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Highlights for 2004

Nissan adds a convertible to go with its 350Z hatchback coupe for 2004. Both are 2-seaters that share a chassis with the G35 sedan and coupe from Nissan's Infiniti division. The 350Z coupe comes in base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, and Track models. Nissan calls the convertible the Z Roadster and limits it to Enthusiast and Touring trim. All use a 287-hp 3.5-liter V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard. A 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate is available on Enthusiast and Touring models. A power cloth top with heated glass rear window is standard on the convertible, as is a rigid tonneau and a wind deflector. Exclusive to the Touring convertible are optional ventilated-net seat inserts. All Zs share identical suspension settings and come with ABS. Among coupes, Touring versions with manual transmission and Performance and Track models have 18-inch wheels. The 18s are a Touring convertible option. Other Zs have 17s. Torso side airbags are standard on the Touring convertible and optional on other Zs. Head-protecting curtain side airbags are optional on coupes. Traction control is unavailable on the base model, standard on the others. An antiskid system is exclusive to Performance, Touring, and Track models, which are also available with a navigation system. Tracks have a rear spoiler and Brembo-brand brakes with gold-colored accents. Satellite radio is a new option on Touring models for '04. Nissan expects the convertible to account for about 20 percent of Z sales.
Competition This class features an interesting mix of hard-core performance models and more luxurious touring convertibles. Our Best Buys give you a little of both worlds. Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable, but it doesn't beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills at a great price. For weekend fun on a twisty back road, it's hard to beat.

Recommended models include the BMW Z4, Honda S2000, and Nissan 350Z. All offer the performance and thrills of traditional sports cars without intimidating price tags.

News The 2005 Z-cars get several upgrades. As with the early-arriving '05 midsize Altima sedans, Nissan answers critics by replacing cheap-looking interior trim with better-quality stuff, including soft-touch material on the dashboard and console. Also added are lower-dashboard knee pads, a padded console armrest, redesigned automatic shifter, and shoulder-belt "service arms" that eliminate the need to reach behind when buckling up. There's a sturdier center-dashboard lid too, with power operation on cars with optional navigation. Finally, the '05 Zs adopt Euro-market suspension calibrations said to give a smoother ride, plus a tandem brake booster to replace a single master cylinder.

Nissan has hinted at more available power and other enhancements for future Zs. The most likely, we think, are a supercharger option, possibly by 2006, and available all-wheel drive borrowed from the platform-related Infiniti G35 sedan.

More Info:
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/n...x.cfm/id/37639