2006 Nissan 350Z: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.