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Nissan 350Z

The 2003 Z-car comeback: 287 hp for $26,809.1

Researched October 30, 2026 from 39 sources

Also called

  • Fairlady ZJapanese-market name for the 350Z, chassis code Z33.2

At a glance

0200400
276–345 hpPower
0510
5.2–5.8 s0–60 mph
0150300
249.4–251.1 km/hTop speed
0200400
353–397 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,414–1,633.8 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.12310111213

Engine
3.5 L VQ35DE/Rev-Up and VQ35HR V6s; 380RS: 3.8 L V6211
Layout
FM; front-mid engine, rear-wheel drive; 2,649 mm wheelbase2
Gearbox
6-speed close-ratio manual or 5-speed automatic9
Built at
Oppama (2002–2003) and Tochigi (2003–2008), Japan2

The story

The Z33, Japan's Fairlady Z, revived the line after Z32 production ended in 2000. Carlos Ghosn set a sub-$30,000 brief; design chief Shiro Nakamura wanted driving appeal with everyday comfort and low maintenance.234

1999: A 200 hp four-cylinder Z concept19992001: Panchal's shape and a new Z concept20012002: Japan in July, North America in August20022005: 300 hp anniversary Z; 176 UK GT4s20052006: First facelift and 300 hp manuals20062007: HR: 306 hp and a 7,500 rpm ceiling · NISMO reaches US dealers in July20072008: December production finale; 2009 Roadster2008 Datsun 240Z / 260Z / 280Z (S30): 1969–1978S30Datsun 280ZX (S130): 1978–1983S130Nissan 300ZX (Z31): 1983–1989Z31Nissan 350Z / Fairlady Z (Z33): 2002–2008Z33Nissan 370Z (Z34): From 2009Z34 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones231516181920
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1969–1978Datsun 240Z / 260Z / 280Z (S30)
1978–1983Datsun 280ZX (S130)
1983–1989Nissan 300ZX (Z31)
2002–2008Nissan 350Z / Fairlady Z (Z33)
From 2009Nissan 370Z (Z34)
1999A 200 hp four-cylinder Z concept
2001Panchal's shape and a new Z concept
2002Japan in July, North America in August
2005300 hp anniversary Z; 176 UK GT4s
2006First facelift and 300 hp manuals
2007HR: 306 hp and a 7,500 rpm ceiling
2007NISMO reaches US dealers in July
2008December production finale; 2009 Roadster
  1. 1999

    A 200 hp four-cylinder Z concept

    The 240Z concept appears at the North American International Auto Show with a 2.4 L Altima-derived four-cylinder making 200 hp.2

  2. 2001

    Panchal's shape and a new Z concept

    Ajay Panchal shaped the 350Z in 2000, drawing on Renaissance art and cheetahs. The new Z concept appeared at the 2001 North American International Auto Show.235

  3. 2002

    Japan in July, North America in August

    Japan gets the coupe in July; the United States and Canada follow in August, with the 350Z sold as a 2003 model.24

  4. 2005

    300 hp anniversary Z; 176 UK GT4s

    North American manual 35th Anniversary and Track cars get 300 hp. The UK's Gran Turismo 4 edition has 176 slots, 76 in Ultra Yellow.267

  5. 2006

    First facelift and 300 hp manuals

    US manuals now make 300 hp; automatics keep 287 hp. A new nose, bi-xenon headlights, LED taillights and a revised cabin mark the first facelift.8

  6. 2007

    HR: 306 hp and a 7,500 rpm ceiling

    The US-spec VQ35HR makes 306 hp and revs to 7,500 rpm. An instrumented manual test records 5.2 seconds to 60 mph.2910

  7. 2007

    NISMO reaches US dealers in July

    The manual-only NISMO adds Super GT-derived aero, Autech hand-welded body seams and Yamaha chassis dampers. US sales begin in July.2

  8. 2008

    December production finale; 2009 Roadster

    Z33 production ends in December with over 250,000 sold. The 370Z takes over for 2009, while the 350Z Roadster sells alongside it.23

Every generation

  • Datsun 240Z / 260Z / 280Z
    S301969–1978
  • Datsun 280ZX
    S1301978–1983
  • Nissan 300ZX
    Z311983–1989
  • Nissan 300ZX
    Z32Until 2000
  • Nissan 350Z / Fairlady Z
    Z332002–2008
  • Nissan 370Z
    Z34From 2009

Power over the years

From 276 hp to 345 hp in 5 years.

