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2005 Nissan 350Z Full Review
Date Published: 5/23/08
Also in the 2005 Nissan 350Z Review:
2005 Nissan 350Z Review
More available power and a standard tire-pressure monitor are among the few 2005 changes to Nissan's 2-seat sports car. The 350Z is available as a hatchback coupe and a convertible. The coupe comes in base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, Track, and 35th Anniversary Edition. Nissan calls the convertible the Z Roadster and offers it in Enthusiast, Touring, and Grand Touring trim. All Zs have a 3.5-liter V6. The Track, Anniversary Edition, and Grand Touring get a new 300-hp version; other models continue with 287 hp. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard. A 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate is available for Enthusiast, Touring, Anniversary Edition, and Grand Touring models. Convertibles have a power cloth top with heated glass rear window, a rigid tonneau, and a cockpit wind deflector. All Zs have identical suspension settings and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Traction control is standard on all but the base model. An antiskid system is standard on Performance, Track, manual-transmission Touring coupes, Anniversary, and Grand Touring models. Those models also come with 18-inch wheels. The 18s are optional on Enthusiast and Touring convertibles, which, like base and Enthusiast coupes, come with 17s. The Anniversary Edition model has unique wheels and badges. Torso front side airbags are standard on the Touring and Grand Touring convertibles, optional otherwise. Head-protecting curtain side airbags are available for coupes. Touring, Anniversary, and Grand Touring models are available with a navigation system. Track coupes, Anniversary models, and Grand Touring models have Brembo-brand brakes. Besides the tire-pressure monitor, all Zs now come with manual driver-seat height adjustment and heated door mirrors.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cyl hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda Miata, and Pontiac GTO. Our Recommended picks are the Acura RSX, Ford Mustang, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Scion tC.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda Miata, and Pontiac GTO. Our Recommended picks are the Acura RSX, Ford Mustang, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Scion tC.
News
Several forecast '05 upgrades have apparently been earmarked for the '06 Zs instead. Heading the list is higher-quality interior trim with soft-touch dashboard and console coverings, plus a redesigned automatic shifter, new lower-dashboard knee pads, and new shoulder-belt "service arms" that eliminate the need to reach behind when buckling up. Also expected is a sturdier center-dashboard lid with available power operation for cars with optional navigation. Finally, the '06 Zs reportedly adopt Euro-market suspension tuning, said to give a smoother ride, and a tandem brake booster to replace a single master cylinder. More '06 details should surface soon, so keep checking back with us.
2005 Nissan 350Z Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Ride |
| Steering/handling/roadholding | Road noise |
| Brake-pedal feel | Rear visibility |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Ample power from any speed with either transmission. Test manual-transmission Enthusiast coupe did 6.0 sec 0-60 mph. Some testers find manual gearbox operation a joy, others call it too stiff. Automatic often slurs downshifts.
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.3 |
Ample power from any speed with either transmission. Test manual-transmission Enthusiast coupe did 6.0 sec 0-60 mph. Some testers find manual gearbox operation a joy, others call it too stiff. Automatic often slurs downshifts.
Fuel Economy
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 mpg in mostly highway driving. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel.
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
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 mpg in mostly highway driving. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Laudable high-speed composure. Acceptably comfortable on smooth surfaces. But Zs pound over bumps and ruts, and the ultrastiff 18-inch tires make ride disturbingly harsh.
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
Laudable high-speed composure. Acceptably comfortable on smooth surfaces. But Zs pound over bumps and ruts, and the ultrastiff 18-inch tires make ride disturbingly harsh.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Precise steering, though some testers would like more road feel. Wide tires can wander along road grooves. Stable, grippy through sharpest curves--if pavement unblemished. Bumpy corners can send tail skittering sideways, reducing control. Rear tires slip easily on damp pavement, even with traction control. Brake performance and feel inspire confidence.
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.1 |
Precise steering, though some testers would like more road feel. Wide tires can wander along road grooves. Stable, grippy through sharpest curves--if pavement unblemished. Bumpy corners can send tail skittering sideways, reducing control. Rear tires slip easily on damp pavement, even with traction control. Brake performance and feel inspire confidence.
Quietness
Engine generally 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 coupe's hatchback area. Convertible suffers more wind rush and ambient noise than coupe, but less rear-tire noise enters cockpit.
