2006 Nissan 350Z Consumer Reviews

More than I expected

Written by: I 1DER on 08/10/2009

Vehicle

2006 Nissan 350Z Touring 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Ordered the car so I got exactly what I wanted. After getting 320,000 miles and counting out of my '93 Pathfinder with absolute minimum maintenance and trouble, I decided the Nissan Z would make great sense to me if I could get 200,000 good miles out of it. Three years later at 50K miles I'll be very surprised if I don't. The only concern has been oil consumption of about a quart every 3000-4500 miles. To me that is borderline, but I don't have to add oil if it is changed at that interval anyway. Absolutely no other problem except with one tire pressure sensor when car was fairly new. I mostly drive rural back roads and take trips. Must use at least all- season tires in northern winters.

Favorite Features

-pure pleasure to drive the twisties -500 mile tank range on trips. -all the storage compartments (necessary) -looks even with stock 18" wheels -downshifting the 6 speed to 3rd with it's redline there at 90 mph for passing -Bi-xenon headlights = magnificent for dark road driving. -exhaust tune

Suggested Improvements

-location and replacement of dipstick is terrible, but was fixed in 2007 -Bose audio system great quality, but only when volume is above 20 mark which is usually too loud for me.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Fun But Flawed - Buyer Beware!

Written by: 2JPP8808 on 06/01/2009

Vehicle

2006 Nissan 350Z Enthusiast 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Did lot of research before buying; knew oil consumption was an issue on some 06 Zs. Figured was worth risk, as Nissan warranty gave peace of mind. Thought was safe until Jan 2009, when car started making weird noises, suffered loss of power & oil pressure. Car serviced at dealer religiously, so service mgr determined engine needed to be replaced under recall. Took 2 weeks! In all car has been in shop more times than our Porsche & BMW combined! Issues included clutch assembly, brakes, electrical, trunk release, pass pwr window, TPMS, heat shield, wheel hub. Car has been kept at dealer days/weeks at a time at dealer, & no loaner car given, just shuttle. Thank God we have multiple cars!

Favorite Features

We obviously have a love-hate relationship with this car - so fun to drive and looks fantastic! The sound of the car's exhaust upon start-up & acceleration sounds great! Surprising fuel economy 18-19 MPG city & 28-29 MPG hwy, even with enthusiastic driving. Also fairly roomy cabin for sports car.

Suggested Improvements

In addition to all of our aforementioned problems above, there are lots of squeaks, rattles that have developed, even though we have very low miles! Interior materials wear way too easily (common Z issue). Sadly, Nissan dealer is hit or miss - when it's good, it's good; when it's bad, it's awful!

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Fun 2-Seat Coupe

Written by: No Business Of Yours on 02/09/2009

Vehicle

2006 Nissan 350Z 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Bought one used after deciding I needed a new car. Went with the 350Z rather than a WRX or S2000 simply because its sexier than the Subaru and more muscular that the S2000. Been extremely satisfied so far. Drives like a dream, hugs through corners without a complaint, tranny is relatively solid though clunky, and even gets decent MPG for a sports car. Definitely turns heads, especially with the Solar Orange paint, as its more rare to see than the likes of Mustangs and Camaros. My only serious complaint so far is the interior quality -- the black paint- like surfaces are easily scratched up. The interior more or less looks like a cheaply constructed cockpit.

Favorite Features

The 6-speed, the "HEY LOOK AT ME" styling, and tight steering.

Suggested Improvements

Better road-noise dampening, stereo upgrade, and improved interior quality.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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350Z Track

Written by: Pigpen on 10/23/2008

Vehicle

2006 Nissan 350Z Track 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Fun to drive, very reliable only problem was drivers side window motor. Added cold air intake and high flow exhaust, gets 24.5 MPG. Track model handles well w/ 18/19 inch wheels, bimbro brakes and stiff suspension.

Favorite Features

Exterior look, handles well, fun to drive

Suggested Improvements

More HP, Nissan needs to offer a turbo version. Too much trans. noise at idle, dealer said it was normal for that trans. At idle sounds like the input shaft bearing or throughout bearing is shot. Cheap interior, but for the price, acceptable.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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The best sports car for its value

Written by: flipflop214 on 10/23/2008

Vehicle

2006 Nissan 350Z 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Before buying the Z I test drove the Honda S2K, Mazda RX8, and the BMW Z4. By comparison to all of these cars the 350Z really stood out. The acceleration and torque is much more noticeable than its rivals. The throaty exhaust sounds awesome! There are tons of modifications that you could do to this car! I upgraded the pulleys, exhaust system, intake and wheels (roughly estimating about 5k all together with labor) and this 350Z is ready to compete with the German cars that are twice as expensive! Just get the base model and tune it up to your liking! I love this car even if my wife is asking me to get rid of it to get a German sports sedan! LOL.. NEVER!

