Nissan 350Z: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Nissan 350Z is a two-seat, rear-wheel-drive convertible sports car known for its strong V6, quick responses, and recognizable Z-car character. It delivers top-down performance in a compact, relatively approachable package.
The 350Z Roadster follows the classic sports-car formula: two seats, rear-wheel drive, and a strong engine up front. Its focus is open-air performance rather than luxury, with an easy-to-use power top and enough everyday usability to make it more than a weekend toy. The 2009 model closed out the fifth-generation 350Z before the 370Z Roadster took its place.
Strengths
- The strong V6 gives the 2009 roadster 306 horsepower.
- Rear-wheel drive and quick responses give it the direct feel expected from a traditional sports car.
- The power-operated convertible top makes open-air driving simple to enjoy.
- Its compact size and everyday usability make it less demanding than many open-top performance cars.
- The engine sound and familiar Z-car shape give it a clear personality.
Who it's for
It suits someone who wants a direct, top-down sports-car experience without making luxury the priority. It works best for one or two people who value sound, response, and Z heritage more than passenger room or cargo space.
Nissan 350Z lineup
For 2009, the roadster lineup consisted of Enthusiast, Touring, and Grand Touring. Enthusiast was the starting point, Touring sat in the middle, and Grand Touring topped the range. All three kept the same basic formula of a 306-hp V6, rear-wheel drive, two seats, and a power-operated convertible top, so the decision is mainly about the desired trim level rather than a different engine or drivetrain.
Nissan 350Z generations
From 2009 to 2009, the 350Z spans 1 generation. The current 5th Generation — Z33 arrived for 2009.
5th Generation — Z33 (2009)
The final U.S. 350Z is a roadster-only sports car with a 306-hp V6 and rear-wheel drive. The 350Z coupe had already given way to the redesigned 370Z.
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2009
The lineup becomes roadster-only and otherwise carries over for the 350Z's final U.S. model year.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Nissan 350Z?
The Nissan 350Z is a compact, two-seat sports car with a strong V6 and rear-wheel drive. In its final U.S. model year, it was sold only as the power-top 350Z Roadster because the coupe had already given way to the 370Z.
Is the Nissan 350Z Roadster a true convertible?
Yes. The 350Z Roadster has a power-operated soft top, a glass rear window, a rear defroster, and a wind deflector. Its appeal is open-air performance rather than luxury-focused cruising.
Does the Nissan 350Z have a back seat?
No. The 350Z seats two people and has no rear seat. The final roadster also has just 4.1 cubic feet of cargo room, so it fits solo trips or two-person outings better than errands involving much luggage.
Is the Nissan 350Z practical enough for everyday driving?
It can be, if two seats and a small trunk meet your needs. The power top is easy to operate, and the car was designed with everyday usability in mind, but its 4.1-cubic-foot cargo area limits what it can carry.
Is the Nissan 350Z AWD?
No. The 350Z uses rear-wheel drive, which sends the engine’s power to the rear wheels. The final roadster lineup also has a limited-slip differential to help put that power down more effectively.
Is the Nissan 350Z a hybrid?
No. The 350Z is a gasoline-powered sports car. The final roadster lineup uses a 3.5-liter V6 producing 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque.
Does the Nissan 350Z come with a manual or automatic transmission?
Both were offered in the final roadster lineup. Each trim came with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic, paired with the same 306-horsepower V6 and rear-wheel drive.
Which generation is the Nissan 350Z?
The 350Z is the fifth-generation Z, known as the Z33, and it ran from 2003 through 2009. The facelifted roadster covered 2007 through 2009, after which the 370Z Roadster took its place.