By KBB.com Editors
KBB Expert Rating:
There is much to like about the 2013 Nissan 370Z Coupe and Roadster. From the point of view of a committed driving enthusiast, the 370Z is near perfection, with a sweet-singing V6 engine teamed to a slick-shifting manual transmission, glued-to-the-road handling and a functional, great-looking cockpit. Priced in line with the V8-powered Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang GT, the Nissan 370Z offers powerful value. While others, such as the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, may consider themselves alternatives, many 370Z owners feel their cars line up with such titans as the Audi TT, Porsche Cayman and BMW Z4. In the end, comparisons seem irrelevant, since there really is only one Z-car.
If you're looking for seat-of-your-pants performance in a sexy coupe that won't break the bank, take a spin in a 2013 Nissan 370Z Coupe. Open-air fans will love the 370Z Roadster.
If you're looking for the best value-to-horsepower ratio, you can climb behind the wheel of a V6-powered Mustang or Camaro, both of which have more than 300 horsepower and a starting price well below $25,000.
What's New for 2013
A minor facelift gives the Nissan 370Z a slightly softer-looking front end and incorporates distinctive vertical LED running lights. The Sport Package gets new shock tuning and red-finished brake calipers. The Nismo edition gets more rigid brake lines and now offers some of the available features from the Touring package.
Driving Impressions The 2013 Nissan 370Z's sport-tuned chassis gets its sharp cornering ability from the car's light weight, short wheelbase and wide track, and doesn't have to resort to brutally stiff spring...
rates. The performance-biased 18-inch (standard) and 19-inch (Sport Package) tires on light alloy wheels do their part too. In the curves, the 370Z Coupe displays almost no lean or roll, the well-modulated power steering is spot-on, and if you want to press the car right up to its cornering limits, you can shut off the otherwise invasive electronic stability-control system. The 370Z remains balanced and forgiving, with or without the electronic nanny on duty. As for power, the 3.7-liter V6 always feels eager and responsive. Nissan's automatic transmission works quite well, but call us old-fashioned: A 2-seater really needs a manual gearbox. The easy-to-modulate clutch, short-throw shifter and SynchroRev Match option of the 370Z's 6-speed seals the deal.SYNCHROREV MATCH
Heel-toe downshifting, which requires using the right foot to both brake and blip the throttle to match revs, is a tricky skill to master. The 2013 Nissan 370Z's SynchroRev Match system blips the throttle for you, automatically providing butter-smooth downshifts. (Purists can turn the feature off.)
7-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Delivering the direct feel and fuel economy of a manual transmission along with quick, smooth shifts, the paddle-shifter-equipped 7-speed automatic found in the 2013 Nissan 370Z Coupe is a winner.
Interior
Drawing heavily from the Infiniti line, the interior of the 2013 Nissan 370Z Coupe and Roadster looks lush and upscale. More important, it blends some very strong styling elements, especially around the instruments, with complete functionality. Rich color choices for the seats and door panels complement a cockpit filled with soft-touch surfaces and tasteful metallic-looking trim. The main gauge cluster that moves with the tilt steering column is a nice touch. The snug cockpit easily accommodates two big adults in excellent sport seats. Cargo space isn't outstanding but it's usable and accessible.
Bucking the trend to grow larger and longer, the 2013 Nissan 370Z Coupe retains its taut dimensions and lightweight chassis. Sitting low to the ground aids both handling and appearance, and the look becomes even more dramatic with the available Sport Package, which includes front and rear spoilers and bigger tires and wheels. There's a hint of GT-R in the 370Z's large flared fenders and cantilevered roof. The Nismo edition shows its performance intent with aero-influenced styling, including an integrated front spoiler and big rear wing. Roadster versions feature a power-operated soft-top that stows beneath a color-keyed hard cover.
