Used 2007 Nissan 350Z

In the minds of many, a pure sports car adheres to the traditional formula of a powerful engine, taut suspension, rear-wheel drive and a cockpit built for two. While there are a good number of sports cars from which to choose, not many carry a sub-$30,000 price tag. Nissan’s 350Z is one of them, delivering performance that rivals cars costing tens of thousands more. Yet, despite its reasonable price tag, the 350Z does not skimp on features or amenities. From its numerous suspension configurations to its available Bose audio system, GPS navigation and leather seating, the 350Z blends comfort and performance into a single, reliable vehicle.

With its wheels pushed to the outer edges and its stiff suspension setup, the 350Z stays low to the ground and always conveys a feeling of stability and assured handling. The heart and soul of the 350Z is its marvelously torque-laden 3.5-liter V6 engine. Rated at 306 horsepower, this powerplant rockets the lightweight Z to blisteringly fast speeds in just seconds.

Off-the-line acceleration is so quick that it may catch you by surprise the first time you drive the car. You’ll find the same to be true of the 350Z’s passing power. The six-speed manual has a short shift pattern that is terrifically precise as you move the shift lever from gear to gear. The 350Z can cruise effortlessly at high speeds and barely break a sweat, thanks to the sixth gear.

Inside, the 350Z provides an uncommon amount of passenger space for a sports coupe. We found that even our tallest driver felt comfortable in the 350Z and was able to reach the steering wheel and shift lever without having to lean forward. Reminiscent of the first Z-cars is the angled three-pod gauge cluster that sits atop the dashboard’s center stack. Though the wide rear hatch does provide easy access to the 350Z’s deep rear storage area, a large aluminum crossbar affixed to the tops of the rear strut towers somewhat hinders the placement of bulky items.

The familiar styling cues that made the original Z so seductive are still in place, including the long hood, short deck and sweeping rear lines that flow down to form the large hatchback opening. Powerful projector-style headlamps flank a wide front grille and are mirrored around back by two teardrop-shaped taillamps.

Hooded Dash Pods
The hooded dash pods are reminiscent of the original Z-car.

Aluminum Rear Strut Brace
The big aluminum rear strut brace may take up some of the cargo hold, but it looks good and serves a useful function.

The 350Z comes in four trims: Base, Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring. Standard equipment includes a 3.5-liter V6, six-speed manual transmission, automatic air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), bi-xenon headlamps, five cup holders, rear defroster, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, heated power mirrors, tire pressure monitoring system, AM/FM stereo with CD, 18-inch alloy wheels and a rear wiper/washer. Enthusiast models receive an automatic garage door opener, traction control and a limited-slip differential. Touring models gain Bose audio, heated leather power seats and Vehicle Dynamic Control. The Grand Touring trim adds front and rear spoilers and Brembo brakes.

The only options beyond the various trim packages are a DVD-based navigation system, a five-speed automatic transmission, side-curtain and side-impact airbags, and a choice between SIRIUS or XM Satellite Radio.

The newest iteration of Nissan’s 3.5-liter V6 now pumps out 306 horsepower. Enthusiasts will no doubt prefer the six-speed’s short, precise shifts, but those whose commutes include stop-and-go rush hour traffic will likely be happiest with the five-speed automatic.

3.5-liter V6
306 horsepower @ 6800 rpm
268 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 (manual), 19/26 (automatic)