2004 Nissan 350Z Review
Fuel Economy
19 - 20 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Nissan's crown jewel. For the money, the 2004 Nissan 350Z is one of the best performance buys on the market.
Pros
Smooth and powerful V6 engine, excellent handling, available drop-top version, a bargain compared to anything that can run with it.
Cons
Rough ride on Track model, some low-grade interior materials, lack of luggage space, poor rearward visibility.
What's New for 2004
Nissan adds a roadster to the 350Z lineup. Available in Enthusiast and Touring variants, the 2004 Nissan 350Z roadster offers the same performance and handling as the Z coupe but with the added fun of top-down driving. In other news, satellite radio (either XM or Sirius) is a new option this year for the Touring version of the coupe.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Can't Stop Smiling!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Nissan 350Z Touring 2dr Roadster (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Just purchased a 2004 cherry red 350z with black drop top and black leather w/only 19000 miles...I've read the other reviews and agree that it is such an enjoyable ride that you will find any excuse to drive it...and it is a head turner. This is like heaven on the eyes. I would put the design of this roadster up with any other sports car at any price...it's just that beautiful!
Favorite Features
Exterior, interior cockpit, engine noise and quick response.
Suggested Improvements
a little clunky on anything other than smooth roads and slipping of tires on fast turns
Wow!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Nissan 350Z Touring 2dr Roadster (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Decided to trade in a 60's muscle car for something newer that we weren't afraid to drive in weather & parking lots. Found this car by accident and never looked back. The acceleration takes your breath away and it sticks to the road like glue. And with the top down it's still a wonderful car just to get out and cruise under a star filled sky. I may have to look to Nissan for my family sedan now if it has any of the breeding of the Z.
Favorite Features
Performance - Performance - Performance. This car also has as much WOW factor as our 68 Camaro Convertible did. And we get just as many, if not more compliments.
Suggested Improvements
My only issue so far is remembering to keep back from parking curbs as the clearance is so low it will be easy to hit them - maybe a device to alert for upcoming obstructions at slow speeds.
Little old ladys Z
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Nissan 350Z Enthusiast 2dr Roadster (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
Review
I love my Z and people thinks it funny because I am 60 years young. Have to replace tires after 33,000 miles and can't rotate. Still tho car is a head turner or is it because granny is driving one and not them..Had BMW Z's but this car is much more fun to drive.
Favorite Features
Fast take off from traffic lights and road handling is great, body style is awesome
Suggested Improvements
Needs better fabric on seats,has bad blind spots and could use console for papers. Also, needs better grade canvas on convertible top.
Fast & Furious - If that is ALL you want
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Nissan 350Z Enthusiast 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
Review
I bought mine new in mid '04 so I actually got the 2004.5 model with the softer suspension. Its been traded in thanks to the cops. It was my 3rd Z car. Downsides: very expensive insurance, NO CARGO SPACE AT ALL. I totally hated the car for that as I am a musician so just forget taking ANYTHING with you. Oh lets not forget unnecessary razzing by the cops (got me jail time!). Interior was well put together, and thought out but littered with cheap plastic. When I traded it in after 3.5 years no one wanted it, and those that did wanted to give me $14k when I paid $40k! Car was in the shop a few with bad rear bearings, leaky rear fluid, tire problems, check engine light, & 2 sets of brakes.
Favorite Features
Handling, performance, and styling are all top notch. Favorite feature was both its corner turning, and head turning ability (initially). Good mileage (21mpg) for a race car. Comfy ride if you trash the stock tires. Car stops on a dime! Saved my life once when SUV in front hit a stopped car @ 70mph.
Suggested Improvements
287hp wasn't quite enough, but the new model fixes this. More cargo space! BOYCOTT THE POTENZA TIRES! ( LOUD road noise, poor wear, + hydroplaned @ 30mph causing $6000 in damage!). Better paint that doesn't fall off when the wind blows. 2 sets of brakes in 30k miles = bad. Better wearing interior.
Showing a little age
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Nissan 350Z Performance 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Just hit 57,000 miles. Replaced the original tires with Nittos. Great tire and highly recommended. Had the fuel sensor go out about 5,000 ago. $800 repair. The drivers side window went out 500 miles ago. Other than that I am pleased. 28-30 mpg on highway road trips and no other problems (fingers crossed).
Favorite Features
Power, speed and exhaust sound. Good gas mileage for a sports car.
Suggested Improvements
Brakes wear out quick, way too much carbon dust. Starting to nickel and dime me at 50K in miles
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Nissan 350Z
- 2008 Nissan 350Z
- 2007 Nissan 350Z
- 2006 Nissan 350Z
- 2005 Nissan 350Z
- 2004 Nissan 350Z
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