Best Nissan 370Z Model Years (Ranked) in 2027

12016-2020 Nissan 370Z Sport Coupe

The final production years rank first because Nissan had sorted the Z34 by 2016, and the Sport package adds 14-inch front brakes, a viscous limited-slip differential, 19-inch RAYS forged wheels, and SynchroRev Match on the six-speed manual. The 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 makes 332 horsepower with a hard-edged soundtrack. These are the most refined and reliable 370Zs, with the strongest resale value of any non-NISMO year.

This suits the buyer who wants the most rounded 370Z without paying the NISMO premium. It trades the NISMO's extra power and track-tuned suspension for a more compliant daily ride and lower cost. Against the 2013-2015 Touring below it, you pay more but get a cleaner depreciation curve and fewer early-production faults. A documented oil-change history is essential, since the VQ37VHR can consume oil if neglected.

22015-2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO

The NISMO ranks second because it is the sharpest factory-tuned Z34, with a power bump to 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque from a revised exhaust, plus stiffer suspension, larger brakes, and NISMO-specific aero. It rides on RAYS forged wheels and features aggressive Recaro seats. The 2015 refresh brought these upgrades, and the six-speed manual is the enthusiast's choice.

This is for the driver who values ultimate factory performance and collector appeal over value. It trades daily comfort for a firm ride and a loud cabin, and commands a premium of several thousand dollars over a standard Sport coupe. Against the 2016-2020 Sport above it, you get more power and sharper handling but pay more and live with a harsher ride. It is the enthusiast's prize, while the Sport remains the smarter all-round buy.

32013-2015 Nissan 370Z Touring Coupe

The 2013 refresh modernized the 370Z with revised fascias, LED daytime running lights, and new wheel designs, and the Touring trim adds heated and ventilated leather seats, Bose audio, and upgraded infotainment. It keeps the same 332-horsepower VQ37VHR V6 with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic. These cars sit in a sweet spot of modern looks and pre-final-year pricing.

This is for the budget-conscious buyer who wants the refreshed look and a comfortable cabin without the late-model premium. It trades the final years' refined build quality for a noticeably lower purchase price. Against the 2016-2020 Sport above it, it lacks some late-production polish but offers similar performance for less money. A clean example with the Sport package's brakes and limited-slip differential is one of the most satisfying used sports-car buys in its bracket.

42009 Nissan 370Z Launch Year Coupe

The 2009 370Z introduced the Z34 with a shorter wheelbase, lighter aluminum body panels, and the new 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 replacing the 350Z's 3.5L. It debuted SynchroRev Match, the first such system in the segment, and offered the Sport package from launch. As the oldest Z34, it is the most affordable entry point into the model line and delivers the full 370Z experience for the least money.

This is for the buyer on a tight budget who wants a genuine driver's car and accepts higher mileage and earlier tech. It trades the refreshed styling and interior of later cars for the lowest possible entry price. Against the 2013-2015 Touring above it, it lacks LED lights and a modern infotainment system. Verify the clutch slave cylinder and oil-consumption history, as early cars are prone to these issues.

52010-2012 Nissan 370Z Coupe

The early-production coupes carried over the launch formula with minor running changes, retaining the 332-horsepower VQ37VHR V6, six-speed manual with SynchroRev Match, and optional Sport package. By 2012, Nissan had addressed some early clutch master and slave cylinder complaints with revised parts. These years offer strong value, with pricing below the 2013-and-later cars, and the pre-refresh styling that purists still like.

This is for the buyer who prioritizes value and prefers the original, more aggressive front-end look. It trades the post-refresh LED lighting and interior upgrades for a lower price. Against the 2009 launch year above it, it benefits from revised clutch parts and slightly better reliability. Prioritize a Sport-package car for the bigger brakes and limited-slip differential, and inspect for floating-rotor squeal and consistent oil-change records.

62013-2017 Nissan 370Z Roadster

The 370Z Roadster trades the coupe's structural rigidity for open-top motoring with a power soft top, using the same 332-horsepower V6 and transmission choices. The post-2013 refresh updated its styling alongside the coupe, and the Touring Roadster adds climate-controlled seats. It is heavier and slightly less crisp than the coupe but offers a unique driving experience. The soft-top mechanism is a maintenance item to inspect carefully.

This is for buyers who prioritize open-air driving over outright track sharpness and accept added weight and a less rigid chassis. It trades coupe handling for the joy of top-down motoring, often at a lower price than a comparable coupe. Against the 2010-2012 coupe above it, it offers a more modern interior and styling but with higher maintenance risk. Check the power top, seals, and rear glass defroster before buying.

72009-2012 Nissan 370Z Roadster

The first-series 370Z Roadster arrived shortly after the coupe and shares its VQ37VHR V6 and gearbox options, making it the most affordable way into an open-top Z34. These early convertibles carry the highest likely mileage and the earliest infotainment system. The payoff is low entry pricing for a rear-drive, V6 convertible that few rivals match at the money. It is a fun weekend car rather than a hard-driven track tool.

