2006 Nissan 350Z Review
2006 Nissan 350Z Review
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Used 350Z for sale
Appraise This CarNissan 350Z model years
Nissan 350Z types
- Coupe
- Convertible
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong and willing V6 engine, precision handling, powerful brakes, available drop-top version, a bargain compared to anything that can run with it.
Cons
- Rough ride on Track model, some low-grade interior materials, lack of luggage space, poor rearward visibility.
What’s new
The 2006 Nissan 350Z sports car receives a host of minor changes. Mechanical updates include an increase in horsepower, to 300, for all manual-transmission-equipped cars, larger brake rotors for cars without the Brembo brake package and a new vehicle speed-sensitive steering rack. For the exterior, the Z sports a revised front bumper and new headlight and taillight designs. Eighteen-inch wheels and HID headlights are now standard on all models. Changes inside include new cloth seat material, revised climate controls and a new navigation system. Finally, Nissan has made some adjustments to the Z's trim levels. A Grand Touring trim level is now available for the coupe body style; it features the Touring trim's equipment plus Brembo brakes, spoilers and stability control. Additionally, the Track and Grand Touring trims get new RAYS super lightweight forged-alloy wheels that measure 18 inches in front and 19 out back.
Edmunds says
Nissan's crown jewel. For the money, the 2006 Nissan 350Z is one of the best performance buys on the market.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Nissan 350Z 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.49 per gallon for premium unleaded in Massachusetts.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Massachusetts
$285/mo for 350Z Base
350Z Base
vs
$184/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Few Nissan products have a more loyal following than the Z. Light, nimble, sporty and affordable, the original 1970 Datsun 240Z was the company's first big success in America. Prospective owners had to wait nearly six months to get one. Horsepower was set at 150, and the Nissan car listed at $3,526. Though it became increasingly heavier and more luxurious, the Z continued to sell well throughout the '70s and '80s. In 1990, Nissan debuted an all-new 300ZX. The car had a 222-hp V6 and a completely new body and interior. Later in the model year, a twin-turbo 300ZX went on sale with 300 horsepower. By the mid-'90s, however, the sports car market was shrinking. A strong yen also caused the Z's price to skyrocket. Sales slid and Nissan pulled the plug on the 300ZX in 1996. Within the depths of Nissan, however, the eternal light wasn't quite extinguished.
In 1999, the Z Concept first appeared on the auto show circuit. Created in secret by a team of designers at Nissan's Southern California studios, this metallic orange car relied heavily on cues from the first-generation 240Z. Its styling wasn't perfect, and the hardware underneath was mostly 240SX, but it was enough to get Nissan's top execs -- as well as the public -- excited about another Z. Nearly a decade later, the Z returned and Nissan's fortunes have been on the rise ever since. The 350Z is built on Nissan's FM platform. FM (front midship) refers to the positioning of the engine. Compared to most front-engine cars in which a considerable amount of engine weight is placed over the front wheels, the 350Z's engine is located further rearward behind the front wheels. Handling, as you might imagine, is fantastic. Blast through the gears and there's a constant, insistent rush apt to make even the most jaded driver grin like a grade-schooler driving a go-kart. Although several other manufacturers have introduced performance cars in this price range over the last few years, the 2006 Nissan 350Z remains an excellent buy for enthusiastic drivers who don't want to spend big bucks.
Performance & mpg
The front-engine, rear-drive Nissan 350Z features a strong and flexible 3.5-liter V6. Similar to the engines found in the Maxima and Altima 3.5 SE, the Z's engine has variable valve timing and an electronically controlled throttle. In manual transmission models, it makes 300 horsepower, while automatic-equipped Zs make do with 287 hp. The manual gearbox is a close-ratio, six-speed unit, while the optional automatic is a five-speed with downshift rev matching.
Safety
Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS are standard on all models; the Grand Touring and Track models get an upgraded set of four-piston Brembo calipers. Side and head-protecting side curtain airbags are optional on all coupes. Regular side airbags are standard on Touring and Grand Touring roadsters and optional on Enthusiast versions. In government crash tests, the 2006 Nissan 350Z received a five star rollover rating.
Driving
There's nothing special or gimmicky about getting started -- just turn the key, buckle your seatbelt and go. Around town, the V6 is quite docile, and the clutch isn't overly stiff. Open it up a bit, and the dual-exhaust pipes produce an enjoyable and throaty V6 growl. Power delivery is linear and athletic, with the most fun coming on around 4,000 rpm. During cornering, outright grip is high, and the Nissan car feels well balanced. Overall, the Nissan 350Z offers handling equal to some of the best sports cars available.
