Original MSRP: $36,870 - $42,570
MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.8
Performance: 9.1
Exterior: 7.3
Interior: 7.3
Safety: 9.3
Reliability: NA
How we calculate scores
Research we analyzed for this review

Pros and Cons

  • Blasts from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds
  • Sure-footed sports handling
  • Quick-operating power convertible soft-top
  • Comfortable and supportive seats
  • Stiff suspension can be harsh at times
  • Subpar interior material quality
  • Notable ergonomic quirks
  • Muddy sounding audio system
  • Limited visibility from the driver's seat

2009 Nissan 350Z Review - What the Auto Press Says

Review Last Updated: 6/4/09

The 350Z is a comfortable two-seat convertible that garners a lot of praise for its powerful engine and sports handling. However, limited visibility, low grade materials, and a stiff suspension detract from its appeal.

Though the 350Z Coupe has been replaced by the '09 370Z, the 350Z Roadster carries into the 2009 model-year virtually unchanged -- which, for those in search of a thrilling convertible with real sports performance, is a good thing. Comparing its performance to competitors, Motor Trend writes: "Think of the Mustang GT as Jake LaMotta, a punch-drunk heavyweight making a comeback from the brink of retirement. With a 300-horse V-8, it still packs quite a wallop. The 350Z, on the other hand, is Jackie Chan, kickboxing the competition with faster moves, quicker reflexes, and a more animated personality."

Even so, the 350Z is far from perfect. In addition to low-grade interior materials and limited visibility, its stiff suspension makes driving over every bump a painful experience. However, taken as a whole, reviewers are impressed.

If you're in the market for a two-door convertible sports car, consider the MX-5 Miata. Not only does it provide superior sports handling, but its ride quality is comfortable too. However, if you value sexy sports car looks over performance, both the Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice make excellent choices. For those willing to spend a bit more, be sure to short-list the BMW Z4.

The 2009 350Z Roadster is available in three trims -- Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring.

  • "The first task of a sports car is to make the driver happy. The second is to look cool. Nissan's 350Z Roadster hits a bull's-eye on both." -- USA Today
  • "There are very few cars that match up in comparison. The closest would be the Mazda RX-8 or the Chevrolet Corvette, but the RX-8 has been plagued by reliability problems and isn't as powerful. The Corvette costs more and is actually a slightly different animal. That leaves the 350Z to dominate the affordable sports car niche market." -- Cars.com
  • "With a powerful engine, sharp handling, retractable roof and relatively low price, the 350Z Roadster offers a lot of style, performance and driving pleasure for the money." -- Kelley Blue Book
  • "The 2009 Nissan 350Z roadster still presents one of the best performance values in the sports car segment."-- Edmunds

350Z Performance - 9.1 (Excellent)

Test drivers report that the 350Z is a powerful sports handler that sacrifices little road composure for its convertible design. "The Nissan 350Z convertible is solidly engineered and delivers pure sports-car satisfaction," writes Consumer Guide. "It's not without typical sports-car vices; namely a rough ride and high noise levels." For city driving, critics recommend that shoppers choose its optional automatic transmission. Read More

350Z Exterior - 7.3 (Good)

Reviewers are neither impressed nor disgusted with the 350Z's exterior design. "As with many convertibles, the 350Z Roadster doesn't look its best with the top up, but it's sleekly handsome when the power-operated cloth top is hidden neatly out of view beneath the body-color tonneau cover," writes Kelley Blue Book. One critic, however, describes its shape as having "an acute case of bubble butt." View Photos

350Z Interior - 7.3 (Good)

Though critics find the Z's cabin to be generally comfortable, many complain that it lacks quality materials and has a few ergonomic quirks. "All of the controls a driver might need are close at hand, but some of the materials used in the cockpit seem low-grade for this price range," writes Edmunds. Sadly, its audio system is disappointing too. Read More

350Z Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)

The '09 350Z performs well in federal government crash tests and comes equipped with loads of standard and optional safety features. However, visibility issues raise safety concerns. Read More

350Z Reliability - NA

The 2009 350Z is protected by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. A competitive powertrain warranty is also offered. Read More