Overview & Reviews
A proper sports car for the everyman. If we had just one sentence to describe the Nissan 350Z, that'd be it. While there have always been plenty of unobtainable sports cars out there to drool over, the 350Z's relatively compact dimensions, rear-wheel drive, two seats, muscular engine and sharp handling came at a price that real people could actually afford.
The Nissan 350Z represented the fifth generation of "Z" sports cars from this Japanese manufacturer. At its debut in 2003, the 350Z represented a key component of Nissan's rebirth in the North American market. For much of the late '90s and early new millennium, Nissan's lineup was full of lackluster cars. The Z brought back the company's spirit of fun and performance that had been missing ever since the discontinuation of the previous 300ZX.
The 350Z coupe was replaced by the 370Z coupe for 2009, while the 350Z roadster lived on before following suit the following year. In coupe or drop-top form, the 350Z was quite popular so finding a nice example on the used car market should be relatively easy. That said, keen shoppers will want to pay close attention to the car's changes and updates that were made through the years.
Most Recent Nissan 350Z
The 350Z sports car bowed in 2003 as an all-new model and was produced until 2008 (coupe) and 2009 (roadster). The first year there was only a coupe, as the roadster did not debut until the following year. Initially, the coupe came in base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring and Track versions, while the roadster was limited to Enthusiast and Touring trim levels. The Track trim came with lightweight wheels and Brembo brakes, but its suspension tuning was the same as all other coupes.
In these early years, the V6 produced 287 hp and 274 lb-ft of torque. Power was sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The Track model had the manual only. Changes were minimal in the first few years, though Nissan did release a 350Z 35th-anniversary edition in '05. This manual-transmission model produced 300 hp (but less torque) and came in three exclusive colors.
For '06, Nissan included the Anniversary Edition's 300-hp V6 for all manual-equipped cars. There were a host of other changes as well, including mildly updated styling, speed-sensitive steering, larger brakes for non-Brembo-equipped models, a higher-quality interior, more standard features and a newly available navigation system. The Performance trim level was dropped. This was also the first year for the Grand Touring trim level, which was similar to the Touring but had the Track's Brembo brakes and wheels.
For '07, Nissan fully updated the V6 for all 350Zs and it made a potent 306 hp. The Track trim level was dropped, but in its place came the coupe-only Nismo 350Z model. The Nismo model dropped many luxuries in favor of performance-enhancing upgrades, such as a stiffened, seam-welded chassis, firmer springs and shock absorbers, special wheels and various aerodynamic upgrades. Inside, each Nismo 350Z had red and black cloth seats, a gray-faced tachometer and a number plaque indicating its build order in the production run. Nismo models were also produced for the coupe's last year in 2008; the following year brought the all-new 370Z coupe. For '09, the roadster carried the 350Z flag; the following year it was replaced by the all-new 370Z roadster.
In reviews, we found the Nissan 350Z to be an engaging sports car to drive hard. The V6 pulled strongly when revved past 3,000 rpm and generated one of the most distinctive engine and exhaust-note soundtracks available (something its successor lacks). The 350Z's ability to provide serious grip through corners made it a favorite of our enthusiast editors. At the limit, the car's handling could be a bit tricky, so steady hands were required.
When employed on a daily basis, the Nissan 350Z didn't make for such a compelling companion. Road and tire noise were considerable, and the car's stiff suspension transmitted plenty of shock to its occupants when driven on rough pavement. Inside, the Z's cabin was functional but decidedly stark. Some of the interior trim was of low quality, and the luggage capacity of the roadster was compromised, even for this class of car.
Considering the 350Z's gradual improvements in features and hardware over the years, consumers interested in a used Nissan 350Z should generally try to purchase the newest year possible. Notable options to look for would be side airbags (they were optional on the coupe and not always standard on the roadster) and stability control (which came on Touring coupes as well as Grand Touring and Track trim levels).
User Reviews:
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nice - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By johnny - December 29 - 4:20 amThis car is fast and fun to ride...but not for every day driving....great look to it. Interior is flawless with the two tone colors and it does not hurt the pocket...
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The ZR reigns - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Zman - December 29 - 2:00 amThe best deal in town. The only thing missing is the on/off switch for the passenger air bag.
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love the 350z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By edward johnston - November 30 - 2:56 amlove the looks and "feel" of the 350z.Tight controls and very comfortable for a smaller car.all electronics are useful and logical and the handling is second to none.
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I love my Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Viddy - November 28 - 10:00 amDriving my Z is like riding a tiger!!! It is VERY powerful. It handles winding curves like they are straight roads. The cockpit is incredibly designed for comfort and visiblility is good. I can drive it like it is a part of my body. It is definitely one of those cars you have to drive at least one time!
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Best of the Best - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Michael Michelena - November 28 - 10:00 amBest Car in the world then comes the nissan skyline but before that this is the top #1 car in the world
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350Z reweiw - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By UNCLE_JEBUS - November 28 - 10:00 amawsome car.the best sports car i have ever driven great turn, fast, just the best car in the nissan line-up
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Love it!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By Brez - November 28 - 10:00 amThe 350z is a great looking car but it is so much more than that. The 287 under the hood make it fun to drive without eating the gas that a V8 would. My only complaint is that the twin turbo kit has not yet been put on the market. Check www.greddy.com for details of the kit to come...
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First Impression - New Owner - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By califstateusa - November 28 - 10:00 amA sporty two-seater that is fun to drive. Ride seems rather harsh, especially over bumpy Southern California roads. Some type of driver selected dampening to soften ride would sure be welcomed.
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awesome!!! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
By Sammy - November 25 - 9:36 amThe 2005 Nissan 350Z is a very comfortable and reliable car. It is built tough, but is made for the average consumer! My next car will probably be a Nissan!
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What a Looker - 2004 Nissan 350Z
By seven Hills Guy - November 22 - 2:00 amEveryday people stop me on the street to talk about this car. Best car I ever bought. Its fun to drive as long as your going forward. Backwards cant see too much
