2008 Nissan 350Z

Nissan resurrected its legendary "Z" sports coupe back in the 2003 model year much to the delight of "Z" enthusiasts. The basic structure of the 2008 version is virtually unchanged from the 2003 hatchback version, yet still remains an eye-catcher. A convertible roadster version joined its two-seat coupe/hatchback counterpart in the 2004 model year.

The first Z burst onto the scene in 1970 as the Datsun 240Z. More than a novelty for its time, the 240Z proved Japan could build a competent roadster to battle competitors from Britain, Germany and America. Lightweight and potent, it soon became the halo vehicle for Datsun. The vehicle went through several incarnations during the next 25 years (280ZX, 300ZX etc.), as did Datsun, which eventually took on its parent company's Nissan name here in the U.S in the 1980s. After a seven-year hiatus in the United States, "Big Z" returned with its biggest splash yet in the 2003 model year.

The rear-drive 2008 350Z comes with a wide assortment of trim levels in both body styles. One engine motivates the Z. Not surprisingly, it's a 3.5-liter V-6 (Thus, the 350 prefix) delivering 306 horsepower. Six-speed manual transmission comes standard while some trims offer a five-speed automatic tranny. At 18 miles per gallon city and 25 mpg highway, our 'Enthusiast" test trim with manual transmission was a bit below par in the fuel economy sweepstakes when compared with other rivals.

The formula for the compact 350z's success is fairly simple: a sharp-looking V-6 that's fun to drive while not straining the budget. Make no mistake. This two-seater is not a family car (unless your family is two or less participants...or just yourself and a K-9). It's a car for those who enjoy a bit of a thrill while keeping the transaction price under $40,000.

While the exterior design has aged well, the interior could use a facelift as it has not aged as gracefully, functionally, it's fine, but automakers have put forth more thought and effort into the insides during the past five years and the 350Z now needs to freshen up. The 350Z continues to sport a thick support crossbar behind the seats used to stiffen the chassis and improve ride quality. It also limits cargo room (but is a conversation starter). Nissan utilizes an out-of-site crossbar in the engine compartment also to reduce vibration noise. As in true sports car fashion, occupants sit close to the ground, so expect some body torque when entering and exiting. Heavy doors are also a concern when making a long arm stretch to close up the cabin.

Manually-adjusting cloth seats (Base and Enthusiast models have cloth seats, Touring, Grand Touring and Nismo editions sport leather cushions) tend towards the stiff, rather than soft side. Side bolsters keep occupants planted during spirited touring. A navigation system is optional. Vehicles sans this feature instead have a square storage area with lift cover in the center of the dashboard. It's not very deep and not much stows inside; plus it looks out of place. The ventilation system, with three easy-to-grab dials is arranged horizontally below. The instrument panel sports three deep-set gauges and three smaller gauges sit atop the dash in sports car fashion. The instrument panel moves up and down with the manually-maneuvered steering column. The steering wheel's "T" center spokes include audio volume controls on the left and cruise control operations on the right.

A hand-operated parking brake is positioned between the bucket seats along with dual beverage holders with a sliding cover. Behind the passenger seat is a storage area with cover about the size of a large glove box. That's because there is no traditional glove box. This interior feels more open than a Mazda Miata or Saturn Sky, both less inexpensive, four-cylinder two seaters.

Six-speed manual transmission glides right along in forward gears with easy throws, but finding reverse takes some hunting and pecking as one must push down and make a reverse "L" motion. Expect to hear engine rumble while perched inside, which sounds just fine in a niche vehicle like this. Because of miniscule, static rear side windows and a long sloping hatch, side views are inhibited; be cautions when changing lanes. Many inexpensive hi and low tech lane departure systems are now available and would come in handy for this or the next-generation Z.

In the 2009 model year, Nissan debuts the highly anticipated GT-R sports coupe. Like the 350Z, it derives its punch from a V-6 powertrain. Unlike the 350Z, it seats four, has all-wheel-drive, a turbocharged powertrain and sets a checking account back more that $70,000.

Exterior wise, the hood comes to an apex above the seats and slopes downward and through the large glass hatchback. Vertical, side chrome door handles are very distinctive with a blue-collar appeal. Headlight and taillight housing are long and narrow in nature, too. A mast radio antenna affixes to the left rear fender. A rear wiper comes standard.

Pricewise, Nissan's 350Z falls between a Honda S2000 two-seat roadster and a Chevrolet Corvette two-seat coupe/convertible. Performance wise, it's fits between the two as well. Our test Enthusiast trim level started at $29,680 the only options were $95 floor mates and $620 for seat mounted and roof mounted side air bags (yes, side air bags are extra in the 350Z coupe except for the top-level Nismo edition, where they're standard) for a bottom line of $31,020. A Base trim starts about $2,000 less.

At approximately 3,300 pounds, the 306 horsepower engine is a good fit for the 350Z. It's one of the quicker V-6 vehicles from zero to 60 mph. The Japan-built 350Z strikes a great balance between performance and price and is one of the longest-running performance coupes on the market.