Makesโ€บNissanโ€บ350zโ€บ2008

2008 Nissan 350z

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems โ€” with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Class
Two Seaters
Body styles
Coupe 2dr RWD, Roadster 2 Dr Conv RWD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
20 combined ยท 18 city / 25 hwy
Length
169.7 in
Curb weight
3,382โ€“3,600 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Few owner complaints5 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 32 for similar models.
  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2008 models โ€” not a review. How we calculate this โ†’

Overview

The 2008 Nissan 350z is a two seaters offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.

It measures about 170 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,382 lb (Coupe 2dr RWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 8% better than the 2008 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.

It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2008

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 350z โ€” a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 350z โ†’

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Coupe 2dr RWD169.7 in71.7 in51.6 in104.7 in61 / 61 in3,382 lb53/47
Roadster 2 Dr Conv RWD169.7 in71.7 in52.4 in104.7 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,600 lb53/47

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence โ€“ Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements โ†’

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCOโ‚‚ g/mi
350z3.5L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20+8%$4,100444
350z3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)Rear-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20+8%$4,100444
350z Roadster3.5L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20+8%$4,100444
350z Roadster3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S5)Rear-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+2%$4,350468
Spend $8,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.6 MPG2008 Two Seaters average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this โ†’

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Nissan 350z under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 two seaterss

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Nissan 350z (this car)20 MPGNot rated0
2008 Chevrolet Corvette19 MPGNot rated0
2008 Saturn SKY22 MPGNot rated3
2008 Chrysler Crossfire21 MPGNot rated1
2008 Honda S200021 MPGNot rated0
2008 Shelby Mustang GT17 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Nissan 350z.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA โ†—

Not every 2008 Nissan 350z is affected โ€” only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

5Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
70,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train3
Air Bags2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
16/05: 116/07: 116/08: 118/05: 119/05: 116/0516/0716/0818/0519/05max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Nissan 350z buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Power Train โ€” 3 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Air Bags โ€” 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  5. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Nissan 350z. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2009 350z20169.7 inNot rated02
2007 350z20169.7 inNot rated022
2006 350z19169.7 inNot rated014
2005 350z20169.7 inNot rated022

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this โ†’