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2006 Nissan 350Z Full Review
Date Published: 5/23/08
Also in the 2006 Nissan 350Z Review:
2006 Nissan 350Z Review
The 2006 edition of Nissan's two-seat sports car carries into the 2007 model year pending a freshened version due in calendar '07. The 350Z comes as a hatchback coupe and a convertible. Coupe models are called base, Enthusiast, Touring, Track, and Grand Touring. Convertibles come in Enthusiast, Touring, and Grand Touring trim. The sole engine is a 3.5-liter V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, and all 350Zs so equipped have 300 hp. A 5-speed automatic is available for Enthusiast, Touring, and Grand Touring models and triggers a 287-hp rating. Convertibles have a power fabric top with heated glass rear window. ABS is standard. So is traction control, except on the base coupe. An antiskid system is included on Track and Grand Touring models, and on manual-transmission Tourings. Front side airbags are standard for Touring and Grand Touring convertibles, optional otherwise. Curtain side airbags are available for coupes. Exclusive to Touring/Grand Touring is an optional navigation system.
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 Ford Mustang Mazda Miata, and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are Acura RSX, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Pontiac GTO.
New or significantly redesigned models include Mitsubishi Eclipse and Pontiac Solstice.
Our Best Buys include Ford Mustang Mazda Miata, and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are Acura RSX, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Pontiac GTO.
New or significantly redesigned models include Mitsubishi Eclipse and Pontiac Solstice.
News
We've not heard anything yet about future 350Zs, but the '07s shouldn't have many changes, as Nissan is spotlighting four new or revamped car lines and an updated Quest minivan in the coming model year. Keep checking back with us, though, for late-breaking news.
Come 2009, Nissan will launch a true flagship sports car with a new version of its racy Skyline GT-R. An all-wheel-drive coupe with a turbocharged V6, the GT-R has seen several iterations from its 1989 debut through 2003, but has never officially been sold here. The new model coming to America features aggressive styling, an expected 450 hp, and a rumored $60,000 price tag. Long a performance icon in Europe and Japan, the GT-R is well-known among younger U.S. enthusiasts from video racing games and an appearance in the movie "The Fast and The Furious." It will be Nissan's answer to an expected high-power Lexus sports coupe being rumored for 2008-09--not to mention various high-end German hot rods available now.
Come 2009, Nissan will launch a true flagship sports car with a new version of its racy Skyline GT-R. An all-wheel-drive coupe with a turbocharged V6, the GT-R has seen several iterations from its 1989 debut through 2003, but has never officially been sold here. The new model coming to America features aggressive styling, an expected 450 hp, and a rumored $60,000 price tag. Long a performance icon in Europe and Japan, the GT-R is well-known among younger U.S. enthusiasts from video racing games and an appearance in the movie "The Fast and The Furious." It will be Nissan's answer to an expected high-power Lexus sports coupe being rumored for 2008-09--not to mention various high-end German hot rods available now.
2006 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. No opportunity yet to time a 300-hp model, but test manual-transmission Enthusiast coupe with 287 hp did 6.0 sec 0-60 mph. Some testers like manual-gearbox shift action; others find it too stiff. Automatic often slurs downshifts.
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.4 |
Ample power from any speed with either transmission. No opportunity yet to time a 300-hp model, but test manual-transmission Enthusiast coupe with 287 hp did 6.0 sec 0-60 mph. Some testers like manual-gearbox shift action; others find it too stiff. Automatic often slurs downshifts.
Fuel Economy
In tests of 287-hp models, Touring convertibles averaged 21.4-22.0 in mostly highway driving; manual-transmission Enthusiast coupe averaged 17.8 mpg with gas-eating performance runs. Touring coupes averaged 18.8-19.3 mpg. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel.
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
In tests of 287-hp models, Touring convertibles averaged 21.4-22.0 in mostly highway driving; manual-transmission Enthusiast coupe averaged 17.8 mpg with gas-eating performance runs. Touring coupes averaged 18.8-19.3 mpg. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Laudable high-speed composure. Acceptably comfortable on smooth surfaces. But Zs pound over bumps and ruts, especially the Track and Grand Touring coupe with their ultrastiff 18-inch tires.
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3.9 |
Laudable high-speed composure. Acceptably comfortable on smooth surfaces. But Zs pound over bumps and ruts, especially the Track and Grand Touring coupe with their ultrastiff 18-inch tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Steering precise, though some testers want more road feel. Wide tires can wander along road grooves. Stable, grippy through sharpest curves--if they're smooth. Bumpy corners can induce tail hop, 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 |
Steering precise, though some testers want more road feel. Wide tires can wander along road grooves. Stable, grippy through sharpest curves--if they're smooth. Bumpy corners can induce tail hop, reducing control. Rear tires slip easily on damp pavement, even with traction control. Brake performance and feel inspire confidence.
Quietness
Prominent exhaust note befits a sports car, but V6 otherwise passenger-sedan mannerly. Wind rush modest, but road noise high, especially on coarse pavement. Coupe's open cargo area magnifies tire "whoosh" on wet roads. 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 |
Prominent exhaust note befits a sports car, but V6 otherwise passenger-sedan mannerly. Wind rush modest, but road noise high, especially on coarse pavement. Coupe's open cargo area magnifies tire "whoosh" on wet roads. Convertible suffers more wind rush and ambient noise than coupe, but less rear-tire noise enters cockpit.
Controls
Clearly marked gauge cluster tilts with steering column. Audio, climate controls within easy reach, but stereo buttons undersized. Available navigation system revised for '06; no opportunity yet to evaluate. Available leather upholstery feels rich, but cabin is otherwise full of lightweight plastic panels and undistinguished switchgear--a big letdown vs. many sports car interiors.
