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Cars · Top 10

Best Nissan Z and 350Z/370Z Model Years (Ranked) in 2027

By Kory White · Updated Oct 2026 · 5 min read
2023-2024 Nissan Z (RZ34)
Direct answer

The 2023-2024 Nissan Z is the best Z model year, with the 2013-2020 370Z at #2 and the 2024 Z NISMO at #3. The Z makes 400 horsepower from a twin-turbo V6, and NHTSA lists 2 complaints for the 2023 Z.

At a glance

#PickNHTSA complaintsBest for
12023-2024 Nissan Z (RZ34)2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 ZBuyers who want the newest, most powerful regular Z with a manual still offered
22013-2020 Nissan 370Z (Z34)2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 370ZThe best-value Z: refreshed styling and very few NHTSA complaints
32024 Nissan Z NISMO (RZ34)2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2024 Z (all grades)Track-day drivers who want the most powerful Z ever sold
42009-2012 Nissan 370Z (Z34)16 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 370ZThe cheapest way into a 332-horsepower 370Z
52015-2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO (Z34)3 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 370Z (all versions)Drivers who want the sharpest 370Z, with an automatic offered for the first time
62007-2008 Nissan 350Z HR (Z33)24 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 350ZThe best 350Z: the high-revving 306-horsepower HR engine
72023 Nissan Z Proto Spec (RZ34)2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Z (all grades)Collectors who want the rarest new Z
82018-2019 Nissan 370Z Heritage Edition (Z34)2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 370ZBuyers who want a 370Z with retro yellow trim
92005-2006 Nissan 350Z Rev-Up (Z33)53 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 350ZManual-gearbox buyers who want 300 horsepower at a 350Z price
102003-2004 Nissan 350Z (Z33)144 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 350ZThe cheapest way into a Z

Pick by what you want

Best overall
2023-2024 Nissan Z (RZ34)
Best value
2013-2020 Nissan 370Z (Z34)
Most powerful
2024 Nissan Z NISMO (RZ34)
Best 370Z NISMO
2015-2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO (Z34)
Best 350Z
2007-2008 Nissan 350Z HR (Z33)
Most collectible
2023 Nissan Z Proto Spec (RZ34)

The ranking

1

2023-2024 Nissan Z (RZ34)

2023-2024 Nissan Z (RZ34)
Answrs VerdictThe best Z to buy.
NHTSA complaints: 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 ZNHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed for 2023-2024 Z cars (front bumper reinforcement fasteners; pedestrian detection sensor connectors)Price when new: $40,990 starting MSRP for the 2023 Z Sport and $50,990 for the Performance; destination and handling $1,095Engine: 400-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo with a 6-speed manual or a new 9-speed automatic with paddle shiftersEPA fuel economy: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined mpg (2023 Z, 6-speed manual)

The 2023 Z brought a 400-horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic, from $40,990 for the Sport. NHTSA lists 2 complaints for the 2023 Z and 2 recall campaigns for 2023-2024 cars.

Go ifBuyers who want the newest, most powerful regular Z with a manual still offered
Skip ifYou want the lowest price (a used 370Z costs far less)
Why #1 over #2: Its 400-horsepower V6 beats the 332 horsepower of the 2013-2020 370Z.
2

2013-2020 Nissan 370Z (Z34)

2013-2020 Nissan 370Z (Z34)
Answrs VerdictThe value pick.
NHTSA complaints: 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 370Z2013 update: Updated for the 2013 model year with a new front fascia with vertical LED daytime running lights and new wheel designsPrice when new: $29,990 starting MSRP for the 2018 370Z Coupe 6MT; destination and handling $885Engine: Standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 with VVEL, a 6-speed manual with available SynchroRev Match or a 7-speed automaticEPA fuel economy: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined mpg (2018 370Z, 6-speed manual)

The 370Z was updated for 2013 with a new front fascia and vertical LED daytime running lights. A 2018 370Z Coupe started at $29,990 with a 332-horsepower V6, and NHTSA lists just 2 complaints for the 2018.

Go ifThe best-value Z: refreshed styling and very few NHTSA complaints
Skip ifYou want the twin-turbo power of the new Z
Why #2 over #3: A 2018 370Z Coupe started at $29,990 versus $64,990 for the 2024 Z NISMO.
3

2024 Nissan Z NISMO (RZ34)

2024 Nissan Z NISMO (RZ34)
Answrs VerdictThe fastest Z.
NHTSA complaints: 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2024 Z (all grades)Price when new: $64,990 starting MSRP; destination and handling $1,095Engine: 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, increases of 20 hp and 34 lb-ft compared to other Z gradesChassis: Unique stabilizer bars, a stiffer spring rate, larger retuned dampers, wider rear wheels and Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT600 tiresEPA fuel economy: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined mpg (9-speed automatic)

The 2024 Z NISMO makes 420 horsepower and 384 lb-ft, 20 hp and 34 lb-ft more than other Z grades, with stiffer springs, larger dampers and Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX GT600 tires. It started at $64,990.

