2005 Nissan 350Z: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.