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3.2 |
Engine generally 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 coupe's hatchback area. Convertible suffers more wind rush and ambient noise than coupe, but less rear-tire noise enters cockpit.
Controls
Clearly marked gauges tilt with steering column. Audio, climate controls within easy reach, but radio buttons undersized. Available leather upholstery feels rich, but cabin is mostly a stew of lightweight plastic panels and undistinguished switchgear. This obvious cost cutting penalizes Z cabin vs. Audi TT, BMW Z4, Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche Boxster.
| 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, climate controls within easy reach, but radio buttons undersized. Available leather upholstery feels rich, but cabin is mostly a stew of lightweight plastic panels and undistinguished switchgear. This obvious cost cutting penalizes Z cabin vs. Audi TT, BMW Z4, Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche Boxster.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Among the more spacious 2-seaters. Ample head, leg room, though high doorsills, low seating position give a closed-in feel. Seats have good lateral bolstering, though some testers found less-than-ideal comfort on long drives. Low-slung design hampers entry/exit. Rear vision in coupes compromised by body shape and, for some drivers, reflections in back window from shiny structural brace in cargo bay. Combination of headrests and small rear window mar top-up vision in convertible, particularly over left shoulder.
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Among the more spacious 2-seaters. Ample head, leg room, though high doorsills, low seating position give a closed-in feel. Seats have good lateral bolstering, though some testers found less-than-ideal comfort on long drives. Low-slung design hampers entry/exit. Rear vision in coupes compromised by body shape and, for some drivers, reflections in back window from shiny structural brace in cargo bay. Combination of headrests and small rear window mar top-up vision in convertible, particularly over left shoulder.
Room/Comfort (rear)
(No rear seating.)
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.4 |
(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room
Coupe's hatchback design maximizes utility compared to many sports cars. But loading large items frustrated by high liftover and intrusion from crosswise brace. Convertible has smaller, shallower trunk. Tiny door map pockets, no glovebox, but front seatbacks tip for access to storage bins behind. Flimsy pop-out dashboard cupholder.
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3.2 |
Coupe's hatchback design maximizes utility compared to many sports cars. But loading large items frustrated by high liftover and intrusion from crosswise brace. Convertible has smaller, shallower trunk. Tiny door map pockets, no glovebox, but front seatbacks tip for access to storage bins behind. Flimsy pop-out dashboard cupholder.
Value within Class
High noise levels and a rough ride are tradeoffs for the 350Z's outstanding smooth-road handling. And cost-conscious pricing dictates cut-rate interior decor. But these coupes and convertibles deliver serious performance and high style at a relative bargain price. They make our Recommended list.
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6.7 |
High noise levels and a rough ride are tradeoffs for the 350Z's outstanding smooth-road handling. And cost-conscious pricing dictates cut-rate interior decor. But these coupes and convertibles deliver serious performance and high style at a relative bargain price. They make our Recommended list.
Total Score
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 48 | 47 | 48 | 43 | 49.9 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 49 | |
| High Score | 58 |
2005 Nissan 350Z Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/01/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 2-door hatchback coupe, manual | $26,800 | $25,066 | $580 |
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| Enthusiast 2-door hatchback coupe, manual | $28,750 | $26,589 | $580 |
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| Enthusiast 2-door hatchback coupe, automatic | $29,750 | $27,514 | $580 |
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| Enthusiast Roadster 2-door convertible, manual | $34,450 | $31,860 | $580 |
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| Enthusiast Roadster 2-door convertible, automatic | $35,450 | $32,785 | $580 |
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| Touring 2-door hatchback coupe, manual | $33,700 | $30,815 | $580 |
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| Touring 2-door hatchback coupe, automatic | $32,100 | $29,687 | $580 |
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| Touring Roadster 2-door convertible, manual | $36,850 | $34,079 | $580 |
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| Touring Roadster 2-door convertible, automatic | $37,850 | $35,004 | $580 |
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| Grand Touring Roadster 2-door convertible, manual | $39,300 | $36,346 | $580 |
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| Grand Touring Roadster 2-door convertible, automatic | $ | $ | $580 |
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| Performance 2-door hatchback coupe, manual | $30,950 | $28,624 | $580 |
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| Track 2-door hatchback coupe, manual | $34,600 | $31,637 | $580 |
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| 35th Anniversary Edition 2-door hatchback coupe, manual | $36,200 | $33,100 | $580 |
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| 35th Anniversary Edition 2-door hatchback coupe, automatic | $37,200 | $34,015 | $580 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
3.5-liter 287-horsepower V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth upholstery, bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 225/50WR17 front tires, 235/50WR17 rear tires, alloy wheels.
