Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Road Test

The Z, the latest in a dynasty that started in the early Seventies, is a focused and capable sports car. The current car is shorter and lighter than the one it replaced and has much better interior fit and finish. The Z is quick, agile and enjoyable to drive. The V6 is muscular yet cultured and smooth. The shifter is a bit notchy but crisp and positive in feel. Handling is very agile with direct steering and lots of cornering grip. The price to pay for the Sport package is a stiff and choppy ride that beats you up. Road and tire noise are constant and the two-seater cabin is cramped. Visibility takes a back seat as well.

For complete Road Test Report and to see Highs and Lows, become a member

2020 Sports cars & Convertibles Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2020 Sports cars 2-seat Ratings

$ NA
economy-icon
EPA MPG 20 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$ NA
economy-icon
EPA MPG 21 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$ NA
economy-icon
EPA MPG 28 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$143,475 - $159,450
economy-icon
EPA MPG 16 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$30,350 - $37,000
economy-icon
EPA MPG 28 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    coupe
Seating
2 front
Drive Wheels
Rear
Engines Available
  • 3.7-liter V6 (332 hp)
  • 3.7-liter V6 (350 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 7-speed automatic
  • 6-speed manual
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2023-
Current Generation

The all-new 2023 Nissan Z sports car has the classic long, sloped hood and wide rear flanks that evoke the early versions of this storied nameplate. The rear-drive Z has a 400-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged twin-turbo V6, marking a significant 50+ hp increase over the previous 370Z's output. That fiery powerplant can be paired with a choice of six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Nissan is keeping it simple by making the available active safety features standard on all trims. This includes FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, RCTW, and lane departure warning.

2009-2022
2009 Redesign Year

The coupe was redesigned for 2009, with the engine getting a displacement increase to 3.7 liters. The revised convertible followed a year later. This version of the Z car is a bit shorter and lighter than the one it replaced. It also has much better interior fit and finish. Nissan's two-seat sports car is quick, agile and enjoyable to drive. Its V6 is muscular yet cultured and smooth. Shift action is a bit notchy, but crisp and positive in feel. Handling is very agile, with direct steering and lots of cornering grip. On the other hand, road and tire noise are constant and the cabin is cramped. Visibility takes a back seat as well. Updates for 2015 included standard Bluetooth and revised suspension tuning. New additions for 2016 include an optional noise cancellation/enhancement system aimed at quieting some of the offensive racket while creating "natural engine sounds to help bolster the driver's acceleration experience." The Z is also offered as a hot-rod Nismo version, which gets you exterior aerodynamic add-ons, 19-inch wheels, Recaro seats, a stiffer suspension and 18 more horsepower. Updates for 2018 include some interior and exterior enhancements.

2003-2008
2003 Redesign Year
The 350Z bowed for 2003, sharing components with the Infiniti G-series. A focused and capable sports car, acceleration is very quick and handling is good, though not as agile as some. The six-speed manual has a notchy shifter. Keep in mind we're talking budget sports car here, so the ride is harsh, the cabin is cramped, and tire and road noise are pronounced. Rear visibility is also poor. A convertible with a power-operated top is available too. Later models had improved interior materials and a slightly better ride.