2003-2004 Nissan 350Z

Pros :
- That award-winning corporate V6.
- Show-car interior.
- Show-car exterior.
- Base price is a steal.
- Capable front-midship RWD chassis.

Cons :
- A little on the heavy side.
- High waistline and low seats reduces visibility.
- Barely any exterior differences between base and top model.
- Driving on potholed roads is a nightmare.
- Styling is more show-car than go-car.

Interior :

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Press Coverage :
The high performance Nissan Z®, which comes with a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, has sold over 100,000 units since its introduction to the U.S. market in August 2002. The stylish 350Z continues the Z® heritage of design, performance and value that has remained unchallenged since the original Datsun 240Z was introduced 36 years ago as a 1970 model.
The 350Z Roadster offers sports car lovers high performance excitement and dynamic driving experience, but with an open top. Featuring a power-operated soft top with glass rear window, the Z® Roadster is designed to transform from top-up to top-down in 20 seconds. The fully automatic soft top stows compactly under a lightweight tonneau cover, completely hiding the top when down.
Thirty-five years since its first appearance in North America, the high performance Z® sports car returned in 2005 with a special commemorative 35th Anniversary model, along with a number of other enhancements. The 35th Anniversary Z®, available along with the 2005 350Z Track model, had some unique features, including 300 horsepower from the standard Z's 287 hp 3.5-liter DOHC V6.
In 2006, the 350Z receives many exterior, interior and mechanical changes, highlighted by an increase to 300 horsepower for all 6-speed manual transmission models (350Zs with 5-speed automatic transmission remain at 287 horsepower) and a new, advanced vehicle speed sensitive steering system.
Enhancements to the 2006 350Z include 300 horsepower (7,000 RPM redline) standard on all manual transmission models, increased brake rotor size for non-Brembo® brakes, vehicle speed sensitive power steering, revised front bumper, rear LED brake lights, 18-inch cast wheels standard, standard bi-xenon headlights, new cloth seat material, revised HVAC controls and meter styling, Bose® audio system with mp3 CD capability, new navigation system, and a new Grand Touring coupe model – includes Touring Model plus Brembo® brakes, front and rear spoiler and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).
All 350Z models from 2005 onwards received a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), heated outside mirrors, wider view side mirrors and front seat lifter. Automatic transmission equipped models are now outfitted with downshift rev matching for smoother shifting, and manual transmission models now come with reduced clutch pedal effort for easier operation. The optional navigation system now has a faster system processor.
The instrument panel features three gauge pods, similar in design to the 240Z, consisting of the drive computer, oil pressure gauge and voltmeter as well as modern touches such as an available navigation system with video display. The door vents and center console have a solid, chiseled-from-a-block-of-aluminum look.
The hatchback design is accentuated by functional storage space. Though the 350Z has been executed as a sports car, thorough attention has also been paid to storage capacity, with sufficient luggage space for carrying two golf bags behind the seats, a lockable luggage box capable of storing a briefcase and other storage places. Another interior feature is an integrated aluminum rear suspension strut tower brace. The brace is finished to match the rest of the rear compartment and carries a Z® logo, which is visible from outside the vehicle. In addition, the use of aluminum for the instrument finishers, door handles and other places enhances the high-quality look of the interior.
The 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 power range that comes as a result of the intake port design and adopting Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) technology. This enables the engine to deliver not only outstanding start-off acceleration and high-speed passing performance, but also torque characteristics suitable for city driving. Drivability has been further improved by adopting an electronically controlled throttle, and the use of a highly rigid cylinder block combines with other measures to produce engine sounds worthy of a sports car.
Suspension for the rear-wheel drive vehicle is a 4-wheel independent design. Both 6-speed close-ratio manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions are available.
The 350Z Coupe is available in various models, including base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, Grand Touring, Track MT and the limited 35th Anniversary. Standard features on all models include the 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, independent multi-link suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars, strut tower bar, power windows, 3-bay gauge cluster, dual front air bags and more.
The Enthusiast model adds xenon headlamps, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, cruise control, Traction Control System (TCS), Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD), aluminum pedals and auto dimming rearview mirror.
The Performance model includes all of the Enthusiast equipment plus Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 18-inch tires with aluminum wheels. The Touring model adds a Bose® audio system with 6CD, cassette with seven speakers, leather seats with 4-way power driver's seat and heated seats. The Touring 6MT adds a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, Vehicle Dynamic Control and 18-inch wheels and tires.
The 2005 350Z Track comes with a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission, front and rear spoiler, forged aluminum wheels and Brembo® brakes. Two options are available, a DVD-based navigation system (Touring and 35th Anniversary models only); and side and curtain side-impact supplemental air bags.
Nissan USA