The 2013 Nissan 370Z Coupe and Roadster each come in two trims, base and Touring (plus the special-edition Nismo, as a coupe only). Even in base form, the 370Z is well equipped with automatic climate control, steering-wheel audio and cruise controls, keyless entry and start, xenon headlights and a 4-speaker audio system with auxiliary input. Moving up to the Touring trim adds power-adjustable heated seats, Bluetooth, leather and suede inside, aluminum pedals and a Bose audio system with eight speakers including two subwoofers. Standard safety features include stability control, traction control, active head restraints, tire-pressure-monitoring system and six airbags.
There are only two options available on the 2013 Nissan 370Z Coupe. A Sport Package is available for both base and Touring trims and includes a viscous limited-slip differential, 19-inch forged wheels, upgraded brakes, front and rear spoilers and downshift rev matching (when equipped with the manual transmission). Available only for the Touring trim is a Navigation Package that features a navigation system, real-time traffic and weather information, iPod connectivity and a 9.3GB hard drive for music storage. A new Bose audio package – six speakers, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, Bluetooth – is available in the Nismo for 2013.
Power for the 2013 Nissan 370Z Coupe comes from the latest generation of Nissan's venerated VQ series V6 engine. Producing 332 horsepower (350 in the Nismo), the 370Z's engine delivers robust performance and impressive fuel economy. Stealing some of the focus away from the Z's excellent engine are its advanced transmission options: a standard 6-speed manual and an optional 7-speed automatic. Manual-equipped cars with the optional Sport Package also feature SynchroRev Match, a system that automatically blips the throttle for seamless downshifts.
3.7-liter V6
332 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
350 horsepower @ 7,400 rpm (Nismo)
270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
276 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm (Nismo)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg (manual), 19/26 mpg (automatic)
Pricing for the 2013 Nissan 370Z Coupe starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $33,900 for the base coupe and moves up to $38,600 for the Touring trim. The Roadster runs $42,250 (base) and $44,950 (Touring). The Sport Package adds about $3,000 to any of these figures. The up-power Nismo edition is priced at $43,800. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard with a 7-speed automatic available for an additional $1,300 (except for the Nismo, which is manual only). The Navigation System adds an extra $2,150 to the bottom line. To compare actual transaction prices for the Nissan 370Z, be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price. Like the 350Z before it, the 2013 Nissan 370Z Coupe is expected to hold its value well over time, far better than the Mazda RX-8, Ford Mustang V6 and Chevrolet Camaro LT, and about as well as the BMW Z4, Audi TT and Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Nissan 370Z vehicles for sale near you.
Based on 78 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.
Review this carBy Falco300zx (WA) on Saturday, May 18, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Styling, Powerful, good handling, comfort"
Cons: "Small boot and compartment, excessive cabin noise"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"I love this car. It has all the bell and whizz my 300ZX doesn't have. Incredible road tracking, handling, power, and electronic gadgets. Pro. + Styling, Powerful engine, handling, level of comfort Con. - Big booty on the outside (small inside), somewhat high level of road noise in cabin area, small glove compartment. I have a lot more space in my 300ZX. Overall, it is an ideal and a true breed sport coupe. Run ride and awesome handling machine."
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By Hal (FL) on Sunday, April 07, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 16,700
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Great price Handling is great"
Cons: "coupe stock radio and speakers suck upgrade"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"The coupe is the best car I've purchased. What a value. Ride is so smooth quick and responds. Fun to drive anywhere. They could of put a better radio in the coupe. This Z is so quiet compared to the old Z s"
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful
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By jerseydavey (MD) on Thursday, March 21, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "fast for cheap, handles really well, nice interior"
Cons: "space is limited but not bad"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I own a gun metallic 2013 370z coupe with the sport package. I have about 6,000 miles on the car and I love it. I am a bigger guy who is 6'3 and about 225 pounds and I fit in the car with no problems comfortably. I find the space in the trunk is often more than enough or two people or running to get some groceries. I love the look of the car and all I did was put on the stillen long tube cold air intakes and I have the same horsepower (about 350hp) as the NIMSO 370z for way less money than a NISMO. My dad has a mustang GT and every time I go home he just says how good looking it is and that he doesn't see as many on the road as the mustang GT. My girlfriend loves the car and likes to be seen in it. So far it has been great and I have people ask me about the car sometimes at gas stations and store parking lots, so it seems people really like it. It's over all a great sports car with similar performance stats for less money then a BMW M3, an Audi TTS, a corvette, camaro, challenger, or the mustang GT."
