2009 Nissan 370Z: Road Test
2009 Nissan 370Z ▼
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- MSRP: $29,930 - $39,130
- Invoice: $28,043 - $36,551
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Our road test for the 2009 Nissan 370Z includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Nissan 370Z from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Nissan 370Z, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Nissan 370Z help you decide if a 2009 Nissan 370Z is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/Sport Pkg, manual | Base, automatic | NISMO | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
Though it doesn't jump off the line like some sporty cars, 370Z is smooth and strong. It responds well for passing and merging. Acceleration feels little different between the manual and automatic transmission. The former has smooth clutch action, though the shifter is a bit notchy. The automatic is smooth, but it can be slow to downshift at times. Its manual shift gate and steering wheel paddles are helpful. Despite an additional 18 hp, the 370Z NISMO feels little different than Base versions in terms of acceleration.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/Sport Pkg, manual | Base, automatic | NISMO | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission Base model averaged 19.6 mpg in city/highway driving. Another manual Base test car averaged 24.4 mpg, a good result even in a test that included mostly highway driving. 370Z requires premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/Sport Pkg, manual | Base, automatic | NISMO | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 2 | 4.2 |
Our testers are divided on 370Z ride quality. Some deem the Base very good for a sporty car. Others find the damping too stiff, particularly with the Sport Package, citing lots of small body motions. NISMO models are firmer still; even modestly sized bumps register through the cabin with authority.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/Sport Pkg, manual | Base, automatic | NISMO | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 9 | 8.2 |
Base or NISMO, 370Z is stable, controlled, and balanced. All models carve corners with poise exhibited by cars that cost thousands more. Steering feel is direct and responsive. NISMO and models equipped with the Sport Package and manual transmission include Nissan's new "SynchroRev Match" system, which automatically raises engine speed when downshifting the transmission. This negates the need for the driver to "blip" the throttle in order to smoothly engage a lower gear. The system works quite well during spirited driving. On all 370Z models, the brakes deliver well-controlled stops, though NISMO and versions with the Sport Package have larger brakes with slightly better pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/Sport Pkg, manual | Base, automatic | NISMO | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 2 | 3.3 |
370Z's engine sounds coarse during fast acceleration, and it's especially loud with the NISMO. The standard tires are noisy on nearly every type of road surface. The 19s included in the NISMO and Sport Package are even more fussy. Wind rush is not noticed, only because the engine and tire noise are so intrusive.
CONTROLS
| Base w/Sport Pkg, manual | Base, automatic | NISMO | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Though mounted low on the center dashboard stack, the audio and climate controls fall easily to hand. Some of the climate system's markings are tough to decipher at a glance, and the audio display is on the small side. No opportunity to evaluate the optional navigation system.
DETAILS
| Base w/Sport Pkg, manual | Base, automatic | NISMO | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
Vastly improved from the 350Z. Padded surfaces, textured dashboard plastics, and visible contrast stitching are used to good effect. The cabin could use some additional dress-up touches to make it sportier, especially the NISMO, but the overall ambiance is far from budget grade.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/Sport Pkg, manual | Base, automatic | NISMO | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Still among the more spacious two seaters, despite a decrease in wheelbase and overall length. However, tall drivers will likely wish for more headroom. Padded knee rests for both the driver and passenger are a comfort plus. The steering wheel tilts, along with the instrument panel. It's not telescopic, though most drivers shouldn't miss it. The door sills remain high, and the seating position is low, imparting a bit of a closed-in feel. Visibility straight forward and back, as well as to the front corners is good. Thick rear roof pillars really hurt the view to the rear corners; large outside mirrors help compensate somewhat.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/Sport Pkg, manual | Base, automatic | NISMO | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.4 |
No rear seating.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/Sport Pkg, manual | Base, automatic | NISMO | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.8 |
Nissan claims 370Z has 6.9 cu ft of cargo space, but it doesn't seem that large. The cargo hold is shallow with high liftover, and the wheel wells intrude. There are some hidden bins behind the seats, but interior storage is otherwise meager, with a small glovebox and center console. Models without the navigation system include a covered cubby above the audio system.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/Sport Pkg, manual | Base, automatic | NISMO | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 5 | 6.3 |
Though smaller on the outside than the 350Z it replaces, the latest generation of Nissan's iconic "Z car" feels more grown up. While it's on the noisy side, its strong acceleration, potent handling, and refined interior more than make up for that deficit. It might seem expensive, but for all its performance, base 370Z models are actually something of a bargain. Only serious driving enthusiasts need apply for the NISMO. Its handling is a notch above the standard car, but its noise and stiff ride are too overwhelming to make it useful as a daily driver.
Total Score
| Base w/Sport Pkg, manual | Base, automatic | NISMO | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 58 | 51 | 54.3 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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