2018 Nissan 370Z Review

Name: 2018 Nissan 370Z Review
Brand: Nissan
Price: 18228 USD
Rating: 4.6 (36 reviews)

2018 Nissan 370Z Coupe Exterior. Heritage Edition Package Shown.

+82

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byJames Riswick^{Edmunds Contributor
James Riswick is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

Sharp steering and precise handling around turns
One of the few two-seaters at its price point

Cons

Very loud with abundant road noise and unrefined engine
Inconsistent control efforts make it difficult to drive smoothly
Huge blind spots
Base trim missing common standard features

What’s new

For 2018, the 370Z gets subtle styling enhancements, including darkened light housings front and back, a revised lower rear fascia and different 19-inch wheels. Manual-equipped cars get a new high-performance clutch, and a new Heritage Edition effectively adds some special graphics to the base 370Z coupe with the option of black or yellow paint. Finally, the base Nismo trim has been dropped, leaving only the Nismo Tech behind.

Vehicle overview

There is a decided lack of affordable sports cars these days. In fact, you wouldn't need all your fingers to count them. So we should celebrate the fact that the 2018 Nissan 370Z is so singularly focused on being a sports car with its two seats, small dimensions and powerful, non-turbocharged V6 engine.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Nissan 370Z 2dr Coupe (3.7L 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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$258/mo

$179/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Unfortunately, this generation 370Z came out for 2009. There hasn't been a full redesign since, which is an eternity in car terms, and Nissan hasn't made many substantive updates either. That means the 370Z continues to be just as unrefined and inconvenient for your daily drive as it was about a decade ago, but now it has also been surpassed in performance by newer competitors.

These rivals also provide more features and a more livable driving experience. You could probably get by knowing that the Z lacks advanced accident avoidance safety features or smartphone features such as Apple CarPlay. But the 370Z is so dated, it doesn't even come standard with a USB port.

Having a back-to-basics sports car certainly doesn't have to be a bad thing. But when competitors outdo the 370Z in both performance and livability, it's hard to recommend.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

While you'll undoubtedly appreciate the 2018 Nissan 370Z's sports car design, its dated design puts it at a disadvantage against other modern performance cars. It lacks many of the latest technology features, isn't particularly fast, and suffers from high levels of cabin noise.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Nissan 370Z Base Coupe (3.7L V6 | 6-speed Manual | RWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current 370Z has received some revisions, including a new high-performance clutch for 2018. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's 370Z.

Scorecard

Overall
Driving	3.0
Comfort	3.0
Interior	3.0
Utility	2.5
Technology	2.0

Driving

3.0

Performance is average in most categories. The 370Z's brutish shifter deserves some of the blame (especially without the SynchroRev Match function). Brake pedal sensitivity negatively impacts drivability to the point that it requires practice to master. Handling is average for the segment.

Acceleration

The non-Nismo 370Z's zero-to-60-mph time of 5.5 seconds is reasonably quick, but you have to work for it. The six-speed manual's shift action is unnecessarily heavy and especially so at higher rpm. Without the Sport trims' otherwise excellent SynchroRev Match function, this is not a good manual transmission.

Braking

In panic situations, ABS noise and tire noise are louder than similar cars. The 3,300-pound coupe stopped from 60 mph in 114 feet, which is long-ish for a sports car with summer tires. In normal driving, the brakes are overly sensitive upon initial application.

Steering

Good turn-in and responsiveness but not a lot of road feel. On steady-state freeway turns, the steering weight would go numb temporarily, requiring driver input to re-establish the proper resistance.

Handling

Relatively well balanced. Mild understeer at the limit is mitigated well by the stability control system. The Yokohama Advan Sport summer tires offer moderate levels of grip. The suspension is firm and compliant over most surfaces.

Drivability

Control efforts are all over the place. The brake pedal is jumpy and the shifter is notchy. At least the precise steering and small proportions make it easy to maneuver.

Comfort

3.0

Comfort is not the strong suit of any car with sporting intentions, and the 370Z reflects these norms. It is loud, and the ride is firm. If a quieter and more compliant ride is important, there are other options in this segment worth test-driving.

Seat comfort

Lateral support is commendable, but the firm seats without a lot of adjustments grow uncomfortable in a short period of time. The steering wheel is also tilt-only. Hard plastic armrests on the doors with a softer center console.

Ride comfort

This ride is stiff but no more so than the average sport coupe. Its suspension does a reasonably good job absorbing smaller bumps. Larger bumps are more dramatic. Again, typical characteristics for a vehicle in this segment.

Noise & vibration

Levels of engine, tire and wind noise are prominent. Rivals are not quite this loud, but they are close. The ever-present and unrefined noise and vibration felt through the drivetrain are hard to overlook.

