Nissan Z

Name: 2003 Nissan Z
Brand: Nissan

EPA MPG: 22 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 22 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The 350Z is a two-seater carrying on the tradition of the Datsun/Nissan Z cars of the past. Its strong, punchy engine provides smooth, quick acceleration and it even has commendable fuel economy for a sports car. Handling is good, but the 350Z also has a harsh ride and poor visibility. Typical of two-seaters, the car has minimal cargo space.

2003 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

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Nissan Z

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BMW 3 Series

Lexus SC

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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2003 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

2003 Nissan Z

$ NA

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Audi TT

$4,475 - $6,725

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 BMW 3 Series

$3,775 - $4,975

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Cadillac CTS

$3,050

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Dodge Viper

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Ford Mustang

$3,600 - $13,450

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Hyundai Tiburon

$2,925 - $3,000

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Jaguar XK

$4,700 - $8,150

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Lexus SC

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mercedes-Benz CL

$5,300 - $7,225

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK

$4,125 - $6,025

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse

$3,050 - $3,525

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Porsche 911

$11,850 - $24,725

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Subaru Impreza WRX/STi

$ NA

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota Camry Solara

$3,175 - $4,550

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volkswagen GTI

$3,575 - $5,175

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volkswagen Golf R

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volvo C70

$3,250 - $3,400

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

coupe

2 front

Rear

3.5-liter V6 (287 hp)

5-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2023-Present

Current Generation

The all-new 2023 Nissan Z sports car has the classic long, sloped hood and wide rear flanks that evoke the early versions of this storied nameplate. The rear-drive Z has a 400-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged twin-turbo V6, marking a significant 50+ hp increase over the previous 370Z's output. That fiery powerplant can be paired with a choice of six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Nissan is keeping it simple by making the available active safety features standard on all trims. This includes FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, RCTW, and lane departure warning. In 2024, a 420-horsepower NISMO trim was added. 2026 brought a new Heritage Edition, which paid homage to the fourth-generation Z sports car, the 300ZX "Z32", with retro-inspired visual touches.

2009-2022

2009 Redesign Year

The coupe was redesigned for 2009, with the engine getting a displacement increase to 3.7 liters. The revised convertible followed a year later. This version of the Z car is a bit shorter and lighter than the one it replaced. It also has much better interior fit and finish. Nissan's two-seat sports car is quick, agile and enjoyable to drive. Its V6 is muscular yet cultured and smooth. Shift action is a bit notchy, but crisp and positive in feel. Handling is very agile, with direct steering and lots of cornering grip. On the other hand, road and tire noise are constant and the cabin is cramped. Visibility takes a back seat as well. Updates for 2015 included standard Bluetooth and revised suspension tuning. New additions for 2016 include an optional noise cancellation/enhancement system aimed at quieting some of the offensive racket while creating "natural engine sounds to help bolster the driver's acceleration experience." The Z is also offered as a hot-rod Nismo version, which gets you exterior aerodynamic add-ons, 19-inch wheels, Recaro seats, a stiffer suspension and 18 more horsepower. Updates for 2018 include some interior and exterior enhancements.

2003-2008

2003 Redesign Year

The 350Z bowed for 2003, sharing components with the Infiniti G-series. A focused and capable sports car, acceleration is very quick and handling is good, though not as agile as some. The six-speed manual has a notchy shifter. Keep in mind we're talking budget sports car here, so the ride is harsh, the cabin is cramped, and tire and road noise are pronounced. Rear visibility is also poor. A convertible with a power-operated top is available too. Later models had improved interior materials and a slightly better ride.