Nissan 350Z Review

Upgraded for 2006, the Nissan 350Z remains the flag carrier for the rejuvenated Nissan lineup. Like the original Datsun 240Z, it's fast, it's fun, it's pure sports car. And, again like the original Z, it's affordable, or at least attainable. Available as a coupe or roadster, the 350Z delivers racecar speed and handling and a comfortable interior.

See also the main fact sheets for the Nissan 350Z.

Gas Mileage

Gas mileage will vary depending upon which trim level you choose. For the 350Z, FuelEconomy.gov reports the following city/highway numbers:

• 350Z Coupe manual - 19/25 mpg
• 350Z Coupe automatic - 19/25 mpg
• 350Z Roadster manual - 19/25 mpg
• 350Z Roadster automatic - 18/24 mpg

Safety

In tests carried out by the NHTSA, the 350Z performed relatively well. It received 5-star ratings for both rollover and front side-impact crash tests. However, these results are somewhat diminished by the fact that no information was available for front-impact or rear side-impact tests.

Reliability and Maintenance

The current generation of the Nissan 350Z was unveiled just a few years ago in 2003. As a result, reliability information is only available for that year's model. The good news is that, according to Automotive Information Systems, the 350Z had no major problems to report and received the organization's highest rating of Green for all categories. Only time will tell if Nissan was able to maintain this high build quality from year to year.

Exterior

Not much has changed with the looks of the Nissan 350Z, though there have been some revisions for 2006. Specifically, fewer but more prominent horizontal bars fill the grilles of the 2006 models. The headlights look the same, but aren't; both beams are now xenon high-intensity discharge units. HID headlamps produce whiter light. Taillights fit in the same openings but now consist of LEDs, in place of last year's filament bulbs. Light-emitting diodes offer quicker response for the brake lights than traditional bulbs.

The bulging fenders and fastback and short front and rear overhangs give the Coupe its aggressive stance. This taut body layout, coupled with weight savings gained from a carbon fiber-reinforced, plastic driveshaft and an aluminum hood (and on the Roadster, a plastic trunk lid), balance the Z well for responsive handling. As far as options, there aren't many to speak of, and the variations between the trims are relatively slight.

Styles and Options

The 350Z is available in either a Coupe or Roadster body style. In addition, there are a total of five trim levels to outfit your 350Z: the Base trim, Enthusiast, Track, Touring, and Grand. Although all five of these trims can be applied to the Coupe, only the Enthusiast, Touring, and Grand versions are available for the Roadster. All models of the 350Z are powered by the same 3.5L 300hp V6 and 6-speed manual transmission, but a 287hp engine and 5-speed tiptronic transmission are an available option.

Several features are standard across all models, including HID headlights, an aluminum hood, automatic temperature control, tilt steering with integrated guages, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and power locks, windows, and heated outside mirrors. As you move further up in trim level, some of the features that open up for you are a Navigation system, larger wheels, cruise control, leather/heated seats, and an advanced 7-speaker Bose stereo system.

Main Competitors

• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
• Honda S2000
• Ford Mustang
• Mazda RX-8
• Pontiac GTO
• Chevrolet Corvette
• Subaru Impreza WRX STI

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