With the 350Z finally here (and available for testing), who here DOESN'T salivate for one? After a year and a few months gawking at the Z concept, there were many mixed reactions. However, everyone wanted to see what the production car would be like.

Remember that orange-rust paint that some people hated? Now, it is one of the most wanted colors - obviously the color grew on us. But thankfully (in my opinion anyway), Nissan also changed the color scheme of the interior. It was once a very flashy bright orange - it was a concept, after all.

The body lines were refined and the exhaust ports been moved to a more practical position, if you ask me. The interior is now a more livable color, with carbon fiber, black plastic and enough brushed aluminum to accent the sporty nature of the car.

So let's forget about the concept and see what Nissan finally pulled out for the public.

Exterior
The lines have changed very little from the concept (sorry for bringing it up!). It still has the overall look intact: the Porsche-like shape, the aggressive (yet somewhat smiley?) front fascia. All are very soft and smooth-like. It's strangely sexy. The same hide-away sidelights are very innovative to my eyes. From the front, you can barely see the lights that were intended for the side. On the side, you would think the front viewers would be able to see them. It must be seen to be believed!

The headlight cluster looks very aggressive but the orange tint showing up from the blinkers ruins the effect. When you have the chance, you may want to either change the bulb to clear (if that is legal in your state) or tint it silver so it will still show up as orange when they are on, but be invisible during the day.

There is an unmistakable resemblance to the old 240Z. Those who are trying to compare the 350Z to the 300ZX will be disappointed, as the 350Z doesn't share too much from the 300ZX. The cockpit area looks very small and tight, since the rest of the body is larger by comparison. The seductive curves are interrupted by a single line going across the side (from the front fender, thru the door, and out the rear wheel well). If it weren't for the line, the car would look a lot smoother. The red taillights do intrude on the otherwise sexy mono-color look. Choosing the red color (called "Redline" by Nissan) will probably allow the taillights to blend in better but I would rather choose my own color without having the taillights intrude on my parade.

The wheel wells are large and seem to accommodate the Nissan-equipped (with the right trim) 18" rims readily. Although sport enthusiasts may want something smaller (16 - 17"), it will come with a lot of wheel gap. The 350Z looks as if it can take 20" or more (which enters the "poser" realm than "racer").

The rear of the Z looks just as smooth. Although the taillights are quite large, you can see a very small percentage of it when viewed directly from the rear. This does make me wonder if anyone would be tempted to paint or vinyl-up the sides of the taillights to match the body color. The bumper houses the turn signals and reverse lights. This detracts from the smooth look of the car and the blinkers look very out of place. Still, it is remarkably round, eliciting a very sexual stance. Although the exhaust port is not as well hidden as it was in the concept, it is still very well placed and it does not intrude on the rear end's aesthetics.

Nonetheless, the 350Z is quite large and definitely not as tossable as other RWD platforms. However, neither the original 240Z, nor even the well-known 300ZX were known for those traits.

The paint is beautiful, but as with other Nissan vehicles, it is very thin. I own a Sentra SE myself and posts on forums concerning other Sentras, Altimas, Maximas and 350Z owners all express concern about the vehicle's finish. The paint does chip and/or peel after some time. Nissan has NOT done any recall for any car but has been extra sweet only to the 350Z owners (offered a few owners repaints, or even repurchasing the car they have). This is highly unacceptable either way. Repaints lower the car's value, while repurchasing only pays the owner the lowered value that Nissan believes it is worth.

Interior
The interior (besides the color) stayed remarkably similar to the concept design! But with the more livable color scheme, the interior looks very practical and more ready to accept driver and passenger.

Quite frankly, I do not like the instrument cluster, as it seems to borrow too much from the Altima. However, the 240Z's cluster was the same way and Nissan says it is trying to recapture this design. Although it does not look as elegant as the 90s sports cars Nissan produced (300ZX, 240SX), it definitely has that "Modern Nissan" look (since the Murano is following suit).

The center stack seems to float in front of you and seems detached from the smooth dashboard. The three angled gauges give good information. The digital display shows different info on command (default, trip meter), while the two analog displays show voltage and oil pressure.

Under the trio is a large compartment for your things. This is where the GPS system would go as optional equipment for the Performance, Touring and Track trims. The GPS Navigation system has maps and atlas supplied by a DVD, while a traditional GPS receiver does navigation. It is relatively easy to use (only if you are parked and not driving at the time) and gives out voice commands when manipulated (and when giving instructions). The commands come thru the speakers of the audio system.

Speaking of the audio system, it is found just below the navigation display. Now, depending on your trim, you may get a standard 160W, 6-speaker system (AM/FM/CD), or a 240W Bose system with AM/FM/cassette with an in-dash 6-CD changer. The Bose system comes with 7 speakers, which includes a 10" subwoofer. Either way, my testing shows that both systems are adequate in filling the small cabin with sound, though the bass in the Bose system is a bit better, thanks to the sub. Distortion is definitely noticeable with the 160W system in loud volumes. As with most enthusiasts, the stock audio system will be removed for something aftermarket.

