Nissan's 370Z Touring: An Affordable Sports Machine

What’s New:

Since being reintroduced to the market in 2003, this is the Z’s first major makeover. With its new shorter wheelbase, the fast back Porsche-like sports coupe, with its striking High Intensity Discharge xenon headlights, is no longer referred to as a 350Z. Because of an all-new 3.7-liter 6-cylinder engine, the vehicle has been upgraded to a 370Z, kicking out 332 horses from underneath the hood. The Z also has an all-new 7-speed automatic transmission, which offers improved fuel-efficiency and adjusts to the driving style, when the Adaptive Shift Control, which allows for sportier shifts during spirited driving, is in use. Furthermore, the interior of the vehicle has been upgraded, too, providing a more upscale appearance for the fancy looking sports car.

Must Have Goodies:

The stylish looking 370Z is available in three trim levels: the base, the Touring edition and the NISMO edition. The Touring Z we reviewed, which is an appropriate name for the vehicle, was outfitted with heated suede and leather power seats; an 8-speaker 6-disc CD player; XM radio; connectivity to a Bluetooth hands-free phone; a Homelink universal transceiver, which automatically opens and closes the garage and turns the interior light on; a cargo cover, since there isn’t much space in the rear; aluminum brakes and gas pedals; and a passenger seat map pocket.

Furthermore, our Z was accessorized with Nissan’s $3,000 Sport Package, which consisted of the muscular looking 19-inch tires and wheels; larger sport brakes with larger diameter 14-inch front rotors and 13.8-inch rear rotors for better braking; and an aerodynamic front and rear spoiler, which aids in the vehicle’s expressive design.

And while our Z didn’t include Nissan’s optional voice activated navigation system, which includes real-time traffic for an extra $1,800, we recommend forking out the extra dough. It will pay for itself in the long run, saving countless hours from sitting in traffic.

What Rocked:

Unlike some of its competitors, thankfully this is one sports car we didn’t have to roll in and out of the vehicle. Not only was it easy to enter and exit the vehicle, but more importantly we found the wide and roomy seats to be both comfortable and supportive, too.

We also were smitten by the racy curvaceous exterior design of the Z. The long nose coupled with the rear quarter window is reminiscent of the 240Z. Moreover, the cockpit style layout of the larger gauges and controls reminded of us being in an airplane. Oh yes, we love the concert sound 8-speaker Bose radio system and the new shelf area behind the seats, creating additional storage in the cabin for a briefcase, book bag, a jacket and the like.


Furthermore, we loved the booming growl from the dual exhaust pipes and the extra horses underneath the hood, which definitely made a statement as our shiny red Porsche-like design Z screeched away from traffic lights.

What We Disliked:

The Z lacked the option of a rear-view back up camera, which is a much needed option for this low-sitting two-seater sedan. Also Nissan should consider incorporating a rotary dial to control the heated seats in the Z just like we found in Infiniti’s G37. And it wouldn’t hurt to add a/c ventilation to the suede and leather seats, too.

Any Juice:

Of course, this is a Z! What else would you expect? As we cited earlier, the redesigned sports car offers a larger engine, with 26 more horsepower than the 2003 model it replaces.

The Verdict:

Since the Z was first introduced in the early seventies, under the Datsun brand, we have always been a fan. Who wouldn’t want to be behind the wheel of a Z, especially the current model? Not only is the Z the perfect vehicle to wheel around in, it’s priced right. Yes, a Z without some of the thrills starts out at $30,000 and can zoom to a respectable $40,000, with the higher trim levels.

And, while the Z may not offer the same prestige as a BMW Z4 3.0-liter or a base Porsche Boxster, it offers more horsepower at thousands less. If you’re yearning for an affordable sports car that won’t break the bank, the redesigned Z should be at the top of your shopping list. Also the Z is available as a roadster, too for those looking to drop the top, when cruising America’s open roads.

Competition: Audi TT, BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster

To check out the interior of the redesigned Z and to configure the vehicle, visit our New-Vehicle Car-Buying Guide.