2003 Nissan 350Z Enthusiast 3.5 DOHC

Summary:

Outstanding!

Faults:

Out of alignment destroyed front tires.

General Comments:

The car came from the factory out of alignment which caused the tires to have terrible "scalloping" on the inside and outside edges. Nissan realigned and replaced the front tires at no charge.

When I first saw this car advertised, I figured it would be another $75K, high-end sports car but when I saw that it went for around $30K, I jumped. I had a highly modified 1993 Mazda RX-7 Twin Turbo which I loved but I didn't love replacing engines anymore. Knowing that my third engine was close (disappearing coolant) I traded it in for the Enthusiast model. I can do the wheels/tires and four piston caliper brakes better on my own, if I feel I want that. This will be, after all, a street car. I choose the Enthusiast model because I wanted the limited-slip differential.

I come from a sports car background, racing in SCCA and IMSA for many years. From that background, I can tell you that I'm very impressed with this car. I'd love to wring it out on a nice road course.

From the Inside-out, the seats are about the best I've experienced in a car from the factory. It is a well designed interior with the exception of the lack of a power outlet anywhere near the dash. It's between and behind the seats. Not very convenient for a radar detector. Speaking of radar detectors, it might just be my particular Z but my Bel 980 constantly shows radar where I know none exists. Bel said that some high-output engines do emit signals that will set off radar detectors.

Engine performance is about perfect for a street car. It has all the power one would logically need for the street. For those who feel the need to race on streets, the Z already has plenty of upgrades on the aftermarket. On a road trip, averaging 80 mph, the fuel computer showed fuel consumption at an astounding 29 mpg! My city/highway is holding at 23.5 mpg. You will need a minimum of 89 octane and higher would be better.

The handling is as good as one would logically need for a street car, even with what I consider to be mediocre Bridgestones. A set of BFG G-Forces are standing by for this spring. I've read some say that the suspension could be stronger but that would be too jarring on New England roads. Still, I can have fun on exit ramps, doing 80 mph where it should be at 35 mph (when no one is around). In fact, one of the finest features of this car is how tight the entire car is. I hate rattles!

The stereo system is fine, but then, I'm not a "rocker." I would imagine that a subwoofer would bring the system up to reasonable levels.

Finally, I really love the automatic dimming rear view mirror that I also programmed to open my garage door opener.

The 350Z is the rebirth of the 240Z which was ground-breaking. A good car, reliable with outstanding performance at a reasonable price. Just don't buy a red one, I like to be unique!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st April, 2005

2003 Nissan 350Z Performance 3.5

Summary:

If you want to have a fun car with an initial low price and low depreciation, this is the one

Faults:

The front tires were replaced under warranty. The car was not aligned correctly at the factory. The car is fine now.

General Comments:

This car still turns heads.

The leather interior smells good almost 2 years later.

The torque is great. You get that push into the seat right off the line.

Handles as on rails.

The body is extremely tight.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th February, 2005

2003 Nissan 350Z Track Pack 3.5L

Summary:

A supreme sports car at a great price!

Faults:

I have experienced a number of the Technical Service Bulletin issues. Drivers seat had slight movement, rapid wear on the driver's seat bolster, tire feathering, fuel filler door sticking closed, grease marks on the windows. All of these problems are minor annoyances. Because I received my car early in the production run I had to wait for the Technical Service Bulletins to surface, once they did, and I pointed them out to the dealer, everything has been serviced under warranty.

General Comments:

Overall, this car rocks. The performance is very strong. The engine has lots of torque down low so you don't have to drive the car hard to go fast. Cornering limits are very high. The Brembo brakes are simply superb. The exhaust note is musical, I hate to drive it with the windows closed. Everywhere I go in this car it gets plenty of stares and/or comments, the styling is great and unique. The seats are comfortable, though a little more lumbar support would be appreciated. Driving position is excellent. Hustle this car and you can't help, but smile.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th July, 2004

2003 Nissan 350Z Enthusiast 3.5 V6

Summary:

Definetly a high performance BARGAIN

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This is a sports car that is the whole package. Performance, styling, and price.

Awesome, neck-snapping acceleration, racecar handling, and double take sexy looks at a bargain price.

This car is too quick. Accelerating onto the interstate one finds themselves doing 90 MPH in 5th before you merge into traffic. Merge in, shift into 6th, and one is going over 110 before you can blink. This car is definitely not for the meek or boys under 30. This car is ticket bait if you are not a mature driver.

The well-equipped enthusiast model has xenon/HID lights, traction control system, 17-inch alloy wheels and a 160-watt, six speaker CD/AM/FM audio system. A bargain for under $29,000.00. And when I purchased mine this summer I paid $1,200 under MSRP!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th February, 2004

2003 Nissan 350Z Performance 3.5 V6

Summary:

One mad motor-finger!!!

Faults:

Everything is copacetic so far.

General Comments:

The 350Z Performance is an adrenaline rush! I'm a big guy at 5'9" and 290lbs, and the seats fit great.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th June, 2003

24th Jun 2003, 10:36

Just an update on my 350Z. I had a custom stereo installed this weekend. The tech told me he had never done a " Z " before and was anxious to take on the project. Please know that whenever new electronic equipment is added to a NEW vehicle it could easily compromise the overall functionality or performance of said vehicle. After I picked my Z up from the shop, I left Houston for a long drive to Dallas. Not one thing went wrong on my trip north. It still runs like a rocket and now I can listen to my favorite driving music while weaving thru traffic. I'll keep everyone posted as I put more miles on this BAD MUTHA!