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By OGNeoSoul (TX) on Thursday, March 21, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 16,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "Everything"
Cons: "Frightening your passenger sometimes"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"It's like this, you can't possibly tell a Lamborghini or Porsche owner that another car is better simply because they know in their minds it's for them and the best car out there. (Ok, we'll include the BMW and Mercedes owners, too) Just like the Z line of cars from Nissan. You have a history to enjoy if you truly follow your car purchase like I do. I'm convinced that certain cars are top of the line even if you like the Infiniti line. You would never buy an Infiniti if you love the Z car and visa-versa with the Infiniti. You have to love it...that's it and without question. Reviewing the Z I bought, it was a touring edition (the very best way to enjoy this car is touring) and most people shy away from the price or do not have enough credit to even come close to getting one. So, for the Touring you will get very close or over $60k as a final price for purchase. That's right, PURCHASE. It makes a point that I love the car so much that I bought instead of leasing (yes you can lease it). But it is sooo well worth it. This car handles like a dream even though it's rear wheel but you better be a very good driver to make this car perform at a high rate of speed and this car can take off on just about every car out there and some with higher hp because it's quicker and lighter and has a little thing called Rev Match (only in auto mode shifting with Touring). As most of us weave through traffic like they are standing still (no way you can do that in a Vette) you will get good and bad looks. I always engcourage my fellow Z owners th drive with the headlights on because it looks soo sweet and when people see you coming they tend to get out of the way. You will probably get a few speeding tickets but there's nothing like driving this car just the way it is. I mean no modifications have been done on my Z at all. I just plan to tint the windows. When you start to drive on the highway, I suggest no music and just listen to the car. It sounds wonderful. And the acceleration control that you have will definitely get you in the mood. an enthusiasts dream!! I'm definitely keeping my Z, and I followed the Skyline editions too and I plan to buy a GTR in 2014. I'm an official Z Car owner and it's the best, ever. A TRUE NISSAN FAN!!!"
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful
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By ferraridave (TX) on Monday, January 21, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Looks exotic, a blast to drive, you don't see many"
Cons: "Little storage, fragile front spoiler, loud tires"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I bought a new 2012 370 Nismo Z last January and it is the most entertaining car I have ever owned. With the wing and different fromt end and 19" wheels, don't drive it if you don't like attention. It is very fast and handles like a dream. Traction control and synchro rev match make it even better. OK, now for the bad: The Bose stereo was not available in 2012, but is in 2013. The original tires were terrible! They were so loud, I could not hear my radio, and they were showing cord at 12K miles. Beware of curbs and steep driveways. Gas mileage is not great, and precious little storage space. But! I LOVE this car! I look forward to driving it to work every day!"
2 people out of 4 found this review helpful
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By ellebycul (NY) on Thursday, November 22, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "fast, hugs the road,stylish, price"
Cons: "road noise"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I love this car. If you like curvy country roads it's a blast. If you love speed and not the price of the elite this is the car for you. Going 70 on expressway and stepping on it and being thrown back in your seat is a feeling that is just not describable. It has a bit of road noise but since I only drive in the summer with the top down the majority of the time it doesnt matter.. Stylish and an eye catcher, top up or down I always get looks. Loaded with options, some of which I havent even used yet. plenty of room in the trunk but no cargo space in the cab. I love this car and if you have a chance to drive one dont pass it up."
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful
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