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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Nissan 350Z

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2009 Nissan 350Z

Overview

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2008 Nissan 350Z Review

By KBB.com Editors

A bona fide legend in the sports car world, Nissan's 350Z had a 2007 revamp that brought mild cosmetic upgrades and major enhancements to its superb 3.5-liter V6 engine. This year, the 350Z Coupe lineup includes base, Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring models, as well as the hard-edged NISMO variant. Convertible fans also can take the open-air route with a 350Z Roadster (reviewed separately). Based on Nissan's brilliant FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, this attractively priced, rear-drive two-seater is aimed at competitors ranging from the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT and Ford Mustang GT Premium to its fraternal cousin, the Infiniti G37 Coupe. However, the 350Z has the performance to match well against even-costlier alternatives, like the Audi TT 3.2 Quattro, BMW Z4 3.0si Co

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a rear-wheel-drive sports car that offers scintillating performance, head-turning style, impressive amenities and an excellent price-to-value index, the 350Z Coupe should be high on your must-drive list.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Some may find the 350Z's ride quality -- especially in NISMO trim -- to be too harsh for their tastes. The look and feel of the 350Z's plastic interior trim still suffers by comparison to several of its competitors.

What's New for 2008

The only change for the 2008 Nissan 350Z Coupe is the addition of Nogaro Red paint to its exterior color choices.

Driving the 350Z

Driving Impressions Composed and controllable in all trims, the 2008 Nissan 350Z Coupe delivers an outstanding behind-the-wheel experience. Big credit goes to its world-class V6, with broad power and torque bands that...

ensure quick response, whether you're trapped in a tedious commute or out challenging some twisty back road. While we prefer the slick-shifting manual gearbox, the 350Z's electronically controlled automatic sacrifices little quickness in return for its added convenience in stop-and-go traffic conditions. Driver-selectable traction and stability controls let you decide just how much of the multilink suspension's phenomenal capabilities you care to explore, although its confidently firm ride quality does approach being borderline harsh on the NISMO. There's an equally quick and positive feel to the 350Z's speed-sensitive power steering, and its potent anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) add a reassuring measure of stopping security, especially the premium Brembo units on Grand Touring and NISMO models.

Favorite Features

3.5-liter V6
One of the world's most highly-acclaimed production engines, the fourth-generation "High Output" version of Nissan's VQ35 V6 underwent a comprehensive makeover for 2007, gaining design enhancements that significantly increased power and torque while improving fuel efficiency.

Modular Steering Column and Instrument Cluster
The 350Z's three-spoke sport steering wheel and main gauge pod adjust for rake angle as a single unit to ensure both a comfortable driving position and an unobstructed view of the legible yellow-on-black analog instruments.

2008 Nissan 350Z Details

Interior

Surprisingly spacious, even for a pair of six-footers, the 350Z's cabin features ergonomic control layouts, legible gauges and supportive, comfortable bucket seats. However, some of the plastic trim still lacks a premium look and feel. Open storage is limited and the covered center-console space modest, but smaller carry-alongs can be secured in a locking utility bin behind the passenger seat. Crowned with a large "Z" logo, the massive brushed-aluminum rear-strut brace was designed as much for style as for functionality. Admittedly cool looking, it dominates your view in the rearview mirror and seriously impacts usability of the Coupe's already minimal 6.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

Exterior

The 2008 Nissan 350Z Coupe has a classic long-nose and short-deck design that hearkens back to the look of the original 240Z. Its aggressive stance is accentuated by short front and rear overhangs, prominent fender flares, vertical aluminum door handles, bi-xenon headlights and super-bright LED taillights. The NISMO version is fitted with an aero-enhancing body kit. All models use Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires, and even the base 350Z rides on handsome 18-inch five-spoke cast-alloy wheels wrapped in W-rated 225/45 front and 245/45 rear tires. Both the Grand Touring and NISMO variants step up to staggered-size RAYS forged-alloys that wear 245/40 tires on 18-inch rims up front and 265/35 tires on 19-inch wheels in the rear.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

All five versions of the 2008 Nissan 350Z Coupe share a common 3.5-liter V6, standard six-speed manual transmission, anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), bi-xenon headlights, a comprehensive roster of power assists, dual front airbags, automatic climate-control, AM/FM/CD stereo and more. Enthusiast models add traction control, a limited-slip differential, multifunction steering wheel and aluminum pedals while the Touring brings Vehicle Dynamic Control (with manual transmission only), leather-covered heated seats, a premium Bose audio with MP3 capability and six-disc CD changer and Bluetooth. The Grand Touring and NISMO versions add Brembo brakes and upgraded staggered-size wheels and tires, with the NISMO also getting a unique aero body kit, front-side and side-curtain airbags and stiffer suspension tuning.

Optional Equipment

Even at base level, the 350Z Coupe is impressively equipped and, save for the feature upgrades that define the ascending trim levels, options are quite limited. A five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode can be substituted for the standard six-speed manual gearbox on all but the entry-level 350Z and NISMO models. The only other extras are Nogaro Red paint, a DVD-based navigation system and side-impact and side-curtain airbags.

