Car Model History

Fifth generation · Z33 (350Z) · 2003–2008

2003Nissan Z

The Z revival — a back-to-basics, front-mid-engine coupe and roadster on the FM platform with the 3.5L VQ35 V6, returning after a six-year US absence.

Fifth generation · Z33 (350Z)

2003 Nissan 350Z (Z33) — front three-quarter view

Photo: “2003 Nissan Fairlady Z” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.

Quick facts

Engines
1offered3.5L VQ35DE V6
Top output
287hp3.5L VQ35DE V6

Body stylesCoupe · Roadster (convertible)

Start here

What do you need to know?

This page covers the whole 2003 Nissan Z model year. Choose your task first; exact trims and engines are separated where the factory offered different versions.

Complete, source-verified lineup

Find your exact 2003 Z

Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.

7factory configurations
Verified complete for the U.S.-marketHow this lineup was verified

We checked this U.S.-market lineup against period sources for Factory coupe/Roadster grades and transmission pairings, including the model-year named special edition where offered; ordinary color/accessory options do not create extra versions. Every version shown below has its own detail page.

Verified 2026-09-07 from Nissan — 2003 350Z U.S. launch model record, Michigan Department of State — 2003 Nissan 350Z body/grade/transmission roster.

7versions shown
Two-door rear-wheel-drive fastback coupe

Nissan 350Z Manual

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive fastback coupe
Engine
3.5-liter VQ35DE naturally aspirated V6 (287 hp / 274 lb-ft)
Gearbox
6-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive fastback coupe

Nissan 350Z Enthusiast Manual

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive fastback coupe
Engine
3.5-liter VQ35DE naturally aspirated V6 (287 hp / 274 lb-ft)
Gearbox
6-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive fastback coupe

Nissan 350Z Enthusiast Automatic

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive fastback coupe
Engine
3.5-liter VQ35DE naturally aspirated V6 (287 hp / 274 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive fastback coupe

Nissan 350Z Touring Manual

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive fastback coupe
Engine
3.5-liter VQ35DE naturally aspirated V6 (287 hp / 274 lb-ft)
Gearbox
6-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive fastback coupe

Nissan 350Z Touring Automatic

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive fastback coupe
Engine
3.5-liter VQ35DE naturally aspirated V6 (287 hp / 274 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive fastback coupe

Nissan 350Z Performance Manual

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive fastback coupe
Engine
3.5-liter VQ35DE naturally aspirated V6 (287 hp / 274 lb-ft)
Gearbox
6-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive fastback coupe

Nissan 350Z Track Manual

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive fastback coupe
Engine
3.5-liter VQ35DE naturally aspirated V6 (287 hp / 274 lb-ft)
Gearbox
6-speed manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version

The 2003 model year

Overview

The 350Z revived the Z nameplate for 2003 after a six-year US hiatus. A back-to-basics, front-mid-engine sports car on Nissan's FM platform, it paired the 3.5L VQ35 V6 with sharp handling and an aggressive price — re-establishing the affordable-Z formula for a new generation.

Specifications

Engines
  • 3.5L VQ35DE V6287 hp
Body styles
Coupe, Roadster (convertible)

Year over year

What changed

  • Revived the Z as the 350Z (Z33) after a six-year US absence.
  • Front-mid-engine FM platform with the VQ35 V6.

Worth knowing

Notable

  • The Z's modern comeback — a strong sales success that re-cemented the nameplate.

Living with it

Reliability & ownership notes

  • Early VQ35 cars can consume oil and the tires wear fast; the engine and drivetrain are otherwise well-proven.

Maintenance & service parts

Keep your 2003 Z on the road

Start with the service interval, then match the engine or exact version you own. Order links appear only when a catalog-backed part number is available, and every listing still needs a fitment check.

Service desk

What this car needs & when

Use this as a service-planning checklist for 2003 Nissan Z. Start with the interval, confirm which engine or configuration you have, then use an exact ordering reference when one is verified.

Service topics
4
Factory intervals
3
Fitment-scoped
4
Exact references
1

Before orderingIdentify your engine, options and build date.Part numbers and sizes can change within one model year. Shopping links appear only for catalog-backed references; still verify the listing against your vehicle before ordering.

  • Engine oil and filter

    Sourced interval available

    Nissan's severe-driving interval is 3,750 miles or 3 months.

    Applies to: 2003 · United States

    Published interval: 7,500 mi / 6 months · Standard driving conditions; whichever comes first.

    Source: Nissan USA — 2003 350Z maintenance schedule · Service Intervals table · checked

  • Spark plugs

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 2003 · United States

    Published interval: 105,000 mi / 84 months · Standard and severe driving schedules.

    Source: Nissan USA — 2003 350Z maintenance schedule · Service Intervals table · checked

  • Engine coolant

    Sourced interval available

    First replacement at 60,000 miles/48 months; then every 30,000 miles/24 months.

    Applies to: 2003 · United States

    Published interval: 60,000 mi / 48 months · Initial replacement, whichever comes first.

    Source: Nissan USA — 2003 350Z maintenance schedule · Service Intervals table · checked

  • Engine oil and air filters — catalog fitment

    Exact reference available

    Baldwin B1400 / PA2135

    This manufacturer application record establishes replacement-filter fitment only; it does not establish service intervals or a complete maintenance schedule. The catalog marks the fuel-filter position N/S, so no fuel-filter order link is shown.

    Applies to: 2003 · VQ35 · United States · Confirm the engine and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Source: Baldwin Filters — Automotive Applications catalog (2017) · Printed catalog page 451, Nissan 2003 350Z V6 row · checked

    Verified ordering references

Collect

Bring this model year home

Find a scale model using the exact year, make, and model—not a generic generation search.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — "Nissan 350Z" (Z33)
  2. Wikipedia — "Nissan Z-car"

Other Fifth generation years

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