This is for the budget-focused open-air enthusiast who accepts higher maintenance risks for the lowest cost. It trades the refined build of later roadsters for a cheaper entry point. Against the 2013-2017 Roadster above it, it lacks the refreshed styling and interior but is significantly less expensive. Inspect the power soft top carefully, as motor and hydraulic faults are the costliest repairs, and verify oil-consumption and clutch-hydraulic history.

8Nissan 370Z Automatic Seven-Speed Coupe

Any 370Z optioned with the seven-speed automatic is the easier-living choice for commuting and traffic, with paddle shifters and Downshift Rev Matching on Sport-package cars. The transmission is generally durable and quicker to launch consistently than the manual for less-experienced drivers. It sacrifices much of the 370Z's character, which is built around the manual with SynchroRev Match. Automatics also typically resell for less, making them a value angle.

This is for the daily driver who does not want a clutch pedal and prioritizes convenience over engagement. It trades the tactile, analog feel of the manual for smoother, more relaxed driving. Against the 2009-2012 Roadster above it, it offers a stiffer coupe chassis and lower maintenance risk. Buy one with full transmission-service records and confirm smooth, prompt shifts during a thorough test drive across varied throttle inputs.

92018-2019 Nissan 370Z Heritage Edition

For the 2018 and 2019 model years, Nissan offered the 370Z Heritage Edition, an appearance package marking the Z's 50-year lineage with bold exterior graphics, accent colors, and unique interior trim stitching. Mechanically, it is a standard 332-horsepower 370Z, so it drives like any late-production car. The appeal is purely cosmetic and collector-oriented, with some buyers loving the throwback look and others finding it polarizing.

This is for the collector who values the unique styling and wants a late-model car with a distinctive appearance. It trades the performance of the NISMO for a cosmetic package that can affect resale. Against the automatic coupe above it, it offers the manual transmission option and a more exclusive look. Buy one if the styling speaks to you and the price is in line with an equivalent standard late-model coupe with the same options and mileage.

102020 Nissan 370Z Final Model Year Coupe

The 2020 model year was the last for the 370Z before the redesigned Nissan Z arrived, making it the newest Z34 with the longest remaining usable life. It is essentially unchanged mechanically from prior late years, with the same 332-horsepower VQ37VHR V6 and transmission options. As the final year, it can carry a slight pricing premium and is sometimes treated as a future collectible.

This is for the buyer who wants the newest possible Z34 and is willing to pay a premium for the final model year. It trades the value of earlier cars for the longest service life and most current build quality. Against the 2018-2019 Heritage Edition above it, it offers no unique styling but is newer and potentially more collectible. Verify it has not been heavily modified or tracked, as the 370Z is popular with the tuner crowd.

How we ranked these

We ranked 370Z model years by weighting mechanical refinement, documented reliability, feature content, and value retention. Later production years scored higher for build maturity and fewer early faults, while trim-specific strengths like the NISMO tune and Touring comfort were scored separately. Owner reports and NHTSA complaint data informed issue-frequency scoring, and Sport-package content was weighted heavily because it materially changes performance.

We deliberately ignored subjective styling preferences, aftermarket modification potential, and collector speculation, since these vary by buyer and say nothing about inherent model-year quality. Regional price swings and auction anomalies were excluded too. The goal was consistent, documented ownership experience and factory specification, not hype or short-term market noise that distorts what a car is actually like to live with.

Related questions

What is the most reliable Nissan 370Z model year?

The 2016-2020 model years are generally the most reliable, benefiting from years of production refinements and fewer early issues like steering lock module failure and clutch hydraulic complaints. Still, every 370Z depends on consistent oil changes to avoid VQ37VHR oil consumption, so a documented service history matters more than the specific year.

Is the 370Z NISMO worth the price premium?

The NISMO adds 18 horsepower, stiffer suspension, unique aero, and Recaro seats, but costs several thousand dollars more than a Sport coupe. For daily driving, the standard Sport package delivers roughly 90 percent of the experience. The NISMO is worth it mainly for track enthusiasts or collectors who value the sharper factory tune and exclusivity.

What are common problems with the 370Z?

Early 2009-2012 cars can suffer a failing electronic steering lock module that prevents starting. The VQ37VHR may consume oil if maintenance was neglected. Manual cars from 2009-2011 had clutch master and slave cylinder issues. Sport-package floating rotors can squeal. Always check for consistent oil change records before buying.

Which 370Z model year should I avoid?

There is no universally bad year, but 2009-2010 models carry the most early-production risk, including steering lock and clutch hydraulic complaints. More importantly, avoid any 370Z with a poor service history or heavy modifications, since those are bigger red flags than the model year itself. A maintained 2009 beats a neglected 2018.