Under the Hood

Regardless of trim level or transmission type, all versions of the 2008 Nissan 350Z Coupe share the same 3.5-liter V6 engine. Made from lightweight aluminum and fitted with efficiency-enhancing continuously variable valve timing, this fourth generation of Nissan's award-winning VQ35 family produces a stout 306 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque. Even more impressive, over 90 percent of that peak torque is on hand between 2000 and 7000 rpm, so it's almost always operating in a high-enthusiasm mode. Back it with the manual gearbox and you can expect six well-matched gear ratios, a smooth-acting short-throw shift linkage and acceleration from zero to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. Choose the optional electronically controlled five-speed automatic, that features a manual mode plus a rev-matching throttle-blip feature to ensure smoother downshifts, and that benchmark sprint will take roughly six seconds.

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Nissan 350Z vehicles for sale near you.

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2008 Nissan 350Z Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 488 Ratings for the 2003 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.5/10
Comfort

8.8/10

Styling

9.5/10

Great value for the money!

By B (CA) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Great performance for the price, fun to drive"

Cons: "Minimal storage, rough to drive, not too quick"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"For the price, their is definitely no match. A rear wheel drive, 306 hp, lightweight, 2 door sports car for as little you can find these days, their is no match. However, I wouldn't necessarily say this is the best car out there. If you want raw power and good torque I dont feel like the Z does the job very well compared to others. On warm days the Z will lack HUGE power and will feel almost as slow as a 4 cylinder sedan.. On cold days or nights it's surprisingly quick for a V6 non-turbo. On the track or on winding roads is where the Z will reign. It has GREAT balance and can rip through corners very quick. I definitely love the Z dont get me wrong, but would I choose this vehicle again if I had the choice? Probably not. It's a great looking car and will turn heads for sure, especially with that beautiful growl it makes. If you're looking for a used 2 door sports car under 22k or so, the Z is definitely your best bet, but if you have a bit more to spend I would aim more towards a BMW 335i or 135i, 2012+ Mustang GT, or a Camaro SS."

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Highway Missle

By Mike C (VT) on Monday, May 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 82,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Great value, strong engine, fantastic handling"

Cons: "Cup holders in awkward position"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bought my Z about 8 months ago and have never looked back. Best decision ever. Its not very comfortable for bumpy roads because of the stiff suspension, But on the highway..its awesome. Kick the cruse on and glide on the highway. The handling is very sharp and the engine has lots of torque. The interior...thats another story. Its small...but lots of headroom. I'm just over 6 foot and still have about 3 inches of clearance. The leather heated seats are fantastic and hug your body for the corners. The trunk is not too big, and the rear strut brace gets in the way...but if you like tetris, then you could be surprised how much you can fit in. All in all...a great car!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Sporty quick car,

By jayzus (TX) on Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "FAST"

Cons: "base model lacks, traction control and cruise cont"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Owned this car for 1.5 years. Very quick, mine is STD tranny, base model does not have traction control so pray it doesnt rain while your stuck on a hill because your going to spin some tire pretty bad. Performance parts, not too many other than the basic, exhaust, CAI, tune. mines lowered, with a full aftermarket exhaust, freaking fast. does waste gas kinda quickly, average about 16mpg in the city about 22 highway. interior is pretty basic but then again i have the BASE model. Overall fast, agile, performs. Only downfall is that there is about a 1 billion Z's in austin so your car wont stand out unless its pretty decked out."

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FUN SPORTS CAR FOR THE DOLLAR YOU SPEND

By SKYE (CA) on Thursday, April 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 95,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 7/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"350Z IS ONE OF THE BEST SPORTS CARS YOU CAN BUY. ITS FUN TO DRIVE VERY EASY TO LEARN ON . 300 HP 6SPEED TRANSMISSION ALMOST 50/50 WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION . GOOD LOOKING VEHICLE . I OWNED 2 OF THEM .... I LOVE ALL Z'S"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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great car

By Alicia (CA) on Sunday, April 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive and looks awesome"

Cons: "Rag top weathers and tears in about 5 years"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I love my 350Z convertible. The only downfall is that the vinyl top wears in about 5 years. I've taken it to upholstery places and they say that it is common for this car because the top was made too taught and will weather relatively fast. I'm going to replace it with a canvas "Robbins" brand top which most places recommended. The new top with install will cost me $1250 and should last about 10 years."

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Favorite car ever!

By coach100 (NY) on Saturday, March 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 82,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "speed,acceleration,elegance, looks"

Cons: "tires,paint chips, interior cheap"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

""I owned a 2004 Infiniti G 35 Coupe and got completely bored with the car. I wanted the feeling of a true sports car. I love convertibles and bought the 2004 Black on Black Roadster. The car has ben fantastic since I bought it. I use it only on the weekends and put only 5000 miles on the car every year. This car handles great has great power and loves to accelerate.I keep the car in mint condition and get compliments all the time people ask me if the car is new lol! I recommend this car for anyone who wants to have fun and feel the power of a true sports car. I was going to get a used Porsche Cayman boy I am i glad I bought my Z Roadster!!""

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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