Review after driving the Z for a day

Matt

I've done hours and hours of reading, across the [seemingly] entire Internet, trying to absorb every possible piece of information available about the 2009 370z. I actually think I got pretty close to getting it all...

I've read the bad reviews. You know, the ones where people can't stand the Z. Whether they be BMW lovers or Camaro drivers, they nitpick about every little detail and turn in negative. I've also read the euphoric reviews. You know, the ones where the driver is so excited to be driving a Z, he couldn't possibly notice anything wrong short of the steering wheel missing.

So here I go, my semi-lengthy review after driving the 370z Nismo for one day. I'll try not to make this too Nismo-specific. This will be more geared to the people that are considering buying a Z.

- The exterior is beautifully done by Nissan. While some hate the look of the Nismo body kit and spoiler combo, I absolutely love it. Pictures don't do it enough justice. You lose the fangs from the front end of the base/touring, and go more towards the 350z style (which I prefer...although I certainly like the "fangs" as well). The Nismo rear bumper is a thing of beauty. The #1 thing I've heard so far from my friends is, "I thought it would be smaller!". Love it.

- The exhaust is good, not great. Compared to the base/touring exhaust, it has a noticeable, aggressive rumble to it when you start it up, as well as in higher RPMs....however, it slower dissipates at idle and lower RPMs. It won't hold a candle to the likes of Stillen and F.I, however if you're like me and you do not want to break any noise ordinances and enjoy a [slightly] quiet cabin, the Nismo exhaust is near perfect. Loud when I want it to be, quiet when I want it to be. The tips look great as well.

- The rims and tires on all the versions of the 370z are awesome. While the non-sports version leaves a little to be desired in terms of styling, I think they all still look great. I'm not sure why some people go out and get new wheels as their first big "upgrade". I've had aftermarket rims on all my previous cars, and don't think I'd ever change these out.

- The "road noise" is the biggest load of crap I've ever heard. I've driven MANY cars and while it's not the quietest, it's extremely far from the loudest. I have a 1972 VW bug. I've driven "Humvees". Those are loud. I've also driven a G35 and a Lincoln Towncar....those are certainly quieter. But do you seriously want to get into a 370z and not hear anything? Didn't think so. There is no "road noise"....just "the sound of your 370z".

- Gadgets and such. The FOB is great. With controls on the doors (within 2-feet) unlocking/locking the doors, the FOB never leaves the safety of my pocket. The gauges are good, except for the far left display with mpg/mph, etc. It's a little too "1990's" for me. I would think they'd have something a little more modern, but I guess they reserve some of the niceties for the Navigation owners

- One of the concerns for many people looking at the Z as their daily driver is space. Let me tell you. I take frequent trips up the east coast with my girlfriend, and we carry a lot of **** with us. Guess what? I tried to fit it all last night....and it all fits. It sure as hell blocks my entire rear view, but it fits just fine. A friend asked me last night, "What about when you go grocery shopping?". Friends, if you're biggest worry is having enough room for your groceries, get a Murano.

- Blind spots. They are there, sure as ****. Are they bad? Not in my opinion. I don't need a special side view mirror or back up camera, even with my "obnoxiously large spoiler" (as one reviewer said of the Nismo spoiler). I can see just fine. I'm addicted to backing into parking spots, and even with my 1 day old car, I still do it with ease. Unless you're in a neck brace and your peripheral vision is horrible, you're not gonna have any issues.

- Performance. I've never driven the 300z. I've never driven a Porsche. I've never driven a Ferrari. The most hp I've ever had beneath my right foot is 162 (only counting my own cars). I'm not going to argue with people way smarter than me on performance, but I will say it's amazing. Linear acceleration from 10-20 or 70-80. When I push the pedal, the car responds generously and vigorously. And I haven't even hit 4800 RPMs yet (obeying break-in the best I can). The brakes blow away any brakes I've had before as well.

- Sync-rev is amazing. Heel-toe fanboys out there tell us they leave it turned off, but trust me....they leave it on!

- Suspension is weird in the Nismo. I'm no pro-tuner or track guru, but the Nismo is supposed to have it's own upgraded Suspension and dampers, yet it actually rides rougher than the base/touring. While it hits bumps and reacts firmly, it immediately stiffens back out. Not sure I'm explaining it well, but it certainly doesn't handle uneven pavement, bumps, low-quality roads with the most finesse.

- Nismo specific information now. I've read all over these forums, "Is the Nismo worth it?". The best answer I've read is "if you want the Nismo, then yes". Can you upgrade the base/sport/ to achieve better performance than the Nismo, with less money? Absolutely. Can you get all the luxuries of the Touring for nearly the same price? Absolutely. Does the Nismo have enough to warrant the price difference anyways? Yes! I won't go into full detail, but with all the extras in the Nismo, and no plan (or need) to do any additional performance upgrades, the Nismo is perfect for me.


When I got the Z, I was thinking I would drive it for 3-5 years until the "next best thing" came out. But as much fun as I've had in the past 36 hours driving the car, I hope this will have a permanent spot in my garage, regardless of what future cars I may purchase.