Interior

3.0

The Z's cabin is dated. It's hard to see out of. The shape of the door release handle is awkward — that might be acceptable if it wasn't something you touched every time you drive the car. The coupe's fastback shape and lack of a back seat reduce storage.

Ease of use

The controls are all within reach inside this compact cabin. The base model has an array of buttons and knobs only — simple and effective. Taller drivers may bang elbows on the inboard seat bolster during second and fourth gear shifts.

Getting in/getting out

A low sports-car stance is expected from the class and makes entry and exit difficult. The vertical door handle pulls are not the best design. The doors do open fully and aren't too heavy.

Driving position

Only the Touring trims get power-adjustable seats, and even then, you only get four-way power adjustment — the rest are still manual. The tilt-only steering wheel doesn't telescope. In other words, you may struggle to get comfortable.

Roominess

Coupes of similar performance and character offer back seats. The Z seats only two in a confining cabin. The coupe's bubble roof design at least equates to excellent headroom, even for 6-footers, but expect to rub elbows with the front passenger.

Visibility

By design, a high-beltline, fastback coupe body style creates blind spots, but rearward visibility is still notably poor. A rearview camera comes on the Touring and Sport Tech trims, but it should be standard.

Quality

Average quality materials. Cloth seats and medium-hard plastics throughout. Our test car had a sticky operation for its passenger door handle and a creaky-sounding shift knob.

Utility

2.5

Despite the hatchback trunk, cargo space is unremarkable but generally average for a two-seat car. Pretty good small-item storage. Similarly priced performance cars with back seats do offer more utility.

Small-item storage

Three cupholders each fit a medium-size water bottle, which is impressive for a sports car (whose cupholders are often small and compromised). Two open bins behind the front seats are somewhat useful.

Cargo space

The coupe has a meager 6.9 cubic feet of space, good compared to a Miata but much less useful than what a Camaro or Mustang offers (and they're hardly cargo-hauling champs). The convertible drops to a laughable 4.2 cubic feet, making it tough to pack much more than a couple soft-sided weekend bags.

Technology

2.0

The 370Z is an old car, and its technology is not surprisingly dated … and that's if you get any technology at all. A USB port, Bluetooth audio and a touchscreen interface are only on the Touring and Sport Tech trims.

Audio & navigation

The base 370Z has a simple radio faceplate, which makes it easy to use when driving quickly is your top priority. But it's seriously lacking in modern functionality. The available touchscreen is dated but generally easy to use.

Smartphone integration

Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard, but a USB port is not. That's inexcusable in 2018 and lacking standard Bluetooth audio isn't much better.

2018 Nissan 370Z models

The 2018 Nissan 370Z is a two-seat sports car available as a hatchback coupe or a soft-top convertible. The coupe comes in base, Sport, Sport Tech, Touring and Nismo Tech trims, while the convertible can be had as the base, Touring and Touring Sport. All trim levels come with a 3.7-liter V6 engine paired to either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 332 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque in regular 370Z trim levels and 350 hp and 276 lb-ft in the Nismo.

The base 370Z comes standard with 18-inch wheels, summer performance tires, automatic xenon headlights, LED running lights and taillights, keyless ignition and entry, cruise control, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.

Upgrade to the Sport trim (only available on the coupe) and you'll get a limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, a rev-matching downshift feature for the manual transmission, 19-inch wheels, heated mirrors, chin and rear deck spoilers, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.

The Touring trim loses the Sport's performance upgrades but adds leather and simulated suede upholstery, a rear cargo cover (coupe only), heated four-way power-adjustable seats (with adjustable driver lumbar), an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, a USB port, voice controls, a rearview camera, Bluetooth audio connectivity, satellite radio, a media player interface and the Bose audio system. The convertible gets ventilated front seats.

The Sport Tech coupe gets most of the equipment from the Sport and Touring models minus the heated power seats, upgraded upholstery and cargo cover. The convertible's Touring Sport mirrors the Sport Tech's equipment, but it is missing the front-chin and rear-deck spoilers. It does get the upgraded seats and upholstery, though.

The 370Z Nismo Tech gets a more powerful version of the standard V6 and features the same or upgraded versions of the Sport trim's performance hardware, including an exclusive sport-tuned suspension, upgraded tires, and special brake fluid and hoses. The Nismo also features unique aerodynamic body pieces, Recaro sport seats, a simulated suede-trimmed steering wheel and the Touring's auto-dimming rearview mirror and various upgraded electronics features, including the 7-inch touchscreen interface and navigation system.

The only option is the Heritage Edition package, exclusive to the base coupe. It features exterior decals, yellow interior trim, and a choice of either black or yellow paint.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#34 out of 46 among Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Nissan 370Z from 2008-2022.}

$518/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.77x/yr

vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

18.4%

vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Nissan 370Z.

