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Nissan Z

Z33 · 350Z2003–2009

Five letters of Z heritage, finally turbocharged again.

14 reviewers · 38 videos · 51 press articles

Generations
Z332003–2009Z342009–2020RZ342023–present
// 00 the verdict

Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and handling, but split on daily drivability.

across 14 reviewers

// where reviewers split
Daily drivability
3 say · liveable

"The Z Roadster delivers a firm but surprisingly smooth ride even on pavement that would tie mini convertibles in knots"

MotorWeek · ▶ 3:44
4 say · critical

"It's actually a very, very impractical car in a very practical country."

ShootingCars · ▶ 6:31
// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.0/514 of 14 reviewersstrong consensus

it revs to 7 500 rpm and a v6 is fantastic great noise great feel

positive · ShootingCars · ▶ 2:31

The Z's V6 engine has a gutsy growl and is all day long strong with Reserve power available across the entire rev Band

positive · MotorWeek · ▶ 5:24

this makes about 300 horsepower and for a car that weighs in the mid 3000 pound range it gives it a pretty healthy power to weight ratio

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 2:14
// 02

Handling

4.0/514 of 14 reviewersstrong consensus

a highly rigid Z Roadster exhibits the same sharp precise performance as the 350Z Coupe

positive · MotorWeek · ▶ 2:52

Steering though is so good. Everything about this car is like magical.

positive · Tedward · ▶ 14:08

everything about it has a nice predictable feel the steering the way you can control the ink the slip angle the back

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 5:54
// 03

Fun to drive

4.5/514 of 14 reviewersstrong consensus

it might be one of the most fun cars in the world

positive · ShootingCars · ▶ 16:31

This is actually more of a driver's car than almost anything new on the market right now.

positive · Tedward · ▶ 30:49

Once you get into a rhythm with it, it's really satisfying to drive.

positive · TheTopher · ▶ 15:29
// 04

Daily drivability

3.0/514 of 14 reviewerssplit

The Z Roadster delivers a firm but surprisingly smooth ride even on pavement that would tie mini convertibles in knots

positive · MotorWeek · ▶ 3:44

It's actually a very, very impractical car in a very practical country.

critical · ShootingCars · ▶ 6:31

So, not only was the car insanely fast, it was also very violent, very bumpy, and there were a ton of dash warnings coming on the dash.

critical · Speed Academy · ▶ 7:02
// 05

Value

4.0/514 of 14 reviewersconsensus

I think the 350z punch is above its weight class and is definitely worth a look if you're in the market for an affordable used sports car

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 11:57

If you're looking for the most all-around capable car under 10 grand, the 350Z is pretty damn hard to beat.

positive · Realistick · ▶ 17:33

those are quite reasonable prices for a car that delivers all the power and prowess of the 350Z Coupe

positive · MotorWeek · ▶ 5:08
How it stacks up

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

TheTopher
Posted Sep 20, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
Tedward
Posted Jul 25, 2025Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
MotorWeek
Posted Jul 30, 2023Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
More Nissan Z reviews
▶ play all (26)
2007 Nissan 350z HR Review - The Next Best Thing.ShootingCars
2008 Nissan 350Z HR Review - The Underappreciated Japanese FR!Zygrene
2003 Nissan 350Z Review - The JDM MustangRealistick
540HP Single Turbo Nissan 350Z HR Review! Boost and PersonalityThatDudeinBlue
Is The Nissan 350z The Perfect First Sports Car? (JDM Legends Tour Pt. 16)JayEmm on Cars
2026 Nissan Z Performance (Manual) - POV Driving ImpressionsTheTopher
2025 Nissan Z 6-Speed Manual - Living With The Twin Turbo V6 Sports CarTopherDrives
1999 C5 Corvette Review - I BOUGHT IT!TheStraightPipes
2025 Toyota GR Corolla Manual - Small Changes Make a BIG Impact (POV Binaural Audio)Tedward
2025 Lexus LC500 Convertible Review - The Best Car On Sale Today.ShootingCars
The Nissan Z is the 90s Sports Car of Today!Realistick
2007 Nissan 350z Roadster Review - My Most Controversial HOT TAKE Yet!ShootingCars
2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC) Review - The Greatest GenerationRealistick
The Nissan 350Z Was a Great 2000s Sports CarDoug DeMuro
The Mazda RX-8 Is a Fun Car You Probably Shouldn't BuyDoug DeMuro
2013 Nissan 370Z Review - Japanese MuscleZygrene
2003 Nissan Fairlady Z Review - The Importance of TORQUE!ShootingCars
2006 Nissan 350z Review - A 33k Mile V6 Sports Car!ShootingCars
2007 Nissan 350Z Budget Drift Build 1st Impressions - Wisefab and Welded Diff!Zygrene
2004 Nissan 350z ReviewShootingCars
2003 Nissan 350Z | Retro ReviewMotorWeek
Why is the Nissan 370Z So Hated?ThatDudeinBlue
2007 Nissan 350z NISMO ReviewShootingCars
The BMW e92 M3 Makes a Garbage GT CarTedward
Twin Turbo 350z Review!ThatDudeinBlue
Rocket Bunny 350z Review!-The Rescued Bunny ZThatDudeinBlue
Head to head
▶ play all (9)
From the press · 51 articles