When evaluated on the main attributes that a performance coupe or roadster should have, the 350Z scores well. It's sleekly styled, quick to accelerate and brake, and precise in terms of handling. It also can serve as a daily driver, though due to a stiff ride and Spartan cockpit not as well as some competing vehicles in the Z's $30,000 price range. For interested consumers willing to give up a bit of comfort for increased performance, the Nissan 350Z is a smart choice.

The Nissan 350Z is available as a two-seat coupe or a convertible soft-top roadster. From the outset, Nissan designed the car to be available in these two body styles. As a result, the two versions are near equals in terms of performance. Only when driven hard does the coupe's reduced weight and added structural rigidity start to give it a slight edge. The roadster's power-operated top can be lowered in about 20 seconds.

All 350Zs come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine driving the rear wheels. For this type of car, the V6 is just about perfect. It revs easily, develops plenty of power and is reasonably fuel-efficient. It comes paired to either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.

Ordering a Nissan 350Z is a little tricky as one must examine the car's five available trim levels in order to find a desired level of features. The coupe comes in base, Enthusiast, Touring, Grand Touring and Track versions, while the roadster is limited to Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels.

Though the lower-level trims are reasonably well equipped, consumers interested in a more luxurious ownership experience should probably go with the Touring model. This version comes with upscale items like leather seating and an optional navigation system. The coupe-only Track model is the most performance-oriented, while the Grand Touring blends features from both the Touring and Track models.

Through road and comparison tests, our editors have found the Nissan 350Z to be an engaging sports car to drive hard. The V6 pulls cleanly when revved past 3,000 rpm and generates a sonorous engine and exhaust-note soundtrack. For a coupe with a manual transmission, expect a 0-to-60-mph time of less than 6 seconds.

The 350Z's ability to provide serious grip and accurate feedback through corners has made it a favorite of the more enthusiastic drivers on our editorial staff. The Track model, in particular, stands out because of its lightweight wheels, wider tires and Brembo-sourced brakes. At the limit, the car's handling can be a bit tricky and steady hands are required.

When used for regular daily use, the Nissan 350Z doesn't make for such a compelling companion. Road and tire noise is considerable, and the car's stiff suspension transmits plenty of shock to its occupants when the car is driven on rough pavement. Inside, the Z's cabin is functional but rather stark. Some of the car's interior trim is of low quality, and the luggage capacity of both the coupe and roadster is only average for this class of car.

The 350Z sports car is still in its first generation and debuted as a 2003 model. The roadster did not become available until 2004. Consumers interested in a used 350Z should generally try to purchase the newest year possible as Nissan has been making gradual improvements to feature content and hardware.

* Review courtesy of Edmunds.com, maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.