2003 Nissan 350Z: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Nissan revives its storied Z for 2003 in a new 2-seat sports car. It bowed as a 2-dr hatchback. A convertible was added in July as an early '04. 350Zs share a chassis with the G35 sedan and coupe from Nissan's Infiniti division. The engine is the G35's 3.5-liter V6, here tuned for 287 hp. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard. A 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate is available on some models. The coupe comes in Base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, and Track models. Nissan calls the convertible the Z Roadster and limits it to Enthusiast and Touring trim. A power top with heated glass rear window is standard, as is a rigid tonneau and a wind deflector. Exclusive to the Touring convertible are optional perforated leather seats. All Zs share identical suspension settings and come with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Among coupes, Touring versions with manual transmission and Performance and Track models have 18-inch wheels. The 18s are a Touring convertible option. Other Zs get 17s. Torso side airbags are standard on the Touring convertible and optional on other Zs. Head-protecting curtain side airbags are optional on coupes. Traction control is unavailable on the Base model, standard on the others. An antiskid system is exclusive to Performance, Touring, and Track models, which also are available with a navigation system. Tracks get a rear spoiler and Brembo-brand brakes with gold-colored accents. Convertible prices were unavailable in time for this report, but Nissan says the Enthusiast version will start around $34,000, the Touring around $37,200.

COMPETITION

This class features an interesting mix of hard-core performance models and more luxurious touring convertibles. Our Best Buys give you a little of both worlds. Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable, but it doesn't beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills at a great price. For weekend fun on a twisty back road, it's hard to beat.

A Recommended selection, Honda S2000 offers up all the performance and thrills of a traditional sports car without the intimidating price tag. Audi's TT is solid, stylish, and loaded with features making it fit for the Recommended list as well. Like no other in its class, TT offers the all-weather advantage of available quattro AWD at a great price. New this year is the Nissan 350Z. It offers heart-stopping performance and civility at a very reasonable price. After additional tests we may well move this vehicle to a Best Buy.