Is the 370Z automatic transmission good?

The seven-speed automatic is a durable, smooth-shifting conventional torque-converter unit that is fine for commuting. However, it lacks the engagement of the six-speed manual and does not offer SynchroRev Match. Enthusiasts strongly prefer the manual, and automatics typically resell for less, making them a value option for buyers who do not want a clutch pedal.

What is the best value 370Z for a budget buyer?

A 2013-2015 Touring coupe with the manual transmission offers the best balance of price and features. You get refreshed styling, LED lights, and a nicer interior for several thousand dollars less than a 2016-or-later car. Ensure the service history is solid and the car starts reliably, since those matter more than the model year.

Are 370Z Roadsters worth considering?

Roadsters offer open-top driving but are heavier and less rigid than coupes, and the soft top requires careful inspection. They are often cheaper than equivalent coupes, making them good value for buyers who prioritize top-down motoring over track sharpness. Check the power top mechanism, seals, and rear glass defroster operation.

How important is the Sport package on a 370Z?

The Sport package adds 14-inch front brakes, a viscous limited-slip differential, 19-inch RAYS forged wheels, and SynchroRev Match on manual cars. These features significantly improve performance and driving engagement, making the package highly desirable. It is worth paying a premium for, because retrofitting these parts is expensive and difficult.

FAQ

What is the most reliable model year for the Nissan 370Z?

The 2016-2020 model years are generally considered the most reliable, as they benefit from years of production refinements and fewer early-adopter issues. These later cars have the fewest reported problems with the early steering lock module, though no 370Z is immune to maintenance needs and oil-consumption checks still apply.

Is the 370Z NISMO worth the extra cost over a standard model?

The NISMO offers stiffer suspension, unique bodywork, and a power bump to 350 horsepower, but it carries a meaningful premium, often several thousand dollars more than a comparable Sport coupe. For daily driving, the standard Sport package delivers most of the experience for less money, making the NISMO most appealing to track-focused buyers and collectors.

Does the 370Z have any common problems I should look for?

Yes. Early 2009-2012 cars are known for an electronic steering lock module that can fail and prevent starting, and the VQ37VHR can consume oil if it has been abused. Also check for clutch-hydraulic complaints on early manual cars and confirm a consistent oil-change history regardless of year.

Which 370Z model year should I avoid?

There is no single bad year, but the earliest 2009-2010 cars carry the most early-production risk, including steering-lock and clutch-hydraulic complaints. More importantly, avoid any 370Z of any year with a poorly documented service history, since neglected oil changes are the biggest threat to the engine.

Is the automatic transmission in the 370Z any good?

The seven-speed automatic is a conventional torque-converter unit that shifts smoothly and is generally durable. It is fine for daily commuting, but enthusiasts almost always prefer the six-speed manual for its direct feel and SynchroRev Match feature, which the automatic does not offer.

What is the best value 370Z for a budget buyer?

A 2013-2015 Touring coupe with the manual transmission offers the best balance of price and features, typically costing a few thousand dollars less than a comparable 2016-or-later car. You get refreshed styling, LED lights, and a nicer interior without the late-model premium, so just confirm the service history and that it starts reliably.

How important is the Sport package on a 370Z?

The Sport package adds 14-inch front brakes, a viscous limited-slip differential, 19-inch RAYS forged wheels, and SynchroRev Match on manual cars. These features significantly improve performance and driving engagement, making the Sport package highly desirable. It is worth paying a premium for, as retrofitting these parts is expensive and difficult.

What should I check when buying a used 370Z?

Verify oil-change records and check the dipstick for level and color. Test the clutch for sponginess, especially on 2009-2011 manuals. Listen for steering lock module issues on early cars. Inspect the floating rotors on Sport-package cars for wear. Check for aftermarket modifications and prefer a stock, well-documented example.

Did the 370Z change much between 2009 and 2020?

Mechanically, the 370Z stayed close to its 2009 launch formula, keeping the 332-horsepower VQ37VHR V6 throughout. The bigger changes were cosmetic and trim-related, including the 2013 styling refresh, the 2015 NISMO update, and appearance packages like the 2018-2019 Heritage Edition. Later cars mainly benefit from accumulated production refinements.

Is the 2020 370Z a good collector car?

The 2020 model year was the last Z34 before the redesigned Nissan Z, so it is the newest example with the longest remaining service life. It can carry a slight pricing premium and is sometimes treated as a future collectible, though mechanically it is unchanged from prior late years. Buy on condition and history, not just the final-year badge.

Sources

• https://www.nissanusa.com/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_370Z
• https://www.nhtsa.gov/
• https://www.edmunds.com/nissan/370z/
• https://www.kbb.com/nissan/370z/
• https://www.caranddriver.com/nissan/370z/

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