Interior
Inside the Nissan 350Z, the contemporarily styled body is a driver-oriented cockpit that combines both classic and cutting-edge designs. The instrument panel features three gauge pods similar to the original 240Z, while a rear suspension brace resides prominently in the cargo area. While this brace certainly improves body rigidity, it also compromises valuable luggage space. All of the controls a driver might need are close at hand, but some of the materials used in the cockpit seem low-grade for this price range.
2006 Nissan 350Z models
The 2006 Nissan 350Z is available as both a two-seat coupe and a roadster. The coupe comes in base, Enthusiast, Touring, Grand Touring and Track versions, while the roadster is limited to Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels. Base models come with automatic climate control; 18-inch alloy wheels; HID headlamps; power windows, locks and mirrors; a tire-pressure monitor; a CD player; and remote keyless entry. Going with an Enthusiast model sets you up with cruise control, traction control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a limited-slip rear differential and, on the roadster, a power-operated soft top and wind deflector. The Touring model offers an upgraded audio system, power and heated seats, leather upholstery and, on the roadster only, side airbags. For even more performance, the Grand Touring model has front and rear spoilers, stability control, 18-inch front and 19-inch rear lightweight wheels and upgraded Brembo brakes. Geared for the serious enthusiasts, the Track model has all the Grand Touring performance goodies and none of the Touring luxury items.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Nissan 350Z.
5 star(84%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
108 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.25 out of 5 stars
It's been fun, but....
Z_Owner, 01/11/2010
2006 Nissan 350Z Touring 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
I've had my manual 2006 350Z Touring Convertible for 4 years, been fun but expected higher quality & reliability for $40k. Good-Fun car to drive, great styling, always turns heads. Good power, good mileage. I don't drive it very hard, it's a commute vehicle, but have pushed the speed and cornering a few times and had a blast. Bad-The stock tires had to be replaced after 26k miles … ($700). Constant reliability problems (not including small items under $50), in a short 4 years, I've experienced a cracked drive shaft, cracked convertible top, bubbled coating on both door handles, failed convertible top mechanism, belt replacement after 2.5 years, interior paint degrading & peeling off
5 out of 5 stars
My Z completes me!
Tabtabuttit, 02/16/2020
2006 Nissan 350Z Grand Touring 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I got a used 2006 350z with 12K on it. SO it was basically almost new. It was next to the WRX STI when I was looking for a car. Initially, I was going for the WRX. I test drove them both and felt the big difference. The Z has better handling, torque and power. I did a lot of reading and research and youtubes (that's me) before I buy something. I decided to take the Z instead of the WRZ. … And I've been very happy since then. No "what ifs" feeling. I did a lot of mods. bigger wheels, cold intakes, touch screen navigation and sound system, tinted windows, remote start, catback invidia exhaust, rear spoiler and splitter. You can just imagine how sick it looks now with all those mods. Driving this beast is fun (understatement). The power is absolute available at all times as soon as you press on the pedal. It exhilarating to drive this. It goes so fast that you go up to 60 in a snap. I have to add an expensive radar detector to avoid speeding tickets. Haven't had one yet. The MPG is surprising considering the power you get. It's truly a neck breaker. My 8 year old son is so happy every time I pick him up with this beast. My wife hates it on the other hand. I been approached so many times by males and females to ask me how much I spent on this ride. It's really a head turner. Oil consumption is normal. I never had any issue with it. I just bring it to the dealership for oil change. I get a lot -- as in -- a lot of compliments when I drive my 350Z. I babied her since I got her 3 years ago. It's my weekend car. Never had an issue with it. Come to think of it - it's actually a 14 year old car now. Yet it always runs like new. I have a Nissan Frontier PRO 4X for my daily drive. So I feel complete with having the Z.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Nissan finally made something right
SOJ, 11/09/2006
2006 Nissan 350Z 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
The Nissan 350z. What a beautiful car. I used to own a 1996 300zx. That was a pure driving pleasure. The 2006 350z takes after that exact vehicle. This car handles great, is fun to drive and gets pretty decent gas mileage with my heavy foot. I am always pulling between 370-390 each tank of gas, and thats city driving! Vehicle has power to spare in every gear, virtually no lag what so … ever! You hit the gas and you're gone. Awesome vehicle, good job Nissan. All this coming from a die hard Toyota man. About time they bring that Supra back huh? Anyways for 30k, you can't beat this vehicle..
5 out of 5 stars
I know, I have one
harold, 03/02/2006
2006 Nissan 350Z Enthusiast 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
The body style is what renders the most compliments from friends. The performance is wonderful. The best car i've owned. Fifty five years old florida man
2006 350Z Highlights
Coupe
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $27,650 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $285/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 6.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 350Z include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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