“Z” Roadster, fast, fun, affordable

New for ’06: Horsepower increase from 287 to 300 for models equipped with the manual transmission; larger brakes; speed-sensitive steering; new front bumper, headlamp and taillamp designs; HID headlamps; standard 18-inch wheels; new navigation system; new seat fabrics; revised climate controls; new exterior colors.  

It’s been more than 35 years since first Z car arrived at North American Nissan dealers. Then, it was known as the Datsun 240Z and was an immediate hit, with long waiting lists and no promised date for delivery. In 2005, Nissan marked the Z’s 35th year with a special commemorative Anniversary edition coupe.

We first tested the 350Z in April ’03 and again in January ’04 and came away favorably impressed with the styling, thrilling performance and impressive handling characteristics. Our opinion hasn’t changed since then, with the 350Z remaining an exceptional buy for those drivers who want a true performance sports car at a bargain price. 

Nine models of the 350Z are available:  six coupes and three roadsters. All come equipped with the same 3.5-liter 24-valve V-6 engines.  Differences among the models are primarily in trim, wheel size and suspension systems. 

All models feature a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), heated outside review mirrors and a driver-seat height adjuster. For those who found the clutch pedal overly stiff Nissan in previous models reduced the pedal pressure for ’05, making it easier to operate. Three new exterior colors are available, including Ultra Yellow, which utilizes a new high-luminance and high-chroma pearl pigment. I liked the color on the roadster Nissan supplied as my test car, although it would have looked better with chrome wheels instead of the aluminum alloy wheels it came equipped with. 

I drove the 2006 Z Roadster Enthusiast, the entry-level model for Z convertibles.  A Touring and Grand Touring model add equipment and price above the Enthusiast model.

The front-engine, rear-drive 350Z delivers racecar handling, whether coupe or roadster. This car handles like it’s on rails when negotiating sharp curves on twisting mountain roads. While I previously made note of its firm ride, newer model Z roadsters are softer and less punishing. I still wouldn’t recommend driving with coffee in the car. Besides, the awkward location of the cup holder at the far rear of the center console renders it virtually useless anyway. Another cup holder, which felt too flimsy, is located far to the right on the passenger-side dash and too far for the driver to reach. 

Inside, the cockpit is designed for a driver-oriented experience. The interior seems to surround the driver with supportive and comfortable form-fitting bucket seats. The driver’s seat is raised at the front center of the seat bottom to help keep the driver securely planted behind the wheel during aggressive handling.  

In my last review I complained about the too low seating position, however the new for 2005 seat height adjustment should help most drivers to find a comfortable position. Drivers 6’2” and taller will feel cramped and uncomfortable behind the wheel. Headroom is adequate, but there just isn’t enough legroom for this 6’6” driver.

The Z features a manual tilt steering column; the main three-pod of gauges moves with it. A voltmeter, an oil pressure gauge and a digital trip computer sit on top of the center stack and angle toward the driver.

My roadster featured a power top that stows neatly below a hard boot cover, which first rises while the top folds, then neatly covers the lowered canvas in one smooth mechanical motion. The top operation is simply done with the push of a button while the driver remains behind the wheel. There’s no need to stretch a soft cover boot in place with buttons or snaps. 

While the Z offers more space than a Mazda Miata, there isn’t much room for cargo. The roadster’s trunk is a mere 4.1 cubic feet. Nissan swears it will accommodate a golf bag and includes a diagram on the underside of the trunk lid depicting how to get the bag to fit.

And don’t bother looking for a glove box because there isn’t one, at least not on the lower dash. There is a large lockable box located behind the passenger’s seat. You’ll need to flip the seatback forward for access to the storage bin. 

But the Z is about driving, not running errands to Home Depot. With 300-horsepower and 274 pound-feet of torque, accelerating from zero to 60 miles per hour takes just 5.6 seconds. A six-speed short-throw manual transmission is standard; a five-speed automatic is optional. I recommend skipping the automatic. The six-speed shifts effortlessly and is easy and enjoyable to drive.  Besides, the throaty growls from the dual exhaust pipes just sound better when shifting through the manual gears, especially in the top-down roadster.

Top-down cabin turbulence was held to minimum thanks to the tempered glass deflector mounted between the roll bars behind the leather seats.  Top up, the cabin noise level is relatively low, even at highway speeds.  Rear visibility isn’t the best in either the coupe or the roadster, with sizeable blind spots attributed to the coupe’s angular hatchback and the limiting qualities of the convertible top. 

If you plan to use the 350Z as a daily driver, I recommend you skip the Track model. With huge BremboÒ brakes and firm suspension, it’s an excellent choice if you plan to drive at places like Firebird Raceway or Bondurant racetracks, but it’s just too pounding a ride for daily use. For all out Arizona fun, I strongly suggest you consider the roadster.  It’s perfect for spring, fall and summer nights with the air conditioning on.

Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS are standard on all Z models. Side and head-protecting side curtain airbags are optional on all coupes.  Regular side airbags are standard on Touring roadsters and optional on Enthusiast versions.  Crash test ratings from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are rated at excellent for the driver, good for passengers in front impacts and excellent in side impacts.  

For the money, the 350Z remains one of the best performance cars available on the market today.  It’s a real sports car with head-turning good looks and serious performance capabilities. The roadster variant only adds to the fun