Enthusiast adds to Base:
Powertrain
6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, limited-slip differential, traction control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, power seats (Roadster), automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, power convertible top (Roadster).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Wind deflector (Roadster), xenon headlights.
Touring adds to Enthusiast:
Safety
Side airbags (Roadster).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated seats, power driver seat, power passenger seat (coupe), Bose AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Touring coupe manual adds to Touring automatic:
Safety
Antiskid system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/45WR18 front tires, 245/45WR18 rear tires.
Grand Touring adds to Touring:
Powertrain
3.5-liter 300-horsepower V6 engine.
Safety
Antiskid system, upgraded brakes.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/45WR18 front tires, 245/45WR18 rear tires.
Performance adds to Enthusiast:
Powertrain
6-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/45WR18 front tires, 245/45WR18 rear tires.
Track adds to Performance:
Powertrain
3.5-liter 300-horsepower V6 engine.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler.
35th Anniversary Edition adds to Track:
Powertrain
6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated seats, 4-way power driver seat, 2-way power passenger seat, Bose AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Aerodynamics Pkg.
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Base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, Touring coupe manual
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$530
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$408
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Front and rear spoilers. NA Roadsters, Track, 35th Anniversary Edition.
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Safety |
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Side airbags
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Enthusiast Roadster
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$250
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$217
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Side airbags and curtain side airbags
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coupe
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$620
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$538
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Touring, Grand Touring, 35th Anniversary
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$2,000
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$1,735
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Satellite radio
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Touring coupe, Grand Touring, 35th Anniversary
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$400
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$324
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Requires monthly fee.
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Two-tone leather upholstery
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35th Anniversary
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$0
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$0
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Ventilated-net seat inserts
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Touring Roadster, Grand Touring
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$0
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$0
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Cargo mat
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35th Anniversary Edition, Base, Enthusiast, Grand Touring, Performance, Touring, Touring coupe manual, Track
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$70
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$54
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Floormats
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35th Anniversary Edition, Base, Enthusiast, Grand Touring, Performance, Touring, Touring coupe manual, Track
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$90
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$64
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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35th Anniversary Edition, Base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, Touring coupe manual, Track
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$500
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$433
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NA w/2-tone leather upholstery.
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225/45WR18 front tires and 245/45WR18 rear tires
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Enthusiast/Touring Roadster
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$1,200
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$1,041
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Chrome alloy wheels
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Performance, Touring coupe manual
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$1,660
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$1,184
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2005 Nissan 350Z Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Nissan 350Z 2-door hatchback | Nissan 350Z 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.3 | 104.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 169.6 | 169.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.5 | 71.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.9 | 52.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3188 | 3428 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 6.8 | 4.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | 20.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.2 | 39.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.6 | 42.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /214 | 3.5 /214 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 287 @ 6200 | 300 @ 6400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 274 @ 4800 | 260 @ 4800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed manual | 20/26 | 19/25 |
| 5-speed automatic | 19/26 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Nissan 350Z 2-door hatchback | Nissan 350Z 2-door convertible |
| Rollover Resistance | 5 | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | NA |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | Optional/-- | Extra charge Security Plus plan. |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Sirius Satelitte Radio, Floor Mats, 18-inch Chrome Wheels, Side-Curtain Airbags Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 18.74 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Damon Bell I'm all for enthusiast cars, but this 350Z's rough ride and high noise levels would make me think twice about getting one as a daily driver. Mark Bilek 350Z is a wonderful sports car. Interior upgrades make this model much more palatable on a daily basis, and the price is still quite reasonable. Rick Cotta Touring model's 18-inch tires (standard with our tester's manual transmission) delivered a brutal ride over Chicago's pockmarked streets--enough so that I'd have to recommend against this combination. And the Touring's $33,700 price of entry would have me looking at the similar Infiniti G35 coupe, which is more civilized and costs about the same. |
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Also in the 2005 Nissan 350Z Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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