2005 Nissan 350z roadster touring

  Today I decided to treat myself to an indulgence that I love sampling whenever I get the chance. I've always been an admirer of sports cars with powerful engines, good handling, luxuries and good looks. The group that stands out for me in particular though is convertibles. I know I know I live in the Pacific Northwest and convertibles aren't really something that work very well here most of the year. I've always really enjoyed driving back country roads that wind through scenic forests, along rivers, up mountains etc. and let's face it, for that short window of time where the sun actually graces us with it's presence, this is simply the best place on earth to be.

   Today I grabbed the keys to one of the cars that I've always admired, pretended that it wasn't overcast for a moment and jumped in the driver's seat. I'm talking of course about the 2005 350z roadster, and on first glance it's plain to see why I've always admired this particular model. Nissan really went all out with this refined example of the legendary Z line. The massively flared wheel arches, paired with the rounded body lines make it plain to see that this car was designed with my kind of person in mind. The sleek, stylish headlights and taillights are angular and aggressive, while the aluminum, uniquely designed door handles bring a sense of elegance and refinement to the body.

   Inside the car you're greeted with hip hugging leather seats and an interior that continues that seamless mesh of aggressive performance and elegant luxury. As I inserted the key into the ignition and started up the 287 hp V6, I immediately felt like I was in a James Bond movie as a door in the middle of the dash started to automatically open and I was greeted by the LCD navigation and multimedia screen.

   After adjusting my electric seats to my liking, I set off and was immediately pleased by the powerful yet refined sound of the engine as well as the power that went along with it. As I headed towards the highway I couldn't help but noticed the grip as I went into each corner. So far so good then on all counts, but how is it to live with? Well sadly not everything is perfect here. While the heated, electric leather seats are comfortable, there is a fair bit of road noise that comes with the low stance. That being said, with the Bose premium sound system on the volume adjusts itself automatically as you speed up and turns itself down as you slow. Yet another 007 moment there, and although the sound system and navigation are top notch, the layout of the controls and buttons are fairly scattered and inconvenient. The horsepower is very nice as well but the automatic bump shift mode is quite sluggish if you're in the mood to shift like a race car driver. All these things are just me nitpicking though to be honest and overall I give the Z top marks in all areas.

   As with all good things, in the end I did have to hang the keys back on the board. Being a two seater makes the Z a little difficult to own when you have a family, but for the right person few cars will bring this much to the table. I know I enjoyed my review today and I hope you all enjoyed taking the journey with me as well. Be sure and join me again in The Fast Lane tomorrow.