2003-2008 Nissan 350Z: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Nissan revived its storied Z-car for 2003 as a new, performance-focused rear-drive sports car with V6 power. The 350Z went on sale in late summer of 2002 as a two-door, two-passenger hatchback coupe. Lighter and less expensive than the last Z sold in America--the 1996 300ZX--the new Z rode a wheelbase equal to that of the Chevrolet Corvette, but with a body 10 inches shorter. Based on the platform of the G35 near-luxury sedan from Nissan's Infiniti division, it also borrowed the G35's 3.5-liter V6, retuned to make 287 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, and a five-speed automatic with manual shift gate was available (depending on model). Five models were offered: base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, and Track. Base, Performance, and Track versions came only with manual transmissions. Traction control was unavailable on the base model, but standard on the others. An antiskid system was exclusive to Performance, Touring, and Track editions. All 350Zs came with antilock four-wheel disc brakes and the same suspension settings. Track models got special Brembo-brand brakes and a rear spoiler. Optional on all were torso side airbags and curtain side airbags in a package. A DVD navigation system was available on Performance, Touring, and Track models. Rivals included the BMW Z4, Chevrolet Corvette, and Honda S2000, as well as the Mini Cooper and Pontiac GTO.