2003 Nissan 350Z Review

The racy new Nissan 350Z sports car is a worthy successor to the sensational 1970 240Z, which launched a long line of popular "Z" sports car models. There's nothing comparable to this early 2003 model for the money. The base 350Z two-door hatchback costs $26,269, and competitive sports cars cost at least an additional $10,000. This is the first of Nissan's Z sports cars since the costly 1996 300ZX, which was too large and complicated for its market. The front-engine/rear-drive 350Z has a handy size and is relatively uncomplicated.

It also comes in different trim levels as a $28,249 Enthusiast, a $30,429 Performance, a $31,589 Touring and all-out $34,079 Track. The more costly the model, the more equipment you get. But the base model is well-equipped, and all versions have the same dual-overhead-camshaft 287-horsepower V-6. The tough 24-valve engine has variable valve timing for good response at all speeds. While generally smooth, it gets a little rough when revved hard. My test car had the standard, slick six-speed manual transmission, but a five-speed automatic transmission is offered. The 350Z has distinctive taut, muscular styling and a wide, hunkered stance.

It isn't overly heavy despite a good amount of standard equipment, weighing 3,188 to 3,247 pounds. The fairly large 3.5-liter V-6 engine has so much torque that lots of shifting isn't required for good acceleration. And two oversized dual exhaust outlets emit a nice snarl. Fuel economy is pretty good, although premium gasoline is called for. Figure on the high teens in the city and mid- to high 20s on the highway. The cockpit has decent room for two tall adults despite a large console. But cargo room is poor. There's no glove box, and the two small storage bins behind the seats are difficult to reach.

A thick metal bar used to stiffen the chassis stretches across the rather small, shallow cargo area. The polished bar looks good emblazoned with the "Z" logo, but it complicates loading and unloading. The button to open the hatch is directly above the license plate and separate from the hatch. That means you can't push the button and lift the hatch in one quick motion. There's a similar bar under the hood because a stiff chassis goes a long way to providing the outstanding handling that this car possesses. Steering is very quick with only 2.6 turns lock-to-lock. It's heavy enough to let you know that the 350Z is designed for safe, high-speed driving--when you don't want steering with too much power boost.

The shifter is a delight to use, with short, easy throws, and the clutch works well with it. However, engaging reverse gear can be a trial. The brake pedal has a reassuringly firm feel, and stopping distances are short--especially with the brake assist feature that kicks in during emergency stops. The Track model has exceptionally high-performance brakes, along with such items as larger tires, spoilers and a traction control system. The 350Z's all-independent suspension provides a firm ride, which is generally comfortable but becomes jittery on wavy pavement. The long 104.3-inch wheelbase helps the ride, and the suspension has lightweight aluminum components to reduce unsprung weight and further improve handling.

Big, easily gripped "industrial-look" door handles help make it easy to slip into the low-slung car as long as there's enough room to comfortably swing open the wide doors. The quiet interior has very supportive bucket seats, but occupants sit so low that even tall drivers will find it uncomfortable to stick an elbow out the window. The large floor area on which to rest your left foot will be appreciated on long drives. The thick three-spoke steering wheel looks as if from a race car and is easily gripped. Gauge pods are similar to those in the original 240Z.

But gauges are rather difficult to read in bright sunlight, and polarized sunglasses wash out their numbers. Climate control and sound system controls are fairly large, as are the loop-style inside door handles. The outstanding ventilation system even has large door-mounted air vents. Interior materials look pretty good, but an ill-fitting plastic panel covering an area used as a storage bin or for the available navigation system screen looked cheap and was hard to open and close.

The power windows automatically zip up about an inch when doors are closed to provide a tight seal that prevents them from bowing out at high speeds--a thoughtful touch that shows this is a serious high-performance sports car. Safety features include available driver and passenger side impact air bags and inflatable curtain side air bags. The 350Z has the charm and no-nonsense personality of the original 240Z. That naturally makes it a winner.

2003 NISSAN 350Z

PRICES:
$26,269-$34,079
LIKES:
Fast. Dramatic styling. Superb handling. Affordable.
DISLIKES:
Limited cargo space. Occasional jittery ride.