Nissan 350Z Summary
Produced from 2003-2009, the Nissan 350Z is available as a two-door coupe or convertible Roadster, and their speed and performance make them favourites with driving enthusiasts. Available as a five-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual transmission, the V6 engine in this performance vehicle knows how to take a corner, even as it turns some heads. Better still, the 350Z is accessibly priced, making it possible for the average person to afford a true sports car. While the car's design means reduced visibility and limited cargo space, what the 350Z lacks in practicality, it makes up for in fun.
Nissan 350Z Safety
Front airbags come standard in all 350Z model years, with supplemental side and curtain airbags as an optional safety feature. Models from 2005 are built with hood buckling creases and Zone Body construction that included front and rear crumple zones to absorb energy from an impact. Tire pressure monitoring, antilock brakes to prevent skidding and brake assist for emergency stops are safety features introduced the very first 350Z production year.
Nissan 350Z Interior
Most early 350Z's interiors are made from plastic panels—but it's tastefully done, as one driver noted in a review for the 2002 edition. However, the design of the roof pillars can limit visibility to some blind spot areas, and the slope of the rear window minimizes the driver's vantage points. The glove compartment in many models of the 350Z was located behind the passenger, making storage largely inaccessible. The driver's seat is designed to support the sides, shoulders and thighs, handy in tight corners. Heated seats are available for some models—the 2005 edition has them as standard in the Roadster and optional in the coupe.
Nissan 350Z Technology
Around the 2006 and 2007 model years, features included:
- Bluetooth® phone connectivity to wirelessly connect cellphones, standard on the Touring model as of 2007
- Automatic temperature control and Cruise control for that extra bit of comfort, standard on all base coupes from 2006
- An auto-dimming rear-view mirror for easier night-time driving, which also comes with the Enthusiast model from 2006 and onwards
Nissan 350Z Space
The Nissan 350Z seats two, with the roomy cabin supplemented by a broad but shallow trunk. There is a support bar in the trunk, which reduces the likelihood of anything more than a few bags fitting in the cargo space. The convertible Roadster offers even less cargo space, storing the soft top when lowered. While it is a two-seater, taller drivers have found the 350Z to have more than enough space to fit comfortably in the cabin.
Nissan 350Z Comfort
Since the beginning, the Nissan 350Z was built around an FM platform, meaning that the engine is set further back in the car, which increases performance and creates optimal weight distribution. Specifics like this in the design mean that even with a lower price tag, the 350Z is fast and nimble enough to challenge the specs of more expensive sports cars. The suspension in the 350Z is firm, so don't worry about any bumps in the road—this car can handle them with ease.
