The Nissan 350Z Convertible, also known as the Nissan 350Z Roadster or Fairlady Z Roadster in Japan, is part of the fifth-generation Z-car series (Z33 chassis). It revived the Z lineup in 2003 after a hiatus, emphasising sporty handling, powerful performance, and luxury features. The Roadster variant debuted in 2004, following the coupe’s 2003 launch in Japan and the U.S., with U.K. availability starting in 2003 for the coupe and 2004 for the convertible.
Production ran from 2003 to 2009, with the Roadster sold through 2009 even as the 370Z succeeded the coupe in 2008. It was built on the Nissan FM platform, shared with models like the Infiniti G35, and designed by Ajay Panchal at Nissan Design America. The 350Z marked a return to the Z-car’s roots as an affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports car, drawing inspiration from classics like the 240Z.
The 350Z was positioned as a competitor to cars like the Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4, and Honda S2000, offering a balance of performance and value. Over 150,000 units were produced globally, with the Roadster appealing to open-air enthusiasts. Special editions included the 35th Anniversary model in 2005, celebrating the Z-car heritage, which featured unique styling and performance tweaks.
Design and Features
The 350Z Roadster features a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a long-hood, and short-deck profile. It has a sloping fastback-style arched roofline when the top is up, brushed aluminum door handles, a high waistline, and bulging fenders. The electrically retractable soft-top roof folds in about 20 seconds and includes a glass rear window with a defroster. The interior uses brushed aluminum accents, a steering-column-mounted gauge pod that tilts with the wheel, and a center triple-gauge cluster with oil pressure, voltmeter, and trip computer. Storage is provided by compartments behind and between the seats, as there’s no traditional glove box. Higher trims like Touring add a Bose audio system with a six-CD changer and an 8-inch subwoofer behind the driver’s seat.
The exterior includes xenon headlights, LED taillights, and optional spoilers. The suspension is independent multi-link front and rear, with Brembo brakes on higher trims. Wheels range from 17-inch to 18-inch alloys, with Rays forged wheels on performance-oriented models like the Track. Dimensions are notable, with a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, length of 169.8 inches on later models, width of 71.5 inches, height between 52.3 and 52.5 inches depending on the year, curb weight ranging from 3,428 to 3,602 pounds, and cargo capacity of 4.1 cubic feet due to the folding top mechanism.
Engine and Performance
All 350Z Roadsters use a 3.5L V6 engine from the VQ35 family, naturally aspirated and rear-wheel drive. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, with some models featuring a close-ratio setup, or a 5-speed automatic with shift capability in later years. The earliest models from 2003 to 2004 used the VQ35DE engine producing 287 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 274 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm with a 6,600 rpm redline, delivering an estimated 0–60 mph time of about 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. For 2005–2006, the manual models received the VQ35DE Rev-up engine rated at 300 horsepower with a 7,000 rpm redline, while the automatic models retained the base 287 horsepower version. The 2007–2009 models used the improved VQ35HR, producing 306 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 268 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm with a higher redline of 7,500 rpm. Fuel economy across the years remained similar at about 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined.
The Rev-up variant added revised internals for better high-rpm performance, while the HR engine included dual throttles, stronger connecting rods, and revised pistons for smoother power delivery. Handling was sharp thanks to a near 53/47 weight distribution and a stiff chassis, though the Roadster was slightly heavier than the coupe by about 150 to 200 pounds due to reinforcements for open-top rigidity. Performance trims came with a limited-slip differential, giving the Roadster competitive driving dynamics for its era.
Trim Levels
The Enthusiast, a base trim level of the Nissan 350Z Roadster produced in the mid-2000s, served as the entry-level model. It came with cloth seats, cruise control, power windows and locks, 17-inch wheels, ABS, and traction control. The Touring trim added leather seats, Bose audio, heated seats and mirrors, and 18-inch wheels. The Grand Touring, introduced in 2005, became the top trim with Brembo brakes, vehicle dynamic control, front and rear spoilers, and Rays forged wheels. The Roadster did not have the Track trim like the coupe, reflecting its open-top design priorities. Earlier years offered only the Enthusiast and Touring for the Roadster, with Grand Touring arriving later in the production run.
Safety Features
Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, ABS, traction control, and tire pressure monitoring on later years. Optional equipment included side and curtain airbags. The chassis design incorporated reinforced side sills and energy-absorbing zones to improve convertible safety. NHTSA ratings for the 2009 Roadster did not cover every category, but rollover resistance was rated at 8.2 per cent. In real-world terms, the 350Z Roadster showed an average safety record for sports cars with about 143 deaths per million registrations.
Reliability and Common Issues
The 350Z Roadster ranks highly in reliability, with scores of 4.5 to 4.8 out of 5 from automotive review sources, and only about 20 per cent of Nissans needing warranty attention according to Warranty Direct. The engine is especially durable, often lasting more than 200,000 miles with proper care. Common issues after 100,000 miles include oil consumption, with VQ35 engines burning a quart every 1,000 to 2,000 miles. Owners often use heavier oil or shorten oil change intervals to 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Other common issues include throttle body carbon buildup leading to rough idling, worn fuel dampers causing fuel smells, convertible top leaks or motor failures, suspension wear causing rear noise, and interior aging like worn upholstery or trim. Sensor failures and clutch wear are also noted in high-mileage examples. Despite these, the complaint rate is low, with just 63 reported over seven years of production, making it reliable for its segment. A pre-purchase inspection is always advised.
Additional Facts
The 350Z Roadster’s original MSRP ranged from about $34,000 to $40,000, with today’s used market values between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on condition. It received multiple awards as a best sports car and the 35th Anniversary edition was especially highlighted in reviews for its improved performance. Compared with earlier Z-cars, the 287 horsepower in the first Roadster nearly doubled the original 240Z’s 151 horsepower. The 350Z also became popular in tuning, drifting, and popular culture, including appearances in films like the Fast and Furious franchise. Fuel type requirements included premium unleaded gasoline, with no hybrid or electric variants offered.
