Nissan 370Z

2003 Nissan 350Z

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Shopping for a 2012 Nissan 370Z? MSRP: $31,910 - $44,050

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From 1969 (1970 model year) through 1996, Nissan offered its original line of Z-cars, which later would inspire the 350Z and 370Z. The original Z was offered in 240Z, 260Z, 280Z, 280ZX, and later, 300ZX versions. By the end of its lifecycle, the collective impression of reviewers was that the Z was well past its prime, and had become bloated with unnecessary technology, saddled with a high price tag, and more of a grand-touring cruiser than a sport car.

The 2003 model year marked the beginning of this Z-car, which was smaller, lighter, simpler, and more compact than the previous 300ZX. The 350Z, as it was then called, packed a higher-power version of Nissan’s ubiquitous 3.5-liter V-6, making 287 horsepower, with either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Later versions of the 350Z made 300 horsepower, and got a number of improvements. The 2006-2008 models are the pick of the first-generation models, though the 2008 350Z got one final power bump, to 306 hp.

The second-generation Z sports car was introduced for 2009, with a new suspension configuration that allowed better stability on less-than-perfect surfaces. Surprisingly, Nissan made the 370Z slightly shorter than its predecessor, which gave a more intimate feel from behind the wheel. The interior is much more tightly put together, but many think of it as too gimmicky and overwrought from a design standpoint.

The Z provides one of the most focused sports-car experiences on the market, with a sharpness that's unrivalled by most other models. It's a car you'll quickly tire of if your daily routine involves exit numbers, potholes, and strip malls; but if you travel canyon roads, mountain passes, or blue highways, you'll likely be in love. But the other issue throughout is interior noise. If you looked around to see where Nissan skimped on those first-generation 350Z models to offer them at such an affordable price, you’d likely quickly see where: the interior appointments involve a lot of hard plastic and tend to be quite rattly. The newer 370Z models have an upgraded (though still a little gimmicky) interior, but road noise is still as much of an issue.

From the start, a performance-focused Track (or later Nismo) model was offered, so keep in mind that this trim will typically have upgraded brakes good enough for weekend racing, along with some other desirable add-ons, yet there's a harsher ride and, likely, a noisier ride and summer performance tires.

The earlier 350Z coupe received four- and five-star ratings for frontal impact and was able to earn a five-star rating in federal crash tests without side airbags, which were optional until. Side airbags were standard on the Roadster but optional on the 350Z Coupe for most of its run, but all those items are standard on the 370Z.

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

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