2003 Nissan 350Z: Road Test
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2003 Nissan 350Z ▼
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- MSRP: $26,370 -$34,180
- Invoice: $24,663 -$31,254
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Our road test for the 2003 Nissan 350Z includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Nissan 350Z from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Nissan 350Z, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Nissan 350Z help you decide if a 2003 Nissan 350Z is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Enthusiast, man. | Touring, man. | Touring, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5.9 |
Test manual-transmission Enthusiast coupe did 6 sec 0-60 mph. Power is ample from any speed with either transmission. Some testers find the manual a joy to operate, others call it too stiff and heavy. Automatic transmission often slurs downshifts. No opportunity yet to test convertible, which Nissan expects to account for about 20 percent of Z sales.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Enthusiast, man. | Touring, man. | Touring, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
Test manual-transmission Enthusiast averaged 17.8 mpg, including gas-eating performance runs. Touring models averaged 18.8-19.3 mpg. Nissan recommends premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Enthusiast, man. | Touring, man. | Touring, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3.5 |
Laudable high-speed composure. Acceptably comfortable on most surfaces. But Zs pound over bumps and ruts, and ultrastiff 18-inch tires on Touring model with manual transmission and on Performance and Track versions turn ride disturbingly harsh.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Enthusiast, man. | Touring, man. | Touring, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7.7 |
Sharp, precise steering, though some testers would like more road feel. Wide tires can "tram" along road grooves. Stable and grippy through sharpest curves--if pavement is unblemished. Bumpy corners taken at speed set the tail skittering sideways, reducing control. Rear tires slip easily on damp pavement, even with traction control. Confidence-inspiring brake performance and feel.
QUIETNESS
| Enthusiast, man. | Touring, man. | Touring, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3.2 |
Engine sounds passenger-car tame, but prominent exhaust note befits a sports car. Wind rush modest. Road noise bothersome--especially with 18-inch tires. On wet pavement, tires create pronounced whooshing in the hatchback area. Unused passenger safety-belt buckle knocks annoyingly against door panel.
CONTROLS
| Enthusiast, man. | Touring, man. | Touring, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
Clearly marked gauges tilt with steering column. Audio and climate controls within easy reach, but radio buttons are undersized. Available leather upholstery feels rich, but cabin otherwise a stew of lightweight plastic panels and undistinguished switchgear. This obvious cost-cutting penalizes the Z against more-opulent rivals from Audi, BMW, Porsche, even Honda.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Enthusiast, man. | Touring, man. | Touring, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.7 |
Among the more spacious sports cars. Ample head and leg room. But high door sills, low seating position give a closed-in feel. Seats have good lateral bolstering, though some testers experienced less-than-ideal comfort on long drives. Low-slung design hampers entry/exit. Vision to rear compromised by body shape and, for some drivers, strut-brace reflections in back window.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Enthusiast, man. | Touring, man. | Touring, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.1 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Enthusiast, man. | Touring, man. | Touring, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Hatchback design maximizes utility compared with most competitors. But loading large items frustrated by high liftover and intrusion from strut brace bridging cargo bay. Tiny door map pockets. No glovebox. Front seatbacks tip for access to storage bins. Flimsy pop-out dashboard cupholder.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Enthusiast, man. | Touring, man. | Touring, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6.1 |
Nissan's Z revival is true to tradition: serious performance at a relative bargain price. A rough ride and high noise levels are tradeoffs for outstanding acceleration and smooth-road handling. And cost-conscious interior decor goes with cost-conscious pricing.
Total Score
| Enthusiast, man. | Touring, man. | Touring, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | 45 | 48 | 43 | 47.3 |
Total Score: 46
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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