - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By riverone - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This car rocks! Expensive BMW owners turn heads! The motor is powerful and the fuel economy is awesome. Love the exhaust note. Go Nissan engineers!.

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  My 2nd Z - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By dmpete - March 15 - 9:08 am

  Picked up a used 09 a couple of days ago, this is great. Coming out of a BMW that had nothing but problems, always liked the Z, kinda my halo car (the 300ZX twin turbo). I have drove one, this new 370 outshines it in almost every way. There is road noise, but the feel of the car is great, acceleration is good, w/ in a few ticks better or worse than my M. Steering is very tight, the suspension is a little softer than my old M, but not in a bad way. The Bose system sounds great. First weekend put over 200 miles on her. Great driving car, and have already started getting looks. Overall this is a home run for Nissan. And I love it.

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  So much fun - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By mon247 - March 3 - 9:53 pm

  This is my second Z, my first one was a 350z Roadster. Let me say that the improvements in the 370z are amazing and is even more fun to drive.

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  Impossible to drive smoothly - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By Ralph - January 25 - 2:03 pm

  Love the design; dont understand why the manual transmission cant be shifted more smoothly; and why missing a couple hundred revs causes a cacophony of drive line clamors. Traded a Z 4 for this; didnt want to pay the $20M premium for the new Z4; but the BMW manual was quiet and forgiving if rev match wasnt perfect. Driving manuals for 55 years; never had one so difficult to master.