2003-2008 Nissan 350Z: Road Test

Nissan's lusty V6 provides ample acceleration at any speed, with either transmission. Nissan promised 0-60 mph in under 6.0 seconds, which is exactly what a manual-shift Enthusiast coupe managed to achieve. Some testers consider the short-throw manual transmission a joy to operate, but others have said it's too stiff and heavy. Automatic often slurs downshifts, smoothing acceleration at the expense of drivability. A manual-gearbox Enthuiast coupe averaged 17.8 mpg, including gas-eating performance runs. Touring coupes have averaged 18.8 to 19.3 mpg, while Touring convertibles got 21.4 to 22 mpg in mostly highway travel. Nissan recommends premium fuel. Ride quality depends on the model and road conditions. Solid structure and a relatively long wheelbase--second longest in the sports-car class--help the suspension retain laudable composure over all but the worst roads. Still, Zs pound over bumps and ruts. Ultra-stiff 18-inch tires on Track and Performance models, and manual-shift Touring coupes, are unsuited for daily driving, turning the ride disturbingly harsh. Sharp, precise steering is a plus, though some testers would have preferred more road feel. Zs track resolutely through the sharpest curves and bumpiest corners. Upgraded tires glue the Track model to the road, at the expense of ride comfort. Wide tires can "wander" along road grooves, but Zs are stable and grippy through the sharpest curves--provided the pavement is unblemished. Bumpy corners at speed can send the tail skittering sideway, reducing control. Rear tires slip easily on damp pavement, even with traction control. Brake performance and feel are confidence-inspiring--more so with Brembo calipers standard on Track models. Passenger-car tame at low rpm, the engine gets loud during full acceleration, but its prominent exhaust note befits a sports car. Wind rush is modest, but road noise is bothersome at highway speeds--especially with 18-inch tires. On wet pavement, tires create pronounced "whooshing" in the coupe's open hatchback area. The convertible top allows more wind rush and ambient noise into the cockpit, but its design reduces audible back-tire noise. Clearly marked gauges move with the tilt steering column. Audio and climate controls are within easy reach, but radio buttons are undersized. Cabin materials are a step above typical Nissan, and equal most like-priced competitors. Available leather upholstery feels rich, but the cabin is otherwise a stew of lightweight plastic panels and undistinguished switchgear. Such cost-cutting penalized the Z against more opulent rivals from Audi, BMW, Porsche, and even Honda. Among the more spacious sports cars, the 350Z provides ample head and leg room for large adults. Supportive seats suit long drives, but high door sills and a low seating position yield a closed-in sensation. Seats have good lateral bolstering, though not necessarily ideal comfort on long hauls. Vision to the rear in coupes is compromised by the body shape. The combination of headrests and a small rear window mar top-up views in convertibles. Par for the class, entry/exit is hampered by the low-slung design, and assist handles are absent because of the curtain airbags. The coupe's hatchback design increases utility and maximizes room, compared with most sports cars. But loading large items is hampered by high liftover and intrusion from the crosswise strut-tower brace bridging the cargo bay. Interior cubbies and bins abound, though no glovebox is installed and door map pockets are tiny. Front seatbacks tip for access to storage bins. The pop-out dashboard cupholder is flimsy. Convertibles get a smaller, shallow trunk.

Value for the Money
Nissan's Z revival holds true to tradition: serious performance and high style at a bargain price, though relatively good resale value of some models may keep secondhand prices higher. Five distinct models allowed new-Z buyers to tailor the car to their needs, though used-car lots won't have every version. Overall, the 350Z blends performance and livability as well as anything in the class. High noise levels and a rough ride are tradeoffs for outstanding acceleration and smooth-road handling. Convertibles add some open-air fun to the mix.