2005 Nissan 350Z Review
Anniversary edition brings more performance.
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Summary
The Nissan 350Z stands alone in its price class. This is the car for drivers who want serious sports car performance in a GT body without shelling out the big bucks. And Nissan has added a truly sporty variant to the mix with the 35th Anniversary Z.
Its rear-wheel-drive chassis is rigid and its suspension is taut for excellent handling. The V6 engine delivers lots of torque for strong acceleration performance. Whether you opt for the six-speed manual gearbox or the five-speed automatic, there are no dogs in the lineup. The interior is the weakest link here, but it grows on you with a little time spent living with it.
New Car Test Drive correspondent Tom Lankard is based in Northern California. With Mitch McCullough in Los Angeles.
Model Line Overview
| Model Lineup: | Nissan 350Z 6MT ($26,500); Enthusiast 6MT ($28,450); Enthusiast AT ($29,450); Performance 6MT ($30,650); Touring AT ($31,800); Touring 6MT ($33,400); Track 6MT ($34,300); Roadster Enthusiast 6MT ($34,150); Roadster Enthusiast AT ($35,150); Roadster Touring 6MT ($36,550); Roadster Touring AT ($37,550) |
| Engines: | 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions: | 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard): | dual-stage frontal airbags; seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; ABS with EBD and brake assist; traction control |
| Safety Equipment (optional): | supplemental side airbags |
| Basic Warranty: | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In: | Oppama, Japan |
Specifications As Tested
| Model Tested (MSRP): | Nissan 350Z Roadster Enthusiast ($35,150) |
| Standard Equipment: | automatic temperature control; 4-way power driver's seat; 2-way power passenger seat; power windows, locks and mirrors; AM/FM/CD audio with 6 speakers; tilt steering with integrated gage cluster; cruise control; HomeLink universal transceiver; auto-dimming rearview mirror; trip computer; oil pressure gauge; voltmeter; cross-drilled aluminum pedals; dual-illuminated visor vanity mirrors; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; real aluminum interior accents; lockable storage behind passenger seat; 3 cup holders; vehicle security system; vehicle immobilizer; remote keyless entry; 17-inch wheels; xenon headlamps; seal-tight windows |
| Options As Tested (MSRP): | side airbags ($250); 18-inch wheels ($1,200) |
| Destination Charge: | 540 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax: | |
| Price as tested (MSRP) | 36560 |
| Layout: | rear-wheel drive |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm): | 287 @ 6200 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): | 274 @ 4800 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed automatic |
| EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: | 19/26 |
| Wheelbase: | 104.3 |
| Length/width/height: | 169.4/71.5/52.3 |
| Track, f/r: | 60.4/60.6 |
| Turning circle: | 35.4 |
| Seating capacity: | 2 |
| Head/hip/leg room, f: | 39.2/53.2/42.6 |
| Head/hip/leg room, m: | |
| Head/hip/leg room, r: | |
| Cargo volume: | 4.1 |
| Payload: | |
| Towing capacity: | 1000 |
| Suspension, f: | independent 3-link with stabilizer bar and strut bar |
| Suspension, r: | independent 4-link with stabilizer bar and strut bar |
| Ground clearance: | 4.7 |
| Curb weight: | 3445 |
| Tires: | P225/45R18 / P245/45R18 |
| Brakes, f/r: | vented disc/vented disc with ABS, EBD, and Brake Assist |
| Fuel capacity: | 20.0 |
• For more information such as specs, prices, and photos of the 2005 Nissan 350Z, click here: 2005 Nissan 350Z.
