2008 Nissan 350Z Coupe User Reviews

Pros

Super Performance, Great looks

Cons

Loves high test, Can't drive in winter

Purchased As New

My second "Z". This one is a winner. Car is awesome, couldn't ask for a better performance vehicle. Could use a more all weather tire as OEM shoes just don't work well up here in the NORTH. during winter months. Don't expect a marshmellow ride, its a "Z", but if you want to drive a true sports car, for the cost its as close as you'll get. Nissan builds a heck of a car. Everything works just like its suppose to !...read morehide

Pros

Makes heads turn, fits in small spaces, can pass cars quickly

Cons

Not easy getting in or out of it. You almost have to make a 180-degree turn to get out.

Purchased As New

I've always bought cars for their personality, not necessarily performance or safety features. I think this is typical for many women. Of course I was attracted to this very good-looking car for its looks, but when I test drove it (2 hours before I bought it), I was super impressed with its powerful ride and precise handling. I've received many compliments, and it feels so good to be able to pass a car in seconds, then slow down in time before you get caught. The only con is that it is so compact, I sometimes have a hard time getting in or out (I'm only 5'1", 120 lbs.), especially when I'm parked close to another car or in my garage. It's also low, so I have to be crareful not to park where it will scrape on the cement logs in parking lots. Plus I can only take one friend for a ride at a time. Nevertheless, I'm in love with my 2008 350Z!...read morehide

Pros

Beautiful lines, amazing acceleration, awesome throaty exhaust note, easy to work on/modify

Cons

Sub-par interior plastics, so-so BF Goodrich tires, horrible city MPG, Awful BOSE stereo

Purchased As New

I went from a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS to the 2008 350Z Touring, and performance-wise, the difference is night and day. Comfort-wise, the Eclipse was better, no question. However, once you get past the comfort issue and look at the merits of the Z, you'll be hard-pressed to ever find a sports car that gives you so much bang for your buck.

The acceleration of the HR engine will take your breath away. Owners are reporting 0-60 times of 5.1 seconds and low-13 second quarter miles. This car will literally THROW you back into your seat when you launch it hard.

I bought my '08 Touring in February 2009 for a hair over $26,000 and can't believe that I'm getting Porsche-like performance out of a car that's priced more like a pick-up truck.

The handling is great, though I'm not too impressed with the stock tires. They don't grip well and are a bit squirrelly through chicanes. The amazingly precise steering and firm brakes make up for the deficiencies of the rubber.

In my opinion, short of an Italian supercar that you're going to pay six figures for, there are no other cars that come close to the 350Z as far as exhaust note is concerned. This sound this thing makes will turns heads. When you really open the car up, it sounds downright musical. I almost expect to see a lederhosen-clad German blowing on an alpine horn in my rearview mirror every time I mash the throttle. One of the benefits of having the 6-speed manual is having total control of this beautiful sound.

Now for the bad things: In the city (I live one where there are LOTS of hills) I'm averaging between 12 and 14 MPG when I drive the car conservatively. In comparison, my wife's 2009 Nissan Rogue is getting closer to 21 under the same driving conditions. On the highway, I'm getting closer to 28 MPG. Problem is, almost all of my driving is in the city. Bummer. Hope gas prices don't go back up to $4.50 anytime soon. The additional disadvantage of having to buy premium fuel makes this a fairly expensive car to get around in.

The BOSE stereo is in a word, HORRIBLE. It sounds muddy, the bass is laughable, there is barely any high end and precious few options are available to control the equalization. After a month of living with this musical misery, I spent a bunch of money and purchased a JL Audio sound system that is tapped into the factory headunit using a Cleansweep and three amplifiers. Overkill? Maybe. But what useful purpose does this car have except to be something you can drive around in while listening to Weezer? You sure as heck can't haul anything with it. In my opinion, BOSE really blew it with this car. The speakers are laughably cheap but rediculusly overpriced. The only car I ever owned with a worse stereo than this was a 1979 Chevy Malibu station wagon with an AM radio and one speaker.

