The Nissan Z-car Japanese sports cars have an incredibly loyal following in the United States, and this certainly applies to the Nissan 300ZX. From the incredible ride and handling to the powerful turbocharged second-generation coupe, we see owner review after owner review about how much fun these things are to drive and own.
While the first-generation Nissan 300ZX was more of a GT-car with amenities and luxury features, the second-gen models harked back to the Z’s sports cars heritage, which began with the Datsun 240Z in 1969. With four-wheel steering and enough horsepower to worry supercars from Ferrari and Porsche, the second-gen 300ZX made several automotive publications’ “best sports car” lists. It was even known as “the Corvette killer” by some, because—along with fellow hot Japanese coupes of the era, such as the twin-turbocharged Toyota Supra and the Mazda RX-7—it gave Chevrolet’s best-selling sports car a serious run for its money.
American sales of the rear-wheel-drive Z-car topped a million in 1990, making it the best-selling sports car at that time. Then the price of the vehicle started to edge up toward $50,000 and, combined with the rising yen-to-dollar ratio, North American sales ended in 1996. But if the used car pricing is anything to go by, these Nissan 300ZX models are still a very hot commodity.
Nissan revived Z car the following decade, though, when it launched the Nissan 350Z coupe in 2003, followed by the 370Z in 2008, and the latest Nissan Z in 2022.
Nissan 300ZX: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Nissan 300ZX Pros and Cons
- Nissan 300ZX Generations
- Nissan 300ZX Second Generation (1990–1996)
- Nissan 300ZX First Generation (1984–1989)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Nissan 300ZX years are the best?
Throughout the 12 years the Nissan 300ZX was on sale in the American market, there are relatively few complaints and recalls. The years with zero complaints on CarComplaints.com include 1985, 1988, 1989, 1993, 1994, and 1996 and the latter three also have zero recalls.
What are the worst Nissan 300ZX years?
Though the 1987 model logs three complaints on CarComplaints.com, the website doesn’t give them high priority. Instead, it zeros in on 1995 as the worst year, because of engine problems logged by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which resulted in two fires. Another complaint on this model year is rapid tire wear.
Is a used Nissan 300ZX a good deal?
Since Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) import cars are in hot demand these days, the Nissan 300ZX is a good investment, but not necessarily a good deal. The first generation 300ZX has an average transaction price of about $12,000, according to Classic.com, and the second generation climbs to an average of $24,000. Top sale prices for non-race-car models top $100,000. If you want an official 300ZX race car, plan on spending a half a mil.
Nissan 300ZX Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Attractive styling
- Fun-to-drive dynamics
- Smooth shifter
Cons:
- Limited trunk space
- Small cockpit might not suit bigger drivers
- Not enough brake cooling for track driving
Nissan 300ZX Generations
Nissan 300ZX Second Generation (1990–1996)
The second-gen Z32 300ZX got a complete redesign, with rounded edges and a wider body. The pop-up headlights disappeared, replaced by integrated lights that are slanted at more than 60 degrees for the sake of aerodynamics. It also came in three trim levels: the 2+2 hatchback, the GS hatchback, and the turbo hatchback. All had similar specs, with power windows and air conditioning.
When the first models arrived in the U.S. in the spring of 1989, they were equipped with a 222 horsepower naturally aspirated DOHC 3.0-liter V6, which was a 35 percent power increase over the previous generation. Arriving in late 1989, the 300ZX Turbo was equipped with a 300hp twin-turbo V6 and matched the power output of the Ferrari 348, which came out the same year. A five-speed manual was standard and a four-speed automatic was an option. However, turbos with the automatic transmission got 20 less horsepower.
300ZX Turbo models also received four-wheel steering, which Nissan called Super High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering (Super HICAS), as well as an adjustable two-mode suspension.
The Z32 model had two body styles: a two-seater and longer-wheelbase 2+2 model, however, the latter was only available on the base naturally aspirated engine models in the American market. Most of the 300ZXs at this point also had a standard T-top. A hardtop “slicktop” roof without the T-tops was available after 1991, but only as a two-seater, while a convertible arrived in 1993.
For the final two model years in the U.S., tuning company Steve Millen Motor Sports, developed the SMZ model in conjunction with Nissan North America, and performance upgrades were covered by the factory warranty. Design-wise the SMZ models had a unique grille, a large rear wing, and custom split five-spoke alloy wheels. Performance upgrades included Skyline Group N/GT-R brakes with larger calipers and pistons, a high-flow intake system, an aluminized steel free-flow exhaust system, and a turbocharger boost pressure increase. These models produced 365 horsepower and cost $14,000 more than the standard 300ZX twin turbo models. Only 104 were produced.
The average transaction price for a Nissan 300ZX in this generation is about $24,000. Looking at used car listings, we see a few vehicles available in the $6,000 to $10,000 range, but the majority are more than $10,000. On the high-end, we saw a vehicle available for $33,000 with just 14,000 miles and zero reported accidents.
Nissan 300ZX First Generation (1984–1989)
The Datsun nameplate was retired in North America as the first-generation Nissan 300 Z car hit the U.S. market. The 300ZX replaced the outgoing 280ZX, and like other Z cars, it was known as the Nissan Fairlady Z in Japan. Though the chassis was based on the one it replaced, by all accounts, it handled better than its predecessor. Internally, Nissan called this first-gen model the Z31.
In the U.S., the 300ZX came in two trims (GL and GLL) and had two engine options: a 160 hp naturally aspirated V6, and a 200 hp turbocharged V6. A five-speed manual transmission was standard with both engines, while a four-speed automatic was available on the base model with the V6 engine.
The design of the 300ZX included integrated bumpers, an aerodynamic shape, hood scoop, T-top roof, pop-up headlights, and available 2+2 seating. The pop-up headlights were unique, because a small area remained exposed when they folded down. The 300ZX also offered two instrument cluster options: one with analog gauges and one with digital.
In 1986, the base two-seat model became available without the T-top, creating a truer entry-level version. Plus, this model year got a small midcycle refresh that included standard 16-inch wheels, the scoop removed from the hood, a new rear spoiler, and flared front fender. A new hood, foglamps moved to the front bumper, larger front brakes, and standard power front seats were added in 1987 and, in 1988, the 300ZX received gray wheels and a 5hp boost.
Two special editions were available in the U.S. The first was 1984’s 50th Anniversary Edition—a two-seat model with the Light Pewter/Thunder Black color scheme, a digital dash, in-car electronic adjustable shocks, Bodysonic speakers in the seats, cruise control, mirrored T-tops, leather seats, and special 50th Anniversary Edition badging. The second was the Shiro Special, available in 1988. It had pearl white paint, stiffer springs, heavy-duty anti-sway bars, a unique front air dam, Recaro seats, and a viscous limited-slip differential.
The new car price of the first-generation 300ZX ranged from about $16,000 to $26,000 and, according to Classic.com, the average transaction price of that vehicle now is about $15,000. On the high side, we’ve seen mint examples of this generation sell for $80,000. While we currently see several vehicles priced in the $35,000 to $50,000 range, there are also a few in the $12,000 to $15,000 range.