Go ifTrack-day drivers who want the most powerful Z ever sold
Skip ifYou want a manual gearbox (the NISMO is listed only as a 9-speed automatic)
Why #3 over #4: Its 420 horsepower beats the 332 horsepower of the 2009-2012 370Z.
4

2009-2012 Nissan 370Z (Z34)

2009-2012 Nissan 370Z (Z34)
Answrs VerdictThe budget 370Z.
NHTSA complaints: 16 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 370ZNHTSA complaints, 2009: 153 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 370ZPrice when new: Prices for the 2009 Nissan 370Z start at $29,930Engine: New 3.7-liter VQ37VHR V6 rated at 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft, with a close-ratio 6-speed manual offering the world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching systemEPA fuel economy: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined mpg (2009 370Z, 6-speed manual)

The first 370Z brought a 332-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and the world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching system, from $29,930. NHTSA lists 153 complaints for the 2009 but only 16 for the 2012.

Go ifThe cheapest way into a 332-horsepower 370Z
Skip ifYou want the fewest complaints (the 2009 lists 153)
Why #4 over #5: It started at $29,930 for 2009 versus $41,990 for the 2015 370Z NISMO.
5

2015-2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO (Z34)

2015-2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO (Z34)
Answrs VerdictThe best 370Z NISMO.
NHTSA complaints: 3 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 370Z (all versions)Redesign: Significantly reimagined for 2015, with a new deep front fascia with Hyper LED Daytime Running LightsPrice when new: $41,990 starting MSRP (6MT); 370Z Coupe NISMO 7AT $43,290; destination and handling $810Engine: 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, 18 horsepower more than a standard 370Z Coupe, with 276 lb-ft of torque

The 2015 370Z NISMO was significantly reimagined with a new deep front fascia and Hyper LED Daytime Running Lights. Its 350-horsepower V6 makes 18 horsepower more than a standard 370Z, and a 7-speed automatic was offered for the first time at $43,290.

Go ifDrivers who want the sharpest 370Z, with an automatic offered for the first time
Skip ifYou want the newer twin-turbo Z NISMO
Why #5 over #6: Its 350 horsepower beats the 306 horsepower of the 2007-2008 350Z.
6

2007-2008 Nissan 350Z HR (Z33)

2007-2008 Nissan 350Z HR (Z33)
Answrs VerdictThe best 350Z.
NHTSA complaints: 24 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 350ZNHTSA complaints, 2007: 73 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2007 350ZEngine: New VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 producing 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torquePrice when new: Starting MSRP for the 2007 350Z Coupe with a close-ratio 6-speed manual is $27,900EPA fuel economy: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined mpg (2007 350Z, 6-speed manual)

For 2007 the 350Z got the new VQ35HR V6 with 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft, from $27,900 for the 6-speed Coupe. NHTSA lists 24 complaints for the 2008 versus 73 for the 2007.

Go ifThe best 350Z: the high-revving 306-horsepower HR engine
Skip ifYou want the 332-horsepower 370Z
Why #6 over #7: The 2007 350Z Coupe started at $27,900 versus $53,990 for the Proto Spec.
7

2023 Nissan Z Proto Spec (RZ34)

2023 Nissan Z Proto Spec (RZ34)
Answrs VerdictThe collector Z.
NHTSA complaints: 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Z (all grades)Production: Limited to 240 units for the U.S. market, with a special plaque and exclusive interior and exterior featuresPrice when new: $53,990 MSRP (Z Coupe Proto Spec 6MT or 9AT)Engine: 400-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo, like all 2023 Z grades

The 2023 Z Proto Spec was limited to 240 units for the U.S. market, with a special plaque and exclusive trim paying homage to the 2020 Z Proto. It cost $53,990 with the same 400-horsepower V6.

Go ifCollectors who want the rarest new Z
Skip ifYou want to pay less for the same 400-horsepower car (the 2023 Performance was $50,990)
Why #7 over #8: Its 400-horsepower V6 beats the 332 horsepower of the Heritage Edition.
8

2018-2019 Nissan 370Z Heritage Edition (Z34)

2018-2019 Nissan 370Z Heritage Edition (Z34)
Answrs VerdictThe heritage pick.
NHTSA complaints: 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 370ZWhat it is: A new Heritage Edition package offered on the base 370Z for 2018, in Chicane Yellow or Magnetic Black with yellow interior trim2019 colors: For 2019 the Heritage Edition came in Deep Blue Pearl and Pearl White, as well as Magnetic BlackPrice when new: The entry-level 370Z Coupe stayed at $29,990 for 2019Engine: Standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter V6

The Heritage Edition package came on the base 370Z for 2018 in Chicane Yellow or Magnetic Black with yellow interior trim, and for 2019 in Deep Blue Pearl, Pearl White and Magnetic Black. NHTSA lists 2 complaints for the 2018 370Z.