0100200300400 20022004200620082010 hp 2002 · 276 hp · Fairlady Z Version ST: VQ35DE2003 · 287 hp · US launch VQ35DE2004 · 296 hp · NISMO S-tune GT (300 PS)2005 · 296 hp · UK Gran Turismo 4 (300 PS)2005 · 300 hp · N. America 35th Anniversary/Track manual2006 · 287 hp · US automatic; 6,600 rpm2006 · 300 hp · US Rev-Up manual; 7,000 rpm2007 · 306 hp · US VQ35HR; 7,500 rpm2007 · 309 hp · VQ35HR: 313 PS, 7,500 rpm2007 · 345 hp · NISMO Type 380RS: 3.8 L2009 · 306 hp · North American Roadster VQ35HR 345 hp NISMO Type 380RS: 3.8 L 276 hp Fairlady Z Version ST: VQ35DE
234678911121415
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2002276Fairlady Z Version ST: VQ35DE
2003287US launch VQ35DE
2004296NISMO S-tune GT (300 PS)
2005296UK Gran Turismo 4 (300 PS)
2005300N. America 35th Anniversary/Track manual
2006287US automatic; 6,600 rpm
2006300US Rev-Up manual; 7,000 rpm
2007306US VQ35HR; 7,500 rpm
2007309VQ35HR: 313 PS, 7,500 rpm
2007345NISMO Type 380RS: 3.8 L
2009306North American Roadster VQ35HR

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Base, Enthusiast, Performance and Touring (US)

    2005

  • 350Z Roadster

    Standard

    350Z Roadster

    2004–2009

  • Standard

    350Z and GT Pack (UK)

    2007

  • Performance

    Track and Grand Touring manual coupes (US)

    2006

    300 hp

  • Special

    350Z 35th Anniversary Edition (manual)

    2005

    300 hp

  • Special

    Fairlady Z Type F (Japan)

    2008

  • NISMO 350Z (US)

    Performance

    NISMO 350Z (US)

    2007–2008

    306 hp

    1,607 built

  • Limited

    350Z Gran Turismo 4 (UK)

    2005

    296 hp

  • Special

    350Z GT-S Concept

    2006

    377 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Coupe: long hood, short tail and an arched roof flowing into a hatch.4
  • Upright brushed-aluminum door handles contrast with the rounded body.24
  • Rear lights sweep sharply up the outer edges of the rear deck.5
  • Bulging fenders sit at the corners above short body overhangs.4
  • Two exhaust tailpipes punctuate the rear.4

Year by year

  1. 2006

    The facelift brings a revised front bumper and grille, bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights.8

  2. 2006 cabin

    Updated door panels, revised climate controls and cupholders in both doors identify the refreshed coupe cabin.8

  3. 2007

    A raised hood clears the taller HR V6; twin air intakes provide an under-hood confirmation.29

  4. 2007 Roadster

    Gray replaces the previous blue soft top; black remains available.9

  5. 2009 Roadster

    Moonlight White paint joins the Roadster color range.15

Don’t confuse it with

  • Nissan 370Z

    The 370Z has a shorter wheelbase, broader arches and wide chrome alloys; the 350Z has smoother, simpler body lines.216

Against its rivals

  • Ford Mustang Shelby GT (2007)

    350Z vs Ford Mustang Shelby GT (2007)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    350Z5.2 s
    Ford Mustang Shelby GT (2007)5.1 s
    10
  • Mazda RX-8 (2007)

    350Z vs Mazda RX-8 (2007)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    350Z5.2 s
    Mazda RX-8 (2007)6.5 s
    10
  • Audi TT 2.0T (2008)

    350Z vs Audi TT 2.0T (2008)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    350Z5.2 s
    Audi TT 2.0T (2008)6 s
    10

Prices

Value today $8.2K–$20.5K2728

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 20052010201520202025 Value today: $8,200–$20,514 2003 · $26,809 · US base2003 · $34,619 · US Track coupe, as tested2003 · $35,113 · US Touring coupe, window sticker2005 · $38,630 · US Touring Roadster, window sticker2007 · $38,070 · US NISMO2009 · $36,870 · US Enthusiast Roadster, 6MT2009 · $39,220 · US Touring Roadster, 6MT2009 · $41,570 · US Grand Touring Roadster 2003 · $26,809 · US base price, 2003 model year 2024 · $15,750 · 2005 35th Anniversary Coupe 6-Speed, 29k miles, BaT2025 · $21,750 · 2008 NISMO Coupe 6-Speed, 56k miles, BaT2025 · $18,250 · 2003 Track Coupe 6-Speed, 38k miles indicated, BaT2025 · $4,200 · 2008 Touring Roadster, 64k miles, rebuilt, BaT2025 · $11,100 · 2003 Touring Coupe 6-Speed, 73k km, BaT2026 · $20,514 · 2007 NISMO, 27k mi shown; repairs, mileage flag, BaT2026 · $15,000 · 2007 Touring coupe 6-speed, 16k miles, BaT2026 · $19,750 · 2003 Touring coupe 6-speed, 57k miles, BaT2026 · $8,200 · 2005 Touring Roadster, 83k mi, roof fault, BaT2026 · $9,750 · 2007 Touring Roadster 6-Speed, 61k miles, BaT2026 · $24,750 · 2006 Coupe 6-Speed, 25k miles, BaT $24.8K BaT, 2026
124152728313233343536373839
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2003Launch price$26,809US base price, 2003 model year
2003Price when new$26,809US base
2003Price when new$34,619US Track coupe, as tested
2003Price when new$35,113US Touring coupe, window sticker
2005Price when new$38,630US Touring Roadster, window sticker
2007Price when new$38,070US NISMO
2009Price when new$36,870US Enthusiast Roadster, 6MT
2009Price when new$39,220US Touring Roadster, 6MT
2009Price when new$41,570US Grand Touring Roadster
2024Auction sale$15,7502005 35th Anniversary Coupe 6-Speed, 29k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$21,7502008 NISMO Coupe 6-Speed, 56k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$18,2502003 Track Coupe 6-Speed, 38k miles indicated, BaT
2025Auction sale$4,2002008 Touring Roadster, 64k miles, rebuilt, BaT
2025Auction sale$11,1002003 Touring Coupe 6-Speed, 73k km, BaT
2026Auction sale$20,5142007 NISMO, 27k mi shown; repairs, mileage flag, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,0002007 Touring coupe 6-speed, 16k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$19,7502003 Touring coupe 6-speed, 57k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$8,2002005 Touring Roadster, 83k mi, roof fault, BaT
2026Auction sale$9,7502007 Touring Roadster 6-Speed, 61k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$24,7502006 Coupe 6-Speed, 25k miles, BaT
2026Value today$8,200–$20,514

