2009 Nissan 350Z

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Safety - What the Auto Press Says

The '09 350Z performs well in federal government crash tests - earning a five-star rating for frontal driver-side impacts and four stars for frontal passenger-side impacts. What's more, the 350Z earns five stars in both side impacts and rollover.

The 350Z features a wide array of safety active and passive equipment -- including Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Traction Control, as well as dual-stage supplemental front airbags. Reviewers, however, complain of blind spots and the Z's lack of standard side curtain airbags.

• "Around town, rearward visibility is poor, as you might expect. Of course, that's a non-issue when the top is dropped." -- Edmunds
  
• "Top-up visibility with the convertible is hampered by the combination of seat headrests and a small rear window.  ... All models are pricey, but you must purchase the top-end Grand Touring version in order to get an antiskid system, an important safety feature we highly recommend." -- Consumer Guide
• "Side-impact and side curtain airbags are optional on every Z model, which is not ideal because many buyers won't pay the extra money for safety features as options. The required-by-law dual-stage front airbags are standard, but active head restraints and electronic stability control, two rapidly growing must-have safety features, are not available on all models.  ...  Still, those shopping for a Z might not consider safety a top priority in their decision." -- Cars.com