2005 Nissan 350Z Coupe New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Nissan 350Z?
For 2005, new standard equipment for the Nissan 350Z includes a driver's seat height adjuster, heated side mirrors, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Cars with manual transmissions have a clutch that is easier to use, and the five-speed automatic gets a new feature that matches revs when downshifting. The optional navigation system calculates routes faster, and Ultra Yellow replaces Liquid Aluminum on the paint chart. After the first of the year, a 35th Anniversary Edition of the 2005 Nissan 350Z arrives with additional engine power, special 18-inch alloys, Brembo brakes, spoilers front and rear, a two-tone interior color scheme, and three exterior colors. The Anniversary Edition's more powerful 300-horsepower V6 is also included in the 350Z Track model starting mid-year. A new Grand Touring Edition of the 350Z Roadster is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, Brembo brakes, 18-inch wheels and tires, and stability control.

Advantages of the 2005 Nissan 350Z:

• Razor-sharp steering, handling, brakes
• Availability in coupe or convertible format
• Multiple trim lines to suit your sports car needs

Objections to the 2005 Nissan 350Z:

• Price soars with the addition of options
• Track trim level too harsh for daily commuting

Editor's Advice:
Listening to the chorals of mournful fans yearning for a serious sports car with a price point south of Porsche territory, as well as the Z-car faithful, Nissan resurrected the 350Z in 2003. Though not quite the bargain it was when the Z set enthusiasts' hearts aflutter in 1970, the 2005 Nissan 350Z is one of the sharpest handlers around, riding on a near-perfectly balanced chassis. Letting it loose on a twisty road is a joy, as is revving the 287-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine (Track and 35th Anniversary models make 300 horsepower). Roadster fans may find the soft top version a bit of a grand tourer due to its added weight from structural bracing, while the ultra-stiff Track model feels more at home on a race course than on pothole-dotted public roads. If you want to be coddled on your commute, or need space for more than two people, look into the 350Z's fancy twin, the Infiniti G35 Coupe. It costs only slightly more, suffers a minor decrease in performance, but is more luxurious and suitable for real-world driving.