Just below the audio system would be the standard climate controls. They are positioned way too low for use when driving! But I still believe it's better the climate controls than the audio controls (which, face it, we fiddle with more). They are very easy to use, as are most climate controls. They are turn-knobs and give very good feedback. The left controls the vents the air will flow to, the center controls the fan speed (or left in auto) and the right-most controls the temperature. The climate control does not, however, tell you the actual temperature you are setting at, like those in the luxury sedans. But some will argue that "if it's warm or cool enough, you'll know it!"

Cubbies are hard to find when you first step in but it's understandable. After all, they are very small and very well hidden. The obvious ones include the doors and the center stack. There are also two compartments in the rear but these are accessible only when you pull the seats forward. This is not a cubby where you want to store something you'll need while on the road. This is also where the DVD drive would be for the navigation system if so equipped. If so, you'll have one less cubby to use. The "trunk" area is surprisingly large! Although not large by sedan standards, it is certainly a surprise for a sports coupe. The trunk is very much like the 300ZX's. The only thing getting in the way of loading would be the large rear strut bar, which is covered in nice plastic with a Z logo plaque. Cup holders are in the center, typical of sports cars, although I'd still prefer them in the front where the drink can be seen and reached. I find if I don't see my drink, I forget about it.

The view is excellent, with a commanding view of the road! The side view is decent especially when it is not somewhat blocked by a large passenger. The rear view is a bit skimpy, making it hard to look out (especially if you are used to a wide-window on a sedan). However, it is not unacceptable if you have driven other vehicles with a very slanted rear hatch (Celica and CRX for example).

The Feel
The clutch is light - not hard to depress at all! This is typical of import cars. It is very smooth acting and smooth engaging. The pedal positions are perfect for heel-toeing, even for the not-so-blessed. :)

The snappy stick shift is very pleasing, giving you snick-snick feedback. Throws are especially short for that sporty feel, very good for a factory production car.

Steering is precise! You get a very good feel for the road, as with most Nissans. You have felt it on the Maxima, Altima and even the Sentra. Nissans always have good steering feel and the 350Z is not an exception! This was a very worrisome thing, as Nissan hasn't touched a RWD sports platform in quite a while.

Road noise is still apparent on high speeds, but not very intrusively so. You can still carry on a conversation with your navigation system if you so like. :) Seats are firm and have very good lateral support. You'll WANT to feel lateral Gs when you are in these seats! The passenger side is just as supportive. Lumbar support varies depending on trim, but even without support, they feel great for few rides around the track. Still, not so sure about long trips (but why would you want to take a trip in this car in the first place?).

There is a lot of low-end torque to push the car forward with ease, but the clutch allows you to do so very smoothly! There are certain "Maxima-ness" about that. However, the seat position, as well as the eye level makes it feel as if it was a totally different car. Can't believe it's the same engine as the Altima or the Maxima? Neither can I! The 3,200 lbs curb weight gets whisked away from your mind when accelerating. During braking, however, you'll have it back on your mind! The Brembo brakes stops the Z without any difficulties, giving you stopping confidence on the track. This is something you will definitely need on the road, because it is very easy to go over the speed limit without noticing! Power to 90 MPH is very doable without much fuss. It is relatively quiet thanks to its large size...and especially in 6th gear. The Z is very sure-footed at high speeds, thanks to its aerodynamics.

Handling is exceptional! You can feel that it is balanced very well. There is almost no tendency at all for under steering, but there is a light over steer during hard cornering. Traction controls help with this but if turned off, there is a bit of over steer present. If pushed harder, over steer is even more present, but can be handled by modulating the throttle. There is virtually no body roll - which is to be expected for a car that rides low.

There is only one problem I had with an otherwise perfect track car: thanks to Nissan's throttle-by-wire, the ECU programming does not allow you to throttle up when the brakes are depressed. This means during heel-toe maneuvers, the engine almost seems like it dies out! You won't be able to rev-match for the next lower gear. You will have to remove the brake switch for that, disabling the brake lights. This will NOT pass tech inspection on most events, so you're SOL.

Again, with other Nissan automobiles, there seem to be high occurrences of interior rattles and problems in the not-too-distant future of the car's life.

Experience
Oh my, what a car for under $30k! The base Z is no slouch, but for any extras (which also adds on weight), you will have to pony up more. The new Z emulates the 240Z, as it is affordable fun! With the base model at $27k, the upper end Track model at $35k, and many other trims in between, you'll be sure to find the options you want at the right price.

But you must definitely be a Nissan fan or a Z lover to own one, as you MUST put up with the forementioned potential problems.

Here are some Nissan forums that you may want to read up on for more info before your next purcahse:

www.b15sentra.net
www.maxima.org
www.my350z.com
www.sr20forums.net

Special thanks to Bob for editing my piece.
Amount Paid (US$): 36000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: All