2003 Nissan 350Z Review
Fuel Economy
20 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Nissan's crown jewel. Expect initial high demand, but for the money, this is one of the best performance buys of 2003.
Pros
Powerful V6 engine, impressive handling, offers a lot of bang-for-the-buck.
Cons
Lack of luggage space, cruise control not available on base model.
What's New for 2003
Nissan's premier sports car has been resurrected after a six-year absence. Possessing excellent handling and power, the 2003 Nissan 350Z comes with a price tag that is thousands less than the competition's.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Fun and Reliable
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan 350Z Touring 2dr Hatchback (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
Review
The automatic/manual shift gives me flexibility for the road type. This car starts and stops precisely. After 4 years, I still enjoy driving it. People are always asking about the car's speed and agility. It draws a lot of attention. And it's FUN.
Favorite Features
Quick start. Great braking abilility.
Suggested Improvements
Improved Bose system. The CD changer stopped working after 2 years.
So happy
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan 350Z Touring 2dr Hatchback (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
Review
I have been eyeing the 350Z for years and am so glad I made this purchase. I love the feel of the interior, the looks of the exterior, the wide power band, the on-rails handling, and the sound the engine makes when wide open. I realize that there are various problems that will undoubtedly arise so I got an extended warranty and am not too worried. This car gives you confidence and I get looks everywhere I go. I love the ride and even make my daily commute in it. This car gives me a thrill that I can't accurately describe. I'm not sure if I own the car or it owns me.
Favorite Features
Acceleration, seats, steering wheel, handling, engine noise, the way you can kick out the back end with so little effort, good looks, purpose built interior, small storage space (this is a sports car right?).
Suggested Improvements
From what I've read, reliability can be an issue. Get an extended warranty if possible or at least understand what you're getting into.
Fun, but bumpy
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan 350Z Touring 2dr Hatchback (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
Review
This is a very nice sport car don't get me wrong. It looks fast, it is fast, it takes off so quick I almost get whiplash everytime. It is a head turner too. But I have never had anything that is this bumpy and the rattles drive me insane. I've had an S2000 and it wasn't this bad, and that thing had a super tight suspension. My Z rattles like it is falling apart, all along the dash, the center console, and if I am talking while driving it sounds like someone is thumping my chest. I have crammed things into seams and cracks to stop them, but it's no use. But man is it fast.
Favorite Features
I love the look, though the new LED lights look better. The cockpit is nice. The sound when I turn the engine on gives me goosebumps.
Suggested Improvements
The suspension and rattles. It needs to have all seams where plastics meet to be padded, I have tried as best I can to stop them, then a new one pops up.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
Great car with minor issues
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan 350Z Touring 2dr Hatchback (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Like other reviewers, I have suffered the same "tire roar" and front end noise that has plagued 350Z owners since the cars inception. After taking the car to Firestone to get my tires replaced recently, the helpful technician, a Vette owner, suggested that I take the car in every 3 months to have this toe-in problem fixed. You can purchase a lifetime alignment from Firestone for a very reasonable price and taking the car in every 3 months or so insures that the wear on the tires will be a bit more normal. Tire wear aside, the car has been a dream and I have enjoyed it thoroughly. As I am getting a bit older now so the utility of a 2-seater is beginning to reach its end for me.
Favorite Features
Great acceleration. Awesome cornering with little rear end slip and easy recovery when there is slip. Gas mileage is great even though its Premium. Interior controls are easy to reach and leather bucket seats are comfortable. AC is great and the sound system jams.
Suggested Improvements
Radio controls on steering wheel would be nice. Don't have them on my 2003. Hopefully the toe-in issue has been fixed by now but I doubt it.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
fun to drive
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan 350Z Touring 2dr Hatchback (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
Review
I have nothing bad to say about my Z car. It handles well and is so much fun to drive. I get nothing but compliments from everyone I know and don't know about the looks of the car. The gas mileage is not bad for a sports car either. I get 20 miles to the gallon in town about 25 on the highway. The color is gorgeous too. I have the brickyard color which is kind of a dark plum color. I put an after market spoiler on the back and it is too cute.
Favorite Features
My favorite feature is the heated seats. I love that since I am so cold natured anyway. They keep you warm and cozy.
Suggested Improvements
I really can't think of anything to improve on the quality or performance of this vehicle. It was worth the investment.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
Research the 2003 Nissan 350Z
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
