The sexy 1970 Nissan 240Z sports car was the first Japanese auto that Americans took seriously and launched a long line of "Z" sports cars. This hatchback coupe looked much like a Jaguar and had strong performance for an astoundingly low $3,526 price.
However, the breakthrough, iconic 240Z eventually lost its way, and Z sports cars thus became larger, heavier and less agile for years, although they also were more comfortable. You could even get a Z with a small back seat and as a convertible, although the car retained the balanced front-engine, rear-drive layout of the 240Z. Most Americans embraced the softer Z, and its sales escalated.
The last Z before the current-generation model was the 1996 300ZX. Redesigned to be more of a pure sports car, it was better than some of its predecessors. But it was dropped because financially strapped Nissan concentrated on higher-volume sedans and sport-utility vehicles. Also, the "Z" had become pricey, at $37,439 to $45,579.
The new Z didn't arrive until 2003 -- as the 350Z. It was designed as an image booster for Nissan by the automaker's aggressive new boss. Thankfully, the car returned to the Z's solid sports car roots.
2005 NISSAN 350Z
PRICES
$26,800-$39,300
LIKES
Very fast. Superb handling. Racy appearance. Nicely equipped. More power.
DISLIKES
Heavy steering. Long-throw stiff clutch. Wide, heavy doors. Low front end. High trunk opening.
An instant hit, the 350Z has consistently been a strong seller, thanks to its racy appearance, high performance, affordability and variety of hatchback coupe and convertible models.
Nissan emphasized the 350Z's heritage, but decided against retro 240Z styling. Instead, it gave the new Z a modern, aggressive look, although the "open-mouth" grille looks like it should be covered with at least a chrome bar or wire mesh.
The 350Z arguably has been the world's most popular sports car, with more than 200,000 sold worldwide. It even challenged the Chevrolet Corvette in America for the best-selling high-performance sports car crown. Sales have dipped this year partly because the word is out that there will be a revised Z model for 2006, although no radical changes will be made.
The two-seat 350Z ranges in price from $26,800 for the base coupe to $39,300 for the top convertible version.
There's a dazzling array of models. The 350Z comes as a Base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, Track and 35th Anniversary hatchback coupe -- and also as the Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring convertible.
All have a 3.5-liter V-6 and come with the same six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed automatic transmission. The costlier the model, the more equipment you get.
The base coupe is arguably the best buy. Besides being the least expensive model, it's pretty well-equipped, with everything from climate control and a decent sound system to heated power mirrors, power windows and power door locks with remote keyless entry. The lowest-cost convertible, though, costs a lot more, at $34,450.
The Track and Anniversary Edition models get a new 300-horsepower version of the car's V-6, while other models have a 287-horsepower version of that sophisticated dual-overhead-camshaft engine.
The 300-horsepower V-6 will be standard on all 2006 Z models with a manual gearbox, although the Z is plenty fast with the 287-horsepower V-6 that was in my test car, which hit 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. However, a downshift from sixth gear to fifth or fourth gear is needed for the best 65-75 mph passing time; the same may be true with the 300 horsepower V-6 because it has no huge power gain and less torque than the lower-horsepower V-6.
Estimated fuel economy is 19-20 mpg in the city and 25-26 on the highway, depending on the engine and transmission.
The Anniversary Edition coupe adds such items as brighter paint, leather upholstery, heated seats, power driver and passenger seat, upgraded sound system, unique alloy wheels and "anniversary" badges.
Unlike the Ford Mustang, which often is mistakenly called a sports car, the 350Z is a genuine sports car, with athletic moves only a low-slung two-seater can offer.
However, low seats, high door sills and long, heavy doors make it difficult to get in and out. Stylized outside and inside door handles have a design that is more unique than practical.
Owners of the car must be careful when parking because it's impossible to see where the front of the car ends from the driver's seat; the extremely low front bumper can easily be scratched or damaged by concrete parking spot barriers.
The hatchback's trunk opening is high, and a hefty crosswise structural brace in the long, shallow cargo compartment hinders loading and unloading. The convertible has a smaller trunk with even less depth. No wonder the 350Z has a cargo compartment label that has a diagram and reads "How to store two golf bags."
There's little cockpit storage space, although there are storage bins behind the seats. Occupants sit so low that elbows stick up at an awkward angle over high door tops. Cupholders are placed far back on the console, inviting spills. Also, the pop-out dashboard cupholder is flimsy.
Sound system controls are small, although climate controls are large. Don't look for a glove compartment because none exists.
The dashboard is nicely designed, but the interior has some marginal materials. There's plenty of room for occupants, with supportive seats for spirited driving.
The 350Z is designed for lively driving. The steering is rather heavy, but is precise and communicative. The manual gearbox shifter has short throws, but it is rather stiff and it's difficult to put the car into reverse gear. The clutch has a long, hard throw and nonlinear action that can cause jerky starts. Those who do lots of driving in stop-and-go traffic might want to opt for the automatic transmission, which has a manual shift gate.
The firm, all-independent suspension provides superb handling, although it's happiest on smooth roads. The ride is almost harsh if the Z is equipped with 18-inch tires; 17-inch tires are standard on lower-line models and have more sidewall area to help absorb road shocks. All 350Z wheels can be easily scraped on curbs, and they're not inexpensive.
The brake pedal has a linear action for smooth stops, and standard anti-lock all-disc brakes provide impressively short stopping distances.
An awkward prop rod holds up the heavy hood. But fluid filler areas are easily reached at the front of the engine compartment, which has a crossways structural brace to enhance the car's rigid structure.
Despite faults, the 350Z just might win you over with its style and performance.
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