5 (69%)

4 (28%)

3 (0%)

2 (0%)

1 (3%)

4.6

36 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Great car, but know your options

uncle_ruckus, 05/20/2015

2016 Nissan 370Z 2dr Coupe (3.7L 6cyl 7A)

I wish I'd done more research on this car before buying but.. Ride comfort and road noise is tolerable but don't be surprised if others complain about it. Unless you're pulling some Fast and Furious **** or tracking the car, the base model has ample power. This car is a serious looker and is a lot more uncommon than the new Mustangs, 5th gen Camaros or whatever other RWD 2 door sports …

don't believe what you hear..

mike tucker, 01/13/2016

2016 Nissan 370Z 2dr Convertible (3.7L 6cyl 7A)

all I have read in virtually every review from "experts " is that there are better choices available. really? name one!. My 2014 grey 370z roadster is an absolute superstar. It is stunning to look at. I am shocked when i go a single day without compliments or admiring glances. The power is awesome. The engine sound is brutal, in a good way. The handling and braking are true sportscar. …

Oh Baby! Sweet Ride!

brenda swan, 05/06/2016

2016 Nissan 370Z Sport Tech 2dr Coupe (3.7L 6cyl 6M)

Zena currently has 122,200 miles. She was purchased brand new in 2016 with only 19 miles on her. I had never owned a Nissan brand before or a sports car, for that matter. I had a choice from a 370Z base model, either automatic or manual shift; a Sport Tech; or the Nizmo. I chose the 370Z Sport Tech with manual shift. I did my homework before I even stepped inside the dealership and … would recommend you do the same. I had dealerships compete in an online competition to give me the best price, in writing. I then drove 100 miles away to get nearly $7,000 off what the other dealers were selling her for in my area. I used Edmunds.com and Truecar.com to get online estimates and made sure the Internet Rep of the dealerships honored their bid. Obviously, this car being a two seater sports car, you are not going to have a lot of cargo storage space, but surprisingly she can carry a lot. She does pick up alot of road noise via the tires and sitting so low to the ground but if you are listening to the BOSE stereo system or Sirius XM you learn to love the sound. All in all, I am extremely pleased with this purchase. MPH is about the same as my last car G6, nothing stupendous to write home about 23 city/27 highway. She uses only premium gas (91) so consider how much you can afford for gas as in California we pay the highest amount for gasoline in the country. By the way, I am a single female, with no minor children. I bought this car, not out of practicality, but because I wanted her. If I could change anything about my experience buying her, it would be dealing with male managers of the dealerships who think blonde females are stupid when it comes to cars. Zena is gorgeous to look at and people (men especially) stop to tell me so. This car hugs the turns and picks up speed fast. The only negative issues I've experienced when driving across country are road conditions are horrible with many pot holes. You tend to drive carefully and defensively as the 370Z sits extremely low to the ground. There are only two things I'd change on her if I could. 1) I'd love leather seats. 2) I'm 5'7" and drive with my seat pushed closer to the clutch and would move the center counsel forward by 3 or 4 inches. All the required maintenance based on mile input has been done and up until this year she required nothing more than regular oil changes and one time replaced front and rear brakes. This year I changed out her clutch. Don't use dealer for such repairs after your cars warranty has expired as they are too expensive. Make friends with a certified, independently, factory trained mechanic in your area to save money or do it yourself. It's imperative you change the belts and spark plugs at 100,000 miles plus have the mechanic check for power steering hose condition, and coolant container, as they tend to dry out. I just had all those replaced for hardly nothing and Zena drives better than ever. I cannot express how much I love this car. I plan on giving her to my grandson when he turns 18. She needs to remain in premium condition. As he is only 11 now, Zena will probably need a new paint job by then, as I've noticed her clear coat is just now starting to flake off in spots.

A Gem, Actually a Pearl

Deborah Vollmer, 12/21/2015

2016 Nissan 370Z Touring Sport 2dr Convertible (3.7L 6cyl 6M)

This my third Z, and I'm more than brand loyal. The Zs are fun to drive, incredibly reliable, and relatively safe for sports convertibles. You could buy two of these cars for what you might pay for a Porsche. The Bose sound system is crystal clear, and the road sound dampening improvements in the 2016 cars are a real plus.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Nissan 370Z, so we've included reviews for other years of the 370Z since its last redesign.

See all 36 reviews of the Nissan 370Z

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2018 370Z Highlights

Type:

Coupe

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$29,990
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$258/month
Seating	2 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	6.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the 370Z models:

Rearview Camera: Displays a view of what's behind you. But it only comes on the Touring, Sport Tech and Touring Sport trim levels.
Side Curtain Airbags: Protects the head and torso of occupants in a side impact.
Front Airbags: Protects occupants in the event of a front collision.

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