Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (250 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2009
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
The sentiment among owners is predominantly positive, with the vehicle widely regarded as a reliable, durable, and fun-to-drive sports car.
9 problems reported (2 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentElectrical system faults
Encompassing no-crank/no-start conditions, fuel pump and sensor failures (P0183, P0462 codes), window regulator failures, bizarre turn signal behavior, and Body Control Module (BCM) failures.
- Very frequentOil consumption
Specifically associated with the '05-'07 "Rev-Up" (DE) engine variant, described as a common and significant problem.
- RecurrentOverheating
Difficult to diagnose issues potentially related to air in the cooling system, faulty thermostats, or underlying problems not easily identified.
+ 6 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentRandom stalling/limp mode
Intermittent engine cut-out or reduced power, sometimes linked to throttle position sensor codes but not definitively diagnosed.
- RecurrentWindow regulator/auto-function failure
Windows failing to auto-up/down, requiring regulator reset or replacement.
- RecurrentSuspension component wear
Expected with age and mileage, noted as expensive to repair if used as a daily driver.
- IsolatedClutch-drop induced failure
A specific, severe electrical short causing the car to die and damaging the IPDM relay box under hard launch.
- IsolatedFuel tank filling issue
Evap vent problem causing the tank to only fill 3/4 full.
- IsolatedManual transmission gear grind
Specifically in 3rd and 5th gears during aggressive shifts.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" trim or year. However, detailed technical discussions highlight engine variant trade-offs: the early '03-'04 DE engines are noted as solid and economical; the '05-'07 "Rev-Up" DE engines are powerful but notorious for oil consumption; and the '07-'08 VQ35HR engine (also found in the G35) is considered the most stout and powerful NA option. The CD009 model 6-speed manual transmission is highlighted as the version that "largely solved synchro weaknesses."
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda S2000, Mazda RX-8, Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3/Z4 and Audi TT.
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Overall sentiment
The sentiment among owners is predominantly positive, with the vehicle widely regarded as a reliable, durable, and fun-to-drive sports car. The VQ engine is consistently praised as a "beast" that can "cop a fucking beating without breaking a sweat," with reports of engines lasting well over 250,000 miles with proper care. The platform is described as a "stout design & construction" that is "not considered a problematic used car model." Owners appreciate its dual-purpose capability as both a reliable daily driver and a "full hard track day capable" vehicle. However, this positive view is heavily qualified by the vehicle's age and the specific challenges of used ownership. Significant criticism is directed at the prevalence of poorly modified, neglected, or abused examples on the used market. Common complaints include electrical gremlins, oil consumption on certain engine variants, and the high cost of repairs when parts fail. The consensus indicates deep satisfaction among knowledgeable, hands-on owners who find well-maintained examples, but significant frustration and expense for those who purchase modified or neglected vehicles.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more affordable, robust, and mechanically simpler alternative to contemporary German sports cars (Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4, Audi TT), offering greater power and torque but often less refined handling and interior quality. Frequently compared to the Honda S2000, with the 350Z seen as the torquier, more accessible option versus the S2000's high-revving, precision-focused nature. Within the Nissan/Infiniti family, it is the foundational, pure sports car relative to the more luxurious and heavier Infiniti G35 coupe and sedan, which share its platform and engine. Later discussions position it as the predecessor to the 370Z, which is noted as an "overall improvement."
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is heavily implied as the preferred choice, with specific praise for the durability of the manual gearbox. The CD009 6-speed manual is recommended for swaps or as a desirable unit. All-wheel drive is not mentioned as it is not offered on this RWD platform. There is a strong, recurrent recommendation to avoid modified examples and seek out stock, well-maintained vehicles with a verifiable service history. One owner specifically advises getting a pre-purchase inspection by someone qualified to identify issues from previous modifications.
General recommendations
Suitable for driving enthusiasts seeking a relatively affordable, reliable, and engaging RWD sports car. Ideal for owners who are mechanically adept or willing to learn, as the platform is documented, parts are shared with other Nissans, and factory service manuals are available. NOT recommended as a first car for inexperienced buyers, or for those who cannot perform their own maintenance, as repair costs can be high. Strongly advised to avoid vehicles that are "modded to hell and back," have multiple previous owners, or show signs of drift/track abuse. Critical to check for oil consumption (especially on Rev-Up models), test all window regulators and automatic functions, and inspect for common electrical faults. Purchase price should factor in immediate baseline maintenance and potential repairs for aging components.
Remarks
The overwhelming theme in owner discussions is the critical importance of vehicle history and condition over mileage or model year. A high-mileage, single-owner, stock car is consistently viewed as a better proposition than a lower-mileage example with multiple owners and modifications. The VQ engine's reputation for robustness is legendary, but it is often separated from the car around it, which suffers from age-related electrical and component failures. The used market is described as bifurcated between clean, cherished examples and abused vehicles often found with removed engines (for swaps) or modified beyond reliable daily use. This analysis is based on approximately 42 substantive owner discussions and problem reports spanning nearly two decades of ownership.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2007. Years to avoid: 2007Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Nissan 350Z years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 5 | 0 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2008 | 48 | 1 | power train |
| 2007 | 146 | 1 | power train |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices2 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2008 · air bagscampaign 08V521000
NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).
2007 · air bagscampaign 08V521000
NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).
Specifications
Enthusiast code: Z33
3.5i V6 24V
3.5L 6-cylinder · 313 hp · RWD · manual
Built 2007–2009