One-Year Test Verdict: 2003 Nissan 350Z
From the Logbook
"What a great car for ripping a quick commute to work. The shifter has to be one of the two or three best in the business."
--Ron Sessions
"I hate the dipstick with its countless bends and a hook on the end. The dipstick tube is located so deep in the dark regions of the engine bay you need a flashlight to reinsert it even in the daytime."
--Chris Walton
OUR TAKE
What's Hot
• Torquey, smooth V-6
• Distinctive, identifiable body style
• Excellent performance-to-dollar ratioWhat's Not
• Low pro track tires equal harsh ride
• Occasionally sub-par interior craftsmanship
• Secondary amenities seem like afterthoughts Don't Miss
Brembo brakes on Track model Bottom Line
A genuine, everyday sports car--and a strong seller What's New, Changed, Different
Aside from the addition of a convertible--the 350Z Roadster--to the Z lineup in the summer of 2003 (as a 2004 model), changes for 2004 are minor. Improvements include a new power-operated face door for the vehicles equipped with navigation, prewiring for satellite radio, and the inclusion of driver and passenger kneepads. A new shade of silver, dubbed Liquid Aluminum, has been added to the color palette. |
"The shifter selects gears flawlessly, and the steering is beautifully weighted and offers exceptional feel. With a competent driver at the wheel and the traction control switched off, many Boxster driver's would be hard-pressed to post better lap times than with this Z."
--David Swigg
"To me, the Z comes off as something of a muscle sports car. It has big power, its driver inputs are heavy, and the car communicates that it's packing a good bit of mass. It's great to drive, but not in the lithe, athletic sense one would associate with a Lotus or even an RX-8. And the look is kind of clumsy to my eyes: The basic shape is fine, but Nissan should've sent it to Pininfarina for final detailing. This V-6 remains a sweetheart, however. Kudos to Nissan's pipe benders for making the exhaust note so warbly."
--Matt Stone
"Lamborghini, Ferrari, or Porsche. I question the need for those pricey exotics. The Z has much more useable power around town and can be just as gratifying as the supercars. In fact, it's not a stretch to say that the Z would satisfy 99 percent of most enthusiasts' needs."
--Brian Vance
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