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2008 Nissan 350Z Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

TheCarConnection.com's editors researched a wide range of road tests of the 2008 Nissan 350Z to write this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com's resident experts also drove the Nissan 350Z to help you decide which reviews to trust where opinions differ, to add more impressions and details, and to provide you with the best information.

Likes:

  • Jagged-edge styling
  • Rear-drive handling
  • Quick, smooth steering
  • Rippling V-6 power
  • Roadster version

Dislikes:

  • Feels heavy
  • Ride can get rough
  • Somewhat stark interior

Buying Tips:


The 2008 Nissan 350Z is in the last months of its life in its current form. Nissan plans a new version for the 2009 or 2010 model year. The new car likely will retain its rear-drive architecture and its big V-6 engine, but styling changes could make it more voluptuous and its interior more curvaceous. Stay tuned for more information at TheCarConnection.com's blogs.

The 2008 Nissan 350Z is an elemental sportscar with rear-wheel drive, a choice of coupe and roadster body styles, seating for two, and a big V-6 engine producing more than 300 horsepower.

The style of the Nissan 350Z is modern. The Audi TT and Ford Mustang steer toward retro themes; with the 350Z, Nissan has drawn sharp lines and smoothly rounded curves that echo older Z-cars only a little. Inside the 350Z, Nissan lets the controls do the talking--there's little extra trim, though the interior has been warmed up a bit since the 350Z bowed in 2003. The plastics feel a tad ritzier, but all the basics remain as before.

All 2008 Nissan 350Zs blast out power through Nissan's 3.5-liter V-6, which produces 306 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. Different models offer a choice of six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions. Fuel economy is a decent 18/25 mpg with the manual gearbox and 17/23 mpg with the automatic. The 350Z's 0-60 time is about 5.6 seconds for the manual (6.0 seconds for the automatic), with a top speed hovering around the 150-mph mark for both. Top-class dynamics, blistering speed, and undiluted driving pleasure are standard equipment; the Nissan 350Z has scalpel-sharp steering, a meaty gear change, an amazing exhaust rasp, and big brakes.
Anti-lock brakes are standard across the line, with front-side and side-curtain airbags. Crash ratings from the NHTSA are mostly four stars, save for five stars for passenger side impact.

Eighteen-inch wheels and tires are standard, as is a speed-sensitive power steering system. A navigation system, a choice of satellite radio systems, and an Aerodynamics Package are optional.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Nissan 350Z, also consider:

Reason Why:

Among rear-drive sportscars with muscle-car-style performance, the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger are obvious choices here. Both come with a range of V-6 and V-8 engines; the Mustang also sports a convertible edition and a choice of manual and automatic transmissions. The BMW Z4 is available as a coupe or roadster with six-cylinder and M-Series power. The Infiniti G37 shares some mechanicals with the Nissan 350Z, but offers two tiny rear seats and a more luxurious interior, not to mention a far superior dealer experience.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Nissan 350Z returns to its roots, with amazing V-6 power and rear-drive handling.

TheCarConnection.com's editors researched a wide range of road tests of the 2008 Nissan 350Z to write this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com's resident experts also drove the Nissan 350Z to help you decide which reviews to trust where opinions differ, to add more impressions and details, and to provide you with the best information. Likes:Jagged-edge stylingRear-drive handlingQuick, smooth steeringRippling V-6 powerRoadster versionDislikes:Feels heavyRide can get roughSomewhat stark interiorBuying Tips: The 2008 Nissan 350Z is in the last months of its life in its current form. Nissan plans a new version for the 2009 or 2010 model year. The new car likely will retain its rear-drive architecture and its big V-6 engine, but styling changes could make it more voluptuous and its interior more curvaceous. Stay tuned for more information at TheCarConnection.com's blogs. The 2008 Nissan 350Z is an elemental sportscar with rear-wheel drive, a choice of coupe and roadster body styles, seating for two, and a big V-6 engine producing more than 300 horsepower. The style of the Nissan 350Z is modern. The Audi TT and Ford Mustang steer toward retro themes; with the 350Z, Nissan has drawn sharp lines and smoothly rounded curves that echo older Z-cars only a little. Inside the 350Z, Nissan lets the controls do the talking--there's little extra trim, though the interior has been warmed up a bit since the 350Z bowed in 2003. The plastics feel a tad ritzier, but all the basics remain as before. All 2008 Nissan 350Zs blast out power through Nissan's 3.5-liter V-6, which produces 306 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. Different models offer a choice of six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions. Fuel economy is a decent 18/25 mpg with the manual gearbox and 17/23 mpg with the automatic. The 350Z's 0-60 time is about 5.6 seconds for the manual (6.0 seconds for the automatic), with a top speed hovering around the 150-mph mark for both. Top-class dynamics, blistering speed, and undiluted driving pleasure are standard equipment; the Nissan 350Z has scalpel-sharp steering, a meaty gear change, an amazing exhaust rasp, and big brakes. Anti-lock brakes are standard across the line, with front-side and side-curtain airbags. Crash ratings from the NHTSA are mostly four stars, save for five stars for passenger side impact. Eighteen-inch wheels and tires are standard, as is a speed-sensitive power steering system. A navigation system, a choice of satellite radio systems, and an Aerodynamics Package are optional. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Nissan 350Z, also consider:Ford MustangDodge ChallengerBMW Z4Infiniti G37Reason Why:Among rear-drive sportscars with muscle-car-style performance, the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger are obvious choices here. Both come with a range of V-6 and V-8 engines; the Mustang also sports a convertible edition and a choice of manual and automatic transmissions. The BMW Z4 is available as a coupe or roadster with six-cylinder and M-Series power. The Infiniti G37 shares some mechanicals with the Nissan 350Z, but offers two tiny rear seats and a more luxurious interior, not to mention a far superior dealer experience. The Bottom Line:The 2008 Nissan 350Z returns to its roots, with amazing V-6 power and rear-drive handling. TheCarConnection.com's editors researched a wide range of road tests of the 2008 Nissan 350Z to write this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com's resident experts also drove the Nissan 350Z to help you decide which reviews to trust where opinions differ, to add more impressions and ...

Other Choices:

Among rear-drive sportscars with muscle-car-style performance, the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger are obvious choices here. Both come with a range of V-6 and V-8 engines; the Mustang also sports a convertible edition and a choice of manual and automatic transmissions. The BMW Z4 is available as a coupe or roadster with six-cylinder and M-Series power. The Infiniti G37 shares some mechanicals with the Nissan 350Z, but offers two tiny rear seats and a more luxurious interior, not to mention a far superior dealer experience.

Next Steps:

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See the Nissan 350Z in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

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