2003 Nissan 350Z

Every sports-car junkie welcomes the return of the Z. As in the beginning, it's light, nimble, sporty, and affordable. Plus now, it's fast. The new 350 recalls the original '70 Datsun 240Z, and while the early cars cost just $3526, the new Z moves the decimal point one place to the right, at least in fully dressed form. Our six-speed, Brembo-braked, Le Mans Sunset-colored Track model based at $34,079. To that, we added a set of $69 floormats and nothing else. With the mandatory $540 in destination charges, our as-tested price came to a $34,688--just about as much as you can spend for one of these things, but a well-equipped Z still can be had for less than $30K. We've covered little more than break-in miles, so far, but we're favorably impressed with it, especially the 3.5-liter V-6's wide torque curve, smooth delivery, and lusty warble. "I find myself rolling the window down to listen to it wail its way up the rev range, then burble its way back down the tach when I let off the gas," notes Executive Editor Matt Stone. As yet, we have no complaints, except that weekends aren't long enough when driving the new Z.

"I'm glad Nissan brought back the Z, and with damn few exceptions, they did it right."--Matt Stone