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “A debut win and the 2004 GT500 title”
    • “The GT500 350Z went V8”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 2 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 39 sources
  1. Tested: 2003 Nissan 350Z Returns to Its Roots caranddriver.com
  2. Nissan 350Z - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. Nissan | Heritage Collection | Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST nissan-global.com
  4. 2003 Nissan 350Z Press Kit usa.nissannews.com
  5. Young designer taps a mosaic of cultures and influences to create Nissan's 350Z autoweek.com
  6. GRAN TURIZMO £29,500 uk.nissannews.com
  7. 2005 Nissan 350Z Coupe Press Kit usa.nissannews.com
  8. 2006 Nissan 350Z Coupe and Roadster Press Kit usa.nissannews.com
  9. 2007 Nissan 350Z Coupe and Roadster Press Kit usa.nissannews.com
  10. 2007-2008 Sports Coupe Comparison caranddriver.com
  11. NISMO | NISMOの歴史 | NISMOコンプリートカーからNISMOロードカーへ | vol.05 nismo.co.jp
  12. 2007 NISSAN 350Z PRICES ANNOUNCED uk.nissannews.com
  13. 2006 Nissan 350Z GT-S Concept - Images, Specifications and Information ultimatecarpage.com
  14. NISMO | NISMOの歴史 | NISMOコンプリートカーからNISMOロードカーへ | vol.04 nismo.co.jp
  15. NISSAN ANNOUNCES PRICING ON THE 2009 350Z ROADSTER usa.nissannews.com
  16. Used Nissan 350Z (2003-2009) review – a Japanese muscle car for less than £10k | evo evo.co.uk
  17. 「フェアレディZ」にプレミアムカラーを追加 global.nissannews.com
  18. Nissan Fairlady Z (S30) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  19. Nissan Fairlady Z (S130) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  20. Nissan 300ZX - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. Nissan | Heritage Collection | Xanavi NISMO Z 2004 JGTC No. 1 nissan-global.com
  22. Nissan challenges SUPER GT Championship with new V8 engined Z global.nissannews.com
  23. LA Times Coverage of the Formula DRIFT Finals - Formula DRIFT BLOG news.formulad.com
  24. Nissan 350Z from The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift is Selling for $134,000 thedrive.com
  25. GT Academy Details Announced at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring - gran-turismo.com gran-turismo.com
  26. Under the Hood: Chalking Up Another Year ea.com
  27. No Reserve: Original-Owner 2005 Nissan 350Z Touring Roadster 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,200 on October 4, 2026 (Lot #266,554) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. Original-Owner 2007 Nissan 350Z Coupe NISMO 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,514 on May 6, 2026 (Lot #241,284) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. Ultimate Nissan 350z Buyer's Guide - DRIFTED drifted.com
  30. Nissan 350Z For Sale - BaT Auctions bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: Original-Owner 2003 Nissan 350Z Touring Coupe 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $19,750 on August 30, 2026 (Lot #260,510) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 16k-Mile 2007 Nissan 350Z Touring Coupe 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,000 on August 4, 2026 (Lot #255,887) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 2007 Nissan 350Z Touring Roadster 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,750 on August 21, 2026 (Lot #259,015) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 25k-Mile 2006 Nissan 350Z Coupe 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $24,750 on April 9, 2026 (Lot #237,127) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 2008 Nissan 350Z Coupe NISMO 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $21,750 on December 30, 2025 (Lot #225,394) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 2003 Nissan 350Z Track Coupe 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $18,250 on December 21, 2025 (Lot #224,389) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: 2008 Nissan 350Z Roadster Touring for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $4,200 on September 16, 2025 (Lot #210,234) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. 2003 Nissan 350Z Touring Coupe 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,100 on January 15, 2025 (Lot #177,183) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. Original-Owner 2005 Nissan 350Z Coupe 35th Anniversary Edition 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,750 on June 4, 2024 (Lot #149,425) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • nissan-global.com
  • usa.nissannews.com
  • autoweek.com
  • uk.nissannews.com
  • nismo.co.jp
  • ultimatecarpage.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • global.nissannews.com
  • news.formulad.com
  • thedrive.com
  • gran-turismo.com
  • ea.com

Photo credits

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