4-21-2006
2006 Nissan 350 Z
by Dave Stall
2006 Nissan 350Z six-speed is the best Z yet

It’s been a few years since I had the opportunity to slide behind the wheel of the Nissan 350Z. Thanks to Quality Nissan in Temecula, not only did I get the opportunity, but I got to pick out my own car.

I got the six-speed manual with the Bose Audio System, which came with AM/FM/six-CD and seven speakers. It also has a Bose Sub-Woofer behind the driver seat — all standard equipment.

While Nissan hasn’t done much to the 350Z in the last few years, this year it got a facelift, a rear taillight enhancement, a dressed up interior and a new wheel package. It still has a 3.5-liter, 300-horsepowered dual overhead camshaft 24-valve all-aluminum engine that gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the freeway.

I wasn’t a big fan of the 350Z when it first came out, but this model really changed my mind. It’s not only comfortable, but has all the sports tuning needed to have fun on the open road. Or you could slap a few numbers on the door and hit Qualcomm Stadium for a little road racing.

Look in the photos to see a rear integrated strut tower brace that can get in the way of loading groceries or even a golf bag. But Nissan gives drivers written instructions on how to install a golf bag (directions are on the underside of the rear deck). There’s another strut tower bar under the roof that complements the handling package. Plus, it has multi-link independent front and rear suspension, along with underbody front and rear sway bars. Throw on a set of 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with P225/45WR18 and you’re ready to go.

Nissan has an upgrade for its tire package that includes a set of five-spoke Rays custom wheels with 18-inch wheels up front and 19-inch in the rear. Unfortunately, these only come on the coupe. The six-speed transmission is one of the best I’ve driven, smooth from a standing stop all the way up through the gears. There’s also width between second and third to give you time to hit freeway speed without having to shift again and still have three more gears to go.

The Nissan 350Z is a two-seater and at first glance you’ll notice it doesn’t have a glove compartment. Look behind the passenger seat to find a locking compartment big enough for a good-size purse. The downside is that the only way to access the glove box is to stop the car and tilt the passenger seat back forward. In fact, you may even have to slide the passenger seat forward, depending on what you’re putting in or taking out. But seat function is controlled electrically and the seatback manually.

As typical of Nissan, the electrical seat controls are on the inside of both the driver and passenger seats (next to the bottom cushions). The seats are ventilated and the heated driver’s seat has eight-way adjustments (only four are powered). The passenger seat is also heated but has only four-way adjustments (two are powered).

I mentioned a glove box you couldn’t access while driving, but there are two smaller compartments on the back wall separating the driver and passenger from the cargo area. Even though it’s open all the way to the rear, you don’t get that annoying tire droan you get in the Chevy Corvette, thanks to good insulation.

Another feature worth mentioning is the way the instrumentation pod is attached to the steering column. That way, when adjusting the steering wheel to your preferred location, the instrumentation comes with it. Nice touch .

The only way to open the rear cargo area is a remote key fob. I looked all over the car for another release mechanism, but with no luck. I did find a couple of 12-volt receptacles neatly hidden away but within reach of the driver and passenger. Plus, the center console has two storage compartments and a large compartment in the center of the dash that can house an optional navigation system. Cup holders are in the door and limited in number.

There are plenty of safety features in the 350Z, including crumple zones surrounding passengers, pipe-style steel side door guard beams, airbags, plus optional driver and passenger side impact and roof-mounted curtain side airbags.

This car is a blast to drive. I especially liked the nice set of dual exhaust pipes that rang like a V8 when I mashed the gas pedal.


If this sounds like your type of car, stop by Quality Nissan in Temecula, 41895 Motor Car Parkway, to try one out. Or stop by your local Nissan dealer. But I recommend the drive to Temecula for a road test and a little lunch in Old Town Temecula.