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Clearly marked gauge cluster tilts with steering column. Audio, climate controls within easy reach, but stereo buttons undersized. Available navigation system revised for '06; no opportunity yet to evaluate. Available leather upholstery feels rich, but cabin is otherwise full of lightweight plastic panels and undistinguished switchgear--a big letdown vs. many sports car interiors.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Among the more-spacious two-seaters, though high doorsills, low seating position give a closed-in feel. Seats have good lateral bolstering, but some testers find comfort lacking on long drives. Low-slung styling hampers entry/exit. Coupe rear vision compromised by body shape and, for some drivers, reflections in back window from shiny structural cross-brace in cargo bay. Combination of headrests, small rear window mar top-up vision in convertibles, particularly over left shoulder.
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Among the more-spacious two-seaters, though high doorsills, low seating position give a closed-in feel. Seats have good lateral bolstering, but some testers find comfort lacking on long drives. Low-slung styling hampers entry/exit. Coupe rear vision compromised by body shape and, for some drivers, reflections in back window from shiny structural cross-brace in cargo bay. Combination of headrests, small rear window mar top-up vision in convertibles, 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 with many sports cars, but loading large items hindered by high liftover, intrusion from cross-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 with many sports cars, but loading large items hindered by high liftover, intrusion from cross-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 Nissan's sports car delivers serious performance and high style at a relative bargain price. That puts it on our Recommended list.
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6.6 |
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 Nissan's sports car delivers serious performance and high style at a relative bargain price. That puts it on our Recommended list.
Total Score
| Enthusiast cpe, man. | Touring conv, man. | Touring cpe, auto. | Track, man. | Class Average |
| 48 | 47 | 48 | 43 | 48.9 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 40 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 58 |
2006 Nissan 350Z Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/27/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| Base 2-door hatchback coupe, manual | $27,650 | $25,860 | $605 |
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| Enthusiast 2-door hatchback coupe, manual | $29,350 | $27,144 | $605 |
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| Enthusiast 2-door hatchback coupe, automatic | $30,350 | $28,069 | $605 |
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| Enthusiast Roadster 2-door convertible, manual | $35,050 | $32,415 | $605 |
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| Enthusiast Roadster 2-door convertible, automatic | $36,050 | $33,340 | $605 |
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| Track 2-door hatchback coupe, manual | $34,550 | $31,591 | $605 |
|
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| Touring 2-door hatchback coupe, manual | $32,450 | $30,011 | $605 |
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| Touring 2-door hatchback coupe, automatic | $32,950 | $30,473 | $605 |
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| Touring Roadster 2-door convertible, manual | $37,650 | $34,820 | $605 |
|
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| Touring Roadster 2-door convertible, automatic | $38,650 | $35,744 | $605 |
|
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| Grand Touring 2-door hatchback coupe, manual | $35,850 | $32,781 | $605 |
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| Grand Touring 2-door hatchback coupe, automatic | $36,850 | $33,695 | $605 |
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| Grand Touring 2-door convertible, manual | $40,000 | $36,993 | $605 |
|
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| Grand Touring 2-door convertible, automatic | $41,000 | $37,918 | $605 |
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 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, aluminum interior trim, 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, bi-xenon headlights, 225/45WR18 front tires, 245/45WR18 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, 4-way power seats (Roadster), steering wheel radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, power convertible top (Roadster).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Windblocker (Roadster).
Track adds to Enthusiast:
Safety
Antiskid system, uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
4-way power driver seat, 2-way power passenger seat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, 245/40WR18 front tires, 265/35WR19 rear tires.
Touring adds to Enthusiast:
Safety
Side airbags (Roadster), antiskid system (manual).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated seats, 4-way power driver seat, 2-way power passenger seat (coupe), 4-way power passenger seat (Roadster), Bose AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
Grand Touring adds to Track:
Safety
Antiskid system, uprated brakes.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, 245/40WR18 front tires, 265/35WR19 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Aerodynamics Pkg.
|
||
|
Base, Enthusiast, Touring
|
$530
|
$408
|
|
Front and rear spoilers. NA Roadsters. Std. Track, Grand Touring.
|
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|
Convenience Pkg.
|
||
|
coupe
|
$80
|
$53
|
|
Seatback organizer, cargo net.
|
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|
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Safety |
||
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Side airbags
|
||
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Enthusiast Roadster
|
$250
|
$217
|
|
Side airbags and curtain side airbags
|
||
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coupe
|
$620
|
$538
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Navigation system
|
||
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Touring, Grand Touring
|
$1,800
|
$1,561
|
|
Satellite radio
|
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Touring/Grand Touring coupe
|
$350
|
$304
|
|
Requires monthly fee.
|
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Ventilated-net seat inserts
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Touring/Grand Touring Roadster
|
$0
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$0
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Cargo mat
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||
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Base, Enthusiast, Grand Touring, Touring, Track
|
$70
|
$54
|
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Floormats
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Base, Enthusiast, Grand Touring, Touring, Track
|
$90
|
$64
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Special paint
|
||
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Base, Enthusiast, Grand Touring, Touring, Track
|
$500
|
$433
|
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Chrome alloy wheels
|
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Base, Enthusiast, Touring
|
$1,660
|
$1,184
|
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2006 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. | 169.8 | 169.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.5 | 71.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.1 | 52.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3339 | 3578 |
| 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 |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | 19/25 |
| 5-speed automatic | 19/25 | --/-- |
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 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 |
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 | 3/36,000 | -- |
| 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
Also in the 2006 Nissan 350Z Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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