Blast from the Past - 2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster

Not so long ago I was pulling up to the garage where my latest test car awaited. I’d heard all about it for a few years. Launched in 2002, the 350Z was the next in a line of, frankly, disappointing cars. The models before it all suffered from so many problems, there wasn’t a viable reason to buy one. But when the garage door slowly receded into the ceiling and I saw the car sitting under the florescent shop lights, the gleaming silver paint, black cloth top and orange (yes, orange) seats, I discovered the first reason to buy one. This car is gorgeous.

Now many convertibles rely on looks as part of their appeal. None of them succeed like this one. Where the BMW Z4 is hopelessly overdone, the Z is simple and refined. Where the Miata is boring and bland, the Z looks fast just sitting still. Where the S2000 is cute and cuddly, the Z is macho and muscular. Nothing else in its class compares. The big European fender flares and big 18 inch tires give the car a strong, bulldog appearance. It’s almost hard to believe a car this pretty was designed in America.

But while the looks might stun, the performance could kill. Not entirely in a good way, however.
Our dyno tests had shown the cars 3.5 litre engine to put out 290 bhp. Not earth moving numbers, but enough to get the car from 0-60 in just about 6 seconds. The real joy comes from the handling. This car grips the ground like it has claws. After a few hard corners I would have sworn the pavement was starting to ripple. Of course, there are drawbacks as well. If a drop of water, or God forbid and ice, should be on the road…well, let’s just say the car handles less like a jungle cat and more like a duck on a frozen pond.

The version I tested was a 6 speed manual with limited slip, traction control, the whole shebang. That brings me to the next aspect of this car that makes it worth buying. The value. No other car in the class sports so much for so little. The price tag for a new one will be around $35,000. The one I tested was loaded for $38,000.

If you are concerned about fuel economy (and with gas prices on the rise, who isn’t?) you will be glad to know that the Z will not eat your wallet for breakfast. I averaged just over 20 mpg driving gently in the city and well into the 30’s driving on the highway. Be forewarned, the car does get very thirsty when you put the pedal down.

If everything sounds like roses and candy canes so far, that’s because it is. But don’t be fooled, there are downsides to this car. First, the shifter can be finicky. It’s a little stiff and the clutch fights back. The road noise can also cause problems. With our 18 inch wheels there was a significant amount of sound. It was muffled a bit by the enormously throaty exhaust note, the best sound of any car in the class. There is also little in the way of a trunk. With the standard items on board (flashlight, jumper cables, air pump) it can be hard even to fit a week’s worth of groceries in the trunk. When a car comes with a diagram of how to fit your golf clubs in the trunk with the least amount of hassle possible, you know you’re short on space.

Still, if you buy a two-seater roadster, the odds are good that most of the negatives about this car will not affect your decision to buy. They didn’t affect mine. After leaving the test track, having spent a record 4 hours driving the car, I put my name on the list. I had to have one. They’re just that good.

The Charges: This car is accused of being the best-for-your-money car in its class.
The Evidence: A powerful 3.5L V6 putting nearly 300 horses to the pavement. More grip than a professional arm wrestler. Stunning good looks.
The Verdict: GUILTY! This is a seriously good sports car. It has its downsides, but you’ll be too busy loving the drive to care.


Price: $38,000 as tested.
Annual Fuel Cost: $1092
Specs: 0-60 5.9 seconds. Top speed 150mph. 24.5 mpg avg. 3498cc V6. RWD. 290bhp. 274lb ft. 1635kg. 273g/km CO2.