Favorite Features

Hi revving V6 engine. exterior and interior look and feel. The aggressive stance of the car. Endless modifications that you could do to improve performance and look! TOO MUCH TO LIST!

Suggested Improvements

Nothing. This car is perfect for someone who wants a real sportscar but doesn't want to pay an arm and a leg to own one!

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Excellent Coolness-to-Dollar Ratio!

Written by: RickS on 09/19/2008

Vehicle

2006 Nissan 350Z Grand Touring 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I hadn't wanted just ANY flashy car; only the 305Z had truly turned my head. I got the silver six-speed, 306 HP. Great move! It's basically all engine, so the handling and acceleration are top-notch. The six gears will keep your hands busy. For a small car, it also has a nice, "heavy", solid feel to it as well, very welcome on the highway or in inclement weather. I routinely get stopped by strangers and complimented on my car! The only negatives I can mention are the lack of trunk space (but who buys this car for trips to the grocery store?), the extreme lowness to the ground (this required a new front end 6 months after purchase), and finicky tire pressure gauges. I love this car!

Favorite Features

Its exterior appearance from the front and side; gutsy acceleration; handling; modern, clean cockpit; solid, heavy feel (not 'plasticky' like other cars in its class); and the fact that it can hold its own re: looks and performance against German luxury sportscars costing twice as much (or more!).

Suggested Improvements

My tire pressure light has been troublesome, occasionally coming on and refusing to go off, regardless of what's done, requiring a trip to the dealership for resetting. Because of the car's lowness to the ground, the front end/grill assembly should be made much tougher to survive scrapes and jolts!

8 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Best buy for the $$$

Written by: L4 on 09/10/2008

Vehicle

2006 Nissan 350Z Touring 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I'm a legacy Z watcher, and finally pulled the trigger in 06. I'm glad i waited for the 06, I drove the 03 and 04 can't compare to my purchase. Although it's not a primary vehicle it's well worth it for anyone who can't or doesn't want to pay Porsche $$.

Favorite Features

Fun on the back roads great handling, I love the nav, and the six speed makes it extremely fun.

Suggested Improvements

I bought the coupe but really wanted the convertible, PLEASE make the convertible a better piece of eye candy with the top up!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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What's Not To Love!?

Written by: Rubydoo on 07/28/2008

Vehicle

2006 Nissan 350Z Enthusiast 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is our 2nd Nissan sports car and we LOVE it. Can't ever imagine getting rid of it. We owned a 1993 300z when it was new and this 350z is even better. No matter where we go, people comment on the looks and think it's a 75k+ car. It handles great and is a blast to drive! We have had zero problems with it.

Favorite Features

Things we love... Power ragtop and that it's hidden when the top is down. Body style. Power and speed. Heated seats and sound system. Too much to list.

Suggested Improvements

Perhaps a nicer interior minus the seats.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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One fine convertible

Written by: walywrld on 07/08/2008

Vehicle

2006 Nissan 350Z Touring 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I did a lot of research before buying this car and it paid off. This is one outstanding car which I am completely satisfied with. It is more enjoyable than I expected. The power is awesome, it drives great, is great for weekend road trips, the steering is dead on, exceptional driving experience. I find it quiet for a convertible, quieter cruising at highway speeds than its competitors. I find the seats comfortable and supportive, it is cozy but it is a 2 seat sports car, what does one expect? I have taken several long trips in the car and find it comfortable on the road. I can drive all day and am not tired and "beaten". Overall, the Z is well laid out and comfortable.

Favorite Features

Outstanding power. Super handling. Fine road car. Quiet for a convertible. Very good mpg. Great all around sports car.

Suggested Improvements

Cannot think of a thing I would change. I considered and drove the Honda S2K, BMW Z-4, Mustang GT, Mazda Miata, and Pontiac Solstice. I found the Z by far a better all around sports car than any of those. This is a great convertible package that I highly recommend.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Unreliable car

Written by: jk on 06/30/2008

Vehicle

2006 Nissan 350Z Track 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Bought the car on 3/07 and until 7/07 have a nasty problem with oil consumption. The car keeps on eating up oil and Nissan is fully aware of this problem but not doing anything about it. Just got the engine replaced from the dealer after returning to the dealer for the 4th time. Have not had a time to enjoy the car, but instead going to the dealership every other Saturday to re-check the oil consumption problem. If you like wasting your time and going to the dealer every other weekends and worry about if your car has oil or not. Then I highly recommend this car. Overall my first Nissan that I bought and I dislike Nissan after 4 months of driving this car.

Favorite Features

Horsepower and the style.

Suggested Improvements

The oil problem.

7 out 9 people found this review helpful

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