Go ifBuyers who want a 370Z with retro yellow trim
Skip ifYou want NISMO performance
Why #8 over #9: Its 332-horsepower V6 beats the 300 horsepower of the Rev-Up 350Z, and NHTSA lists 2 complaints for the 2018 370Z versus 53 for the 2006 350Z.
9

2005-2006 Nissan 350Z Rev-Up (Z33)

2005-2006 Nissan 350Z Rev-Up (Z33)
Answrs VerdictThe Rev-Up pick.
NHTSA complaints: 53 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 350ZEngine: For 2006 all 6-speed manual models receive the 300-horsepower tuning of the 3.5-liter V6; automatics are rated at 287 horsepowerRev-Up debut: The 300 hp Rev-Up engine was introduced mid-year 2005 on the Track and 35th Anniversary Edition 6-speed manual modelsEPA fuel economy: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined mpg (2006 350Z, 6-speed manual)

The 300-horsepower Rev-Up V6 arrived mid-2005 on the Track and 35th Anniversary manual cars, and for 2006 every 6-speed manual 350Z got it; automatics stayed at 287 horsepower. NHTSA lists 53 complaints for the 2006.

Go ifManual-gearbox buyers who want 300 horsepower at a 350Z price
Skip ifYou want the 306-horsepower HR engine (2007-2008)
Why #9 over #10: Its 300 horsepower beats the 287 horsepower of the 2003-2004 350Z, and NHTSA lists 53 complaints for the 2006 versus 144 for the 2004.
10

2003-2004 Nissan 350Z (Z33)

2003-2004 Nissan 350Z (Z33)
Answrs VerdictThe original 350Z.
NHTSA complaints: 144 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 350ZNHTSA complaints, 2003: 275 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 350ZNHTSA recalls, 2003: 4 recall campaigns listed for the 2003 350Z (including a clutch kit service part, a fuel filler hose and a crank or cam position sensor)Price when new: Starting MSRP of $26,269, excluding destination and handlingEngine: 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 producing 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torqueEPA fuel economy: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined mpg (2003 350Z, 6-speed manual)

The original 350Z started at $26,269 with a 287-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. NHTSA lists 275 complaints and 4 recall campaigns for the 2003 and 144 complaints for the 2004, the most of any Z year here.

Go ifThe cheapest way into a Z
Skip ifYou want fewer complaints (the 2008 lists 24)

How we ranked these

We ranked Z model years and trims on what they give a buyer today: power and price when new from Nissan press releases, NHTSA owner complaint and recall counts, and EPA fuel economy from fueleconomy.gov. Generation codes follow the Wikipedia record: 350Z (Z33, 2003-2009 model years), 370Z (Z34, 2009-2020 in North America) and Z (RZ34, 2023 on). We kept the original list’s picks, correcting three: the NISMO pick now covers the 2015-2020 redesign (2015 is when Nissan reimagined it), the Heritage Edition was offered for 2018 and 2019 only, and the 2005-2006 pick is named for the Rev-Up engine that every 2006 manual got. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.

Questions people ask

What is the best Nissan Z year?

The 2023-2024 Nissan Z: its 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 comes with a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic, and NHTSA lists 2 complaints for the 2023 Z.

Which Nissan 350Z years have the most complaints?

The earliest ones. NHTSA lists 275 complaints for the 2003 350Z and 144 for the 2004, versus 24 for the 2008.

What is the 350Z Rev-Up engine?

For 2006 all 6-speed manual 350Z models got the 300-horsepower tuning of the 3.5-liter V6, while automatics stayed at 287 horsepower.

Was there a 2021 Nissan 370Z?

No. In North America the 370Z was sold for the 2009-2020 model years; there is no 2021 370Z.

Horsepower (as published by Nissan) at a glance

2003-2004 Nissan 350Z (Z33)287 hp
2005-2006 Nissan 350Z Rev-Up (Z33)300 hp
2007-2008 Nissan 350Z HR (Z33)306 hp
2013-2020 Nissan 370Z (Z34)332 hp
2015-2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO (Z34)350 hp
2023-2024 Nissan Z (RZ34)400 hp
2024 Nissan Z NISMO (RZ34)420 hp
Horsepower (as published by Nissan), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.

Official sites

Sources

Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.