The fit and finish of the interior garnish is great on the dashboard (soft, rubbery texture), but everything in the center armrest console and behind the seats is low-end cheap plastic that is VERY easily scratched. I guess for the price that Nissan is offering the car at, some corners had to be cut, so I'm willing to give them this concession. I compared the interior of the 2008 350Z to the interior of the 2009 370Z and found they were almost identical in terms of materials used, so if you believe the media hype about the vastly improved interior of the 370Z, you'll be sorely disappointed. The main difference is the new Z looks more ergonomic. That's about it.

Overall, I'd have to say that this is a great, fun car. Sure the ride's a little harsh and the cabin noise is a bit loud, but good lord, this is a sports car in every sense of the term. It's pure, fun, adrenaline-inducing automotive Nirvana and I have no regrets about owning one....read morehide

Pros

Athletic good looks and performance with decent mileage at an affordable price.

Cons

For me the only con is that I can't turn up the stereo loud enough. Need better speakers atleast.

Purchased As Used

They made me a deal worth flying to Chicago and driving it back to Texas. As others have mentioned, it is built for the track and therefore doesn't have much luxury options to speak of. The ride is stiff with plenty of road noise. The seats could use a lubar adjustment too. Don't buy if you looking for fancysmancy. If you want serious perfomance at an affordable price, this is your carro. It feels good in turns/curves as well as on straight aways. Driving feels about the same at 70mph or 150mph, no floating at all. Be careful where you are driving this machine. The front spoiler is lower than you might realize and sticks out further than you think until you get used to driving it. I drive the nismo on weekends and/or road trips. I wouldn't use it as a daily driver....read morehide

Pros

Great engine, lots of power, excellent handling

Cons

Ipod port missing

Purchased As New

I love this car.

The engine, transmission, brakes, and styling are all top-notch.

The throaty sound of the V6, especially when revving or downshifting is awesome. The motor supplies all the power you'll need to drive this car hard and fast. With the 7500 RPM redline, you get lots of room to play in the torque range as well.

The smooth short-throw shifter is precise and easy to use. The clutch lets out high, so you have lots of room for pedal travel.

Bringing this car to a stop is easy and even panic stops are predictable, straight, and short with the big 4-wheel disc brakes.

Exterior is well done with very good quality all around. I really like the new hood design from 2007 as this makes the look a little less Porsche-like. The grille and air-intake/dam give this car a very distinctive and elegant style with a touch of agressiveness thrown in.

Overall, I'd buy one again without even thinking about it....read morehide

Pros

Pure fun! Great value for the price.

Cons

Trunk space, but it ain't a truck.

Purchased As New

I just wanted to have a fun and fast sports car. The Base model is it. My son had an '05 with all the whistles and bell, most of which were broken. I can put my 6 sodas in their holders, turn on some drivin' music and just have fun. It is also a good looking Nogaro Red (Arrest-Me Red, according to my insurance agent). Get in and have fun!...read morehide

Pros

Highest style ride with value to match

Cons

Don't plan on this being your winter ride

I also added a nice custom sound system with Nav / DvD. I get up 26 mpg highway and will conservatively speand about $1500 in the Spring for new rims & tires to style it out a little more.

Pros

High Style - Great Value

Cons

Not a winter car

No suspension issues whatsoever with my 2003 Enthusiast. I bought it 2 yrs ago for about 18k and I feel like I stole it! Def. a smart move considering depreciation. I threw on some extras like a wing, custom head & tail lights, leather/suede seats and you can't tell it's not brand new. I constantly get compliments on it, a real head turner. And when you are a cold and lonely 38 yr old single dood - you really need all the help you can get....read morehide

Pros

Excellent handling, FUN to drive!

Excellent car, worth every penny. Handling is amazing, drive is comfortable. Only downside is the small trunk.

Pros

Style and Power

Cons

Little rough but hey its a sports car. A real Thoroughbred.

Holds road as if it was glued to it. The sound system is weak but I purchased it for the excitement of driving a real car again. The difference when you are cruising down the road is that you are driving what most other car’s wished to be. A wolf looking to make the most out of driving. You really have the feel of being a predator on the road even if you are not. My friends first comment on seeing the car was (It looks fast just sitting still.) Yea, baby....read morehide