2009 Nissan 350Z Review

Overview

The 2009 Nissan 350Z is a two-door, two-passenger, Roadster sports car, available in 3 trims - Enthusiast, Touring, and Grand Touring. Mainly a carryover from 2008, the 350Z comes with a strong V6 engine, capable handling and braking, excellent value, and enduring styling. The Touring trim gets the Bose audio system with MP3 CD capability and leather-appointed heated power seats. The Grand Touring, the ultimate 350Z Roadster, includes all the Touring equipment, Brembo braking system, and Vehicle Dynamic Control.

Power and performance

A VQ35HR 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine rated at 306 hp and 268 lb-ft. of torque is standard on the 2009 Nissan 350Z. A six-speed close-ratio manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and Downshift Rev Matching is optional. The EPA fuel economy estimates for the manual transmission models are 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on highways. The automatic transmission models deliver 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on highways. The cargo capacity of the 2009 350Z is 4.1 cu. ft.

Body and styling

The exterior of the 350Z boasts of 18-inch x 8.0-inch (front) 18-inch x 8.5-inch (rear) five-spoke cast aluminum-alloy wheels and 225/45WR18 (front) and 245/45WR18 (rear) Bridgestone Potenza RE050A high-performance tires along with high intensity discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights; LED parking lights; LED taillights; dual power heated outside mirrors; dual exhaust tip finishers; aluminum hood; one-touch trunk release; UV-reducing solar glass; power convertible soft-top with glass window; rear glass wind deflector; and electronically moving tonneau cover as standard. Inside, a Nissan Navigation System with GPS, a DVD atlas, and a 7-inch color LCD monitor are optional on the Touring and Grand Touring trims. Automatic temperature control (ATC) and AM/FM/CD audio system are among the standard equipment. Digital Bose audio system with AM/FM/in-dash 6-CD changer, seven speakers, including a 10-inch Nd subwoofer, Radio Data System (RDS), and MP3/WMA CD capability are standard on the Touring and Grand Touring trims. Carpeted floor mats, splash guards, aluminum kick plate, 18-inch chrome wheels, convenience net, and carpeted trunk mats are optional on all trims.

Safety Features

Nissan's advanced air bag system (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant-classification sensors; driver and passenger seat mounted side-impact supplemental air bags; traction control system (TCS); vehicle dynamic control (VDC); seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters; tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS); Nissan's vehicle immobilizer system; vehicle security system; and a 3-point ALR/ELR passenger seat belt system are among the standard safety and security equipment on the 2009 Nissan 350Z.