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2008 Nissan 350Z Full Review
Date Published: 5/28/08
Also in the 2008 Nissan 350Z Review:
5.
6.
Nissan 350Z Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Nissan 350Z Review
The 2008 Nissan 350Z lineup gains a new sport-themed NISMO model. The 350Z comes as a hatchback coupe and a convertible. Coupe models are called base, Enthusiast, Touring, Grand Touring, and NISMO. Convertibles come in Enthusiast, Touring, and Grand Touring trims. All models have a 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all. A 5-speed automatic is available on Enthusiast, Touring, and Grand Touring models. Convertibles have a power fabric top with heated glass rear window. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Convertibles have standard side airbags that provide head and torso protection. The NISMO coupe features unique exterior styling, specific suspension tuning, Brembo-brand brakes, forged-alloy wheels, and specific exhaust tuning. A navigation system is optional on Touring and Grand Touring.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cylinder hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.
News
We've not heard anything yet about future 350Zs, but keep checking back with us for late-breaking news.
On a related front, Nissan will launch a true flagship sports car come 2009 with a new version of its racy GT-R. An all-wheel-drive coupe with a turbocharged V6, the GT-R has seen several iterations from 1989 through 2003, but has never officially been sold here. The new model coming to America features aggressive styling, an expected 470 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 on tap for 2008-09--not to mention various high-end German hot rods available now.
On a related front, Nissan will launch a true flagship sports car come 2009 with a new version of its racy GT-R. An all-wheel-drive coupe with a turbocharged V6, the GT-R has seen several iterations from 1989 through 2003, but has never officially been sold here. The new model coming to America features aggressive styling, an expected 470 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 on tap for 2008-09--not to mention various high-end German hot rods available now.
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2008 Nissan 350Z Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Noise |
| Steering/handling | Ride |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Only an Enthusiast convertible with manual transmission has been made available for us to test so far. It delights with ample power from any speed. Our test car suffered from jerky clutch engagement, which made smooth launches from a stop difficult.
| Enthusiast convertible, man. | Class Average |
| 8 | 6.6 |
Only an Enthusiast convertible with manual transmission has been made available for us to test so far. It delights with ample power from any speed. Our test car suffered from jerky clutch engagement, which made smooth launches from a stop difficult.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission Enthusiast convertible averaged 19.6 mpg. Premium-grade gas is required.
| Enthusiast convertible, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.3 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission Enthusiast convertible averaged 19.6 mpg. Premium-grade gas is required.
Ride Quality
At highway speeds, 350Z suffers from high-frequency hop and jiggle on anything but glass-smooth pavement. Passengers feel just about every bump and rut. A remarkably stiff body structure means convertibles suffer little body flex or cowl shake.
| Enthusiast convertible, man. | Class Average |
| 3 | 4.1 |
At highway speeds, 350Z suffers from high-frequency hop and jiggle on anything but glass-smooth pavement. Passengers feel just about every bump and rut. A remarkably stiff body structure means convertibles suffer little body flex or cowl shake.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Though some of our testers wish for more road feel, the 350Z's steering is precise overall. The firm suspension tuning and stiff, high-performance tires mean excellent grip and balance through fast turns, as long as those corners are smooth. Any bumps can cause unnerving tail hop, making the car feel less stable than it really is. The brakes have confidence inspiring pedal feel and control.
| Enthusiast convertible, man. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 |
Though some of our testers wish for more road feel, the 350Z's steering is precise overall. The firm suspension tuning and stiff, high-performance tires mean excellent grip and balance through fast turns, as long as those corners are smooth. Any bumps can cause unnerving tail hop, making the car feel less stable than it really is. The brakes have confidence inspiring pedal feel and control.
Quietness
The engine and exhaust note are fitting of the 350Z's sporty intentions, but some of our testers find them tiresome after long drives. There's also plenty of tire roar. On the convertible, there's little sound insulation. Even with the top up, conversation at highway speeds can require raised voices.
| Enthusiast convertible, man. | Class Average |
| 2 | 3.2 |
The engine and exhaust note are fitting of the 350Z's sporty intentions, but some of our testers find them tiresome after long drives. There's also plenty of tire roar. On the convertible, there's little sound insulation. Even with the top up, conversation at highway speeds can require raised voices.
Controls
The clearly marked gauge cluster tilts with the steering column. Most controls are easy to reach, but the audio buttons are a bit undersized to operate easily while driving.
| Enthusiast convertible, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.6 |
The clearly marked gauge cluster tilts with the steering column. Most controls are easy to reach, but the audio buttons are a bit undersized to operate easily while driving.
Details
Most interior panels are textured or padded, but the overall ambiance is drab, rather than sporty.
| Enthusiast convertible, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.8 |
Most interior panels are textured or padded, but the overall ambiance is drab, rather than sporty.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
These are among the more spacious two-seaters, though high doorsills and a low seating position give a closed-in feel. The seats have decent lateral bolstering, but some testers find the padding a bit thin for best comfort on long drives. Top-up visibility with the convertible is hampered by the combination of seat headrests and a small rear window.
| Enthusiast convertible, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.4 |
These are among the more spacious two-seaters, though high doorsills and a low seating position give a closed-in feel. The seats have decent lateral bolstering, but some testers find the padding a bit thin for best comfort on long drives. Top-up visibility with the convertible is hampered by the combination of seat headrests and a small rear window.
Room/Comfort (rear)
No rear seating.
| Enthusiast convertible, man. | Class Average |
| 0 | 1.4 |
No rear seating.
Cargo Room
The convertible has a small, shallow trunk, though space does not shrink with the top down. Three covered bins in the rear wall of the cockpit behind the seat mean interior storage is good, but this space is not easily accessible.
| Enthusiast convertible, man. | Class Average |
| 1 | 2.9 |
The convertible has a small, shallow trunk, though space does not shrink with the top down. Three covered bins in the rear wall of the cockpit behind the seat mean interior storage is good, but this space is not easily accessible.
Value within Class
The Nissan 350Z delivers pure sports-car satisfaction, but not without the typical sports-car vices; namely a rough ride and high noise levels. Initial pricing is reasonable, but you must move up to more expensive trim levels in order to gain features such as an antiskid system and leather upholstery.
| Enthusiast convertible, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 |
The Nissan 350Z delivers pure sports-car satisfaction, but not without the typical sports-car vices; namely a rough ride and high noise levels. Initial pricing is reasonable, but you must move up to more expensive trim levels in order to gain features such as an antiskid system and leather upholstery.
Total Score
| Enthusiast convertible, man. | Class Average |
| 49 | 53.3 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 53 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2008 Nissan 350Z Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/25/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 2-door coupe, manual | $28,510 | $26,714 | $660 |
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| Enthusiast 2-door coupe, manual | $30,210 | $27,989 | $660 |
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| Enthusiast 2-door coupe, automatic | $31,210 | $28,914 | $660 |
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| Enthusiast Roadster 2-door convertible, manual | $36,280 | $33,603 | $660 |
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| Enthusiast Roadster 2-door convertible, automatic | $37,280 | $34,528 | $660 |
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| Touring 2-door coupe, manual | $33,340 | $30,884 | $660 |
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| Touring 2-door coupe, automatic | $33,840 | $31,345 | $660 |
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| Touring Roadster 2-door convertible, manual | $38,630 | $35,777 | $660 |
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| Touring Roadster 2-door convertible, automatic | $39,630 | $36,701 | $660 |
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| Grand Touring 2-door coupe, manual | $36,740 | $33,644 | $660 |
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| Grand Touring 2-door coupe, automatic | $37,740 | $34,559 | $660 |
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| Grand Touring 2-door convertible, manual | $40,980 | $37,949 | $660 |
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| Grand Touring 2-door convertible, automatic | $41,980 | $38,874 | $660 |
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| NISMO 2-door coupe, manual | $38,680 | $35,822 | $660 |
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, front-seat active head restraints, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth upholstery, bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, 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.
Safety
Side airbags (Roadster).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, 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).
Touring adds to Enthusiast:
Safety
Antiskid system (manual).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated power seats, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, wireless cell phone link.
Grand Touring adds to Touring:
Safety
Antiskid system, uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Satellite radio (coupe).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler (coupe), 245/40WR18 front tires, 265/35WR19 rear tires.
NISMO adds to Grand Touring:
Safety
Side airbags, curtain side airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM/CD player.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: antiskid system, heated power seats, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link.
Sport suspension.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Aerodynamics Pkg.
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Base, Enthusiast, Touring
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$550
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$418
|
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Front and rear spoilers. NA Roadsters.
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Convenience Pkg.
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coupe
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$80
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$54
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Seatback organizer, cargo net.
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Safety |
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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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Std. NISMO.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Touring, Grand Touring
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$1,800
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$1,561
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Ventilated-net seat inserts
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Touring/Grand Touring Roadster
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$0
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$0
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Cargo mat
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Base, Enthusiast, Grand Touring, NISMO, Touring
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$70
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$55
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Floormats
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Base, Enthusiast, Touring, Grand Touring
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$95
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$70
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NISMO
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$80
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$58
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Mud guards
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Base, Enthusiast, Grand Touring, Touring
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$160
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$121
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NA NISMO.
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Special paint
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Base, Enthusiast, Grand Touring, NISMO, Touring
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$500
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$433
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Chrome alloy wheels
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Base, Enthusiast, Touring, Grand Touring Roadster
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$1,680
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$1,202
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Nissan 350Z Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Nissan 350Z 2-door coupe | 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 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /214 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 306 @ 6800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 268 @ 4800 |
| Availability | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed manual | 18/25 |
| 5-speed automatic | 17/24 |
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 coupe | Nissan 350Z 2-door convertible |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 4 |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Nissan 350Z Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Nissan 350Z Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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