Nissan 350Z Review

2008 Nissan 350Z Enthusiast Hatchback Shown

The Nissan 350Z is the latest in a long line of "Z" sports cars from this Japanese manufacturer. As its predecessors did, the 350Z offers considerable performance potential at a real-world price.

The Nissan 350Z is available as a two-seat coupe or a convertible soft-top roadster. From the outset, Nissan designed the car to be available in these two body styles. As a result, the two versions are near equals in terms of performance. Only when driven hard does the coupe's reduced weight and added structural rigidity start to give it a slight edge.

When evaluated on the main attributes that a performance coupe or roadster should have, the 350Z scores well. It's sleekly styled, quick to accelerate and brake, and precise in terms of handling. It also can serve as a daily driver, though due to a stiff ride and spartan cockpit, the Z isn't the best everyday choice in its $30,000 price range. But for enthusiastic drivers willing to give up a bit of comfort for increased performance, the Nissan 350Z is a smart choice.

Current Nissan 350Z

The Nissan 350Z is ostensibly a replacement for the old 300ZX, but its unique styling, relatively affordable price tag and lack of an optional turbocharged engine differentiate it from previous Z models. The 350Z's sole available engine is a 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that drives the rear wheels. For this type of car, the V6 is just about perfect. It revs easily, if a bit coarsely at higher engine speeds, and develops plenty of power while managing to be reasonably fuel-efficient. It comes paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.

Ordering a Nissan 350Z is a little tricky, as one must examine the car's five available trim levels in order to find a desired level of features. The coupe comes in base, Enthusiast, Touring, Grand Touring and Nismo versions, while the roadster is limited to Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels.

Though the lower-level trims are reasonably well equipped, consumers interested in a more luxurious ownership experience should probably go with the Touring model. This version comes with upscale items like leather seating and an optional navigation system. The Grand Touring features luxury items from the Touring trim while adding front and rear spoilers, upgraded brakes and lightweight wheels.

The Nismo model forgoes many luxuries in favor of performance-enhancing upgrades, such as a stiffened, seam-welded chassis, firmer springs and shock absorbers, and various aerodynamic upgrades. Brake and wheel specs are identical to the Grand Touring, though the Nismo's wheels have a darker finish. Inside, each Nismo has red and black cloth seats, a gray-faced tachometer and a number plaque indicating its build order in the production run.

In numerous reviews, we've found the Nissan 350Z to be an engaging sports car to drive hard. The V6 pulls strongly when revved past 3,000 rpm and generates one of the most distinctive engine and exhaust-note soundtracks available. From a coupe with a manual transmission, expect a 0-60-mph time of less than 6 seconds.

The 350Z's ability to provide serious grip and accurate feedback through corners has made it a favorite of our enthusiast editors. The Grand Touring model, in particular, stands out because of its lightweight wheels and Brembo-sourced brakes, while the purpose-built Nismo model pushes the performance envelope even further for dedicated enthusiasts who can live without the luxury and convenience features of the Touring and Grand Touring. At the limit, the car's handling can be a bit tricky and steady hands are required.

When employed on a daily basis, the Nissan 350Z doesn't make for such a compelling companion. Road and tire noise are considerable, and the car's stiff suspension transmits plenty of shock to its occupants when the car is driven on rough pavement. Inside, the Z's cabin is functional but decidedly stark. Some of the car's interior trim is of low quality, and the luggage capacity of both the coupe and roadster is compromised, even for this class of car.

Past Nissan 350Z Models

The 350Z sports car bowed in 2003 as an all-new model. The roadster did not become available until 2004. Consumers interested in a used 350Z should generally try to purchase the newest year possible, as Nissan has been making gradual improvements to feature content and hardware. Perhaps the most notable change came in the 2007 model year, when all 350Z models received an updated higher-revving version of the 3.5-liter V6. A performance-biased Track trim level was also produced until 2007, when it was replaced by the Nismo model. Bargain hunters should note that used 350Zs have held their value quite well over time.

SELECT A SPECIFIC NISSAN 350Z MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.