2004 Nissan 350Z: Road Test
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2004 Nissan 350Z ▼
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- MSRP: $26,370 -$37,190
- Invoice: $24,663 -$34,394
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Our road test for the 2004 Nissan 350Z includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Nissan 350Z from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Nissan 350Z, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Nissan 350Z help you decide if a 2004 Nissan 350Z is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.1 |
Test manual-transmission Enthusiast coupe did 6.0 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.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Test manual-transmission Enthusiast coupe averaged 17.8 mpg, including gas-eating performance runs. Touring coupes averaged 18.8-19.3 mpg. Test Touring convertible averaged 21.4-22.0 in mostly highway driving. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3.6 |
Laudable high-speed composure. Acceptably comfortable on most surfaces. But Zs pound over bumps and ruts, and ultrastiff 18-inch tires on Touring coupe with manual transmission and on Performance and Track versions turn ride disturbingly harsh.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
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 cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3.1 |
Engine sounds passenger-car tame at low rpm, 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 coupe's hatchback area. Convertible top allows more wind rush and ambient noise into cockpit, but its design reduces audible rear tire noise.
CONTROLS
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
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 cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
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 in coupe compromised by body shape and, for some drivers, strut-brace reflections in back window. Combination of headrests, rollbars, and small rear window mar top-up vision in convertible, particularly over left shoulder.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.2 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2.8 |
Coupe's hatchback design maximizes utility compared to most competitors. But loading large items frustrated by high liftover and intrusion from strut brace bridging cargo bay. Convertible has smaller, shallower trunk. Tiny door map pockets. No glovebox. Front seatbacks tip for access to storage bins. Flimsy pop-out dashboard cupholder.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6.2 |
Nissan's 350Z packs serious performance at a relative bargain price. Convertible adds open-air fun to the mix. A rough ride and high noise levels are tradeoffs for outstanding acceleration and smooth-road handling. And cost-conscious interior decor comes with cost-conscious pricing.
Total Score
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | 47 | 48 | 43 | 47.6 |
Total Score: 47
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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