Major Options:  Carpeted Floor Mats, Convenience Net

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  19.59 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Damon Bell The 350Z delivers pure sports-car satisfaction, but not without the typical sports-car vices; namely, a rough ride and high noise levels.

Ed Piotrowski There's no denying that the 350Z is a hoot to drive. The VQ 3.5-liter V6 engine only adds to the enjoyment. Nissan has also improved the interior materials over the years so it doesn't look quite so cheap. We also shouldn't forget that these cars hold their value very well so that's good news come trade-in time. On the other hand, the 350Z is not especially easy to live with due to thin seats, a brutally stiff ride, and on the convertibles, a tiny trunk and poor visibility. It's awfully hard to justify $36,000+ for a convertible with no options. This is especially true when you consider that a loaded Mazda MX-5 soft top, though less powerful, goes for about $10,000 less, is just as entertaining to drive, and will get much better fuel economy.

Rick Cotta If you compare the open-air Z to a Mazda MX-5, it will seem overpriced; if you liken it to a BMW Z4 3.0si, however, it will look like a bargain. But with performance that rivals anything in the sub-Corvette sports-car niche, the latter assessment is undoubtedly more applicable--and what has long granted the Z Recommended status.

Tom Appel For reasons I cannot put my finger on, I find this car soulless. There is a lack of visceral reward to driving this car, a sort of character deficit. I recently spent a few hours in a Corvette convertible and cherished everyone of them. Everything about being in a 'Vette reminds you that you're piloting something potent, the engine note, the beefy steering, the ever-present engine throb. The Z has none of that; it's a little too slick, and a little too calculated...and not that much fun.