The V6 in the Nissan 350Z is paired with either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual shifter. The automatic is of the sport-shift variety, and can generally be slapped around in the +/- gate to shift the Z into an appropriate gear. Of course we'd buy the six-speed manual - not only is it cheaper and more appropriate, it's also slicker than the automatic, with a clutch uptake easy enough to lend itself to teach someone you trust on driving a manual-gearbox vehicle. The platform takes equal billing in the 350Z's instant must-have status. Engineered for very little body roll and aero lift at high speed, the underpinnings of the Z are mounted with all sorts of drool-inducing hardware, like a multi-link suspension made of aluminum, four-wheel vented disc brakes with anti-lock control (Brembos are optional), and a variety pack of computerized safety/performance devices like Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Traction Control and optionally, Vehicle Dynamic Control.
If it's safety you're wondering about, the Z has everything you'll need. Along with the electronic Borg bits described a bit further back, the Z also carries dual front airbags as is the law of the land. Sidebags are a relatively inexpensive option.
The few critical points we can levy against the Z can also be tagged on its platform-mate, the G35. With the sport suspension and 18-inch wheels, the ride can get close to objectionable on rough roads; like the MINI Cooper, the ride/handling compromise on the base vehicle is definitely more to the liking of daily drivers.
The Z comes in five basic configurations, ratcheting up the pricing ladder from a seemingly outrageous $26,269 (plus $540 in transportation charges) to $34,079. The base car comes with a bevy of equipment, including power locks/mirrors/windows, a leather steering wheel, automatic climate control and a 160-watt AM/FM/CD stereo. From that base you can opt for the Enthusiast model, which with either transmission gets traction control, a limited-slip differential, xenon headlamps and aluminum pedals, or you can opt for the Performance model which tosses in VDC and tire-pressure monitors and 18-inch wheels on top of that. The Touring model is the model most likely to succeed the 280ZX as the boulevardier: it gets a 240-watt sound system with a CD changer and power leather seats (and with the manual gearbox, the limited-slip diff, too). A Track model tops out the price range and ladles on all the hi-po equipment including the Brembo brakes, VDC and the limited-slip differential. Performance and Track models are manual only; a $1999 DVD nav system and the $569 side airbags are stand-alone options on any 350Z.
The Car Connection

Lean on the throttle and a satisfying wave of linear acceleration accompanies the quick, mechanical throws of the compact shift lever. The V-6 pulls smartly from midrange to its 6600-rpm redline, yet seems to lack the top-end snap some of us were expecting from nearly 290 bhp. As revs climb higher, the cabin takes on a decidedly boomier tone, contrasting sharply with the pleasing growl emitted by its twin exhaust pipes.
Dynamically, there are few cars so immediately comfortable to drive quickly. Thoughtful chassis and suspension tuning have made it relatively easy (and hugely satisfying) to hustle the Z around offramps and racetracks alike. Excellent overall balance allows it to seamlessly process braking, steering and throttle inputs without unduly upsetting the chassis. Fore-to-aft weight transfer has a minimal effect on the car's composure, allowing the driver to transition from braking to power more quickly when cornering.
At street-legal speeds, it seems there's very little a driver can do to upset the Z's composure. Overly enthusiastic corner entries result in a benign dose of understeer, while mid-turn throttle lift merely causes the nose to tighten its line. For those who really go overboard, Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) uses the standard complement of speed/yaw sensors and selective brake intervention to effectively restore order. Adding to this sense of security are the Track model's Brembo brakes, which deliver consistent, fade-free performance in all conditions. Even at the high speeds we encountered driving on the 2.5-mile "Big Track" at Willow Springs International Raceway, getting the 350Z to rotate its tail takes a concerted effort. Its natural tendency is toward a slight turn-in/mid-turn push that gives way to a balanced corner exit drift. The result is a car whose considerable limits are fun to explore without venturing too far into the unknown. Being able to push the Z comfortably right up to the limit contributed substantially to its surprising pace around the track.
Road and Track

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History:
1990-1996 Nissan 300ZX
2,960 cc / 222 hp / 198 lb-ft / 3481 lbs / 0-60 mph 7.1 sec.