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2003 Nissan 350Z Road Test

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Khatir Soltani

For the same reason I won't run over every available option, but suffice it to say the 350Z comes well equipped with power windows, power locks with remote access, cruise control, roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags and the like all standard. It's probably smarter to list what is optional. The navigation system, not available with the lightweight Track package, will set you back an additional $3,400 over the $44,900 base price while pearl coat paint will cost $285 more. A passenger airbag on/off switch is also optional on all trim packages.

Trim packages? That's right. The 'base' package is called Performance. It comes with everything I've already mentioned, as well as a few things I haven't. The Touring package adds nothing to the base price while a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is included. If driven this transmission in the G35 and can attest to its superb performance. It's mated to the engine perfectly and hardly detracts from its potential. The Touring package also deletes Vehicle Dynamic Control, standard on the other two packages. A viscous limited-slip differential and a traction control system are standard on all models.

Want more performance? Thank Nissan Canada for bringing us its top-line $46,500 Track model, complete with forged Rays wheels, larger brake rotors and gold anodized Brembo calipers. Audio performance is downgraded, for the sake of saving weight, from the 240-watt standard system to 160. The cassette player is nixed too while its speakers are reduced from seven to six. Lighter carbon-look seat cloth replaces the standard leather seats of which the driver's is now 6-way manually adjustable instead of power actuated. A zero-lift aerodynamic package including a front chin spoiler, rear underbody diffusers and rear spoiler is also added to the front zero-lift package decreasing its aerodynamic coefficient of drag from 0.30 to 0.29. While this is quite good it doesn't come close to the aforementioned Infiniti G35 that shares its platform and drivetrain, at 0.27 in base trim and 0.26 with its Aero package.

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada