2012 Nissan 370Z Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$32,280 to $43,200

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(16 reviews)
2012 Nissan 370Z Preview summaryImage

“If it ain’t broke…” The 2012 Nissan 370Z Coupe continues its dominance in the U.S. sports-car market by sticking to that adage and making no substantive changes to the line for this model year. And that is a good thing. This car is designed for the sports-car enthusiast who doesn’t have deep pockets.

The 2012 370Z lineup consists of the Base trim, which includes power doors and locks and audio/cruise controls on the steering wheel; the Roadster, which adds a latch-free power convertible soft top that opens in seconds; the Touring, which sexes up the interior with leather-appointed heated seats, a digital Bose audio system with 8 speakers, XM radio and Bluetooth; the Touring Roadster, which merges the two; and, finally, the NISMO, which beefs up the already impressive Z specs to true sports-car power.

Let’s look under the hood: The Base, Roadster and Touring come with a 332-hp 3.7-liter V6 with 270 lb-ft of torque and the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The NISMO super-sizes these specs with 350 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque with a 6-speed manual transmission. All trims are rear-wheel drive.

Package options are the Sports Package that adds SyncroRevMatch, allowing extremely smooth downshifting by matching the throttle to the engine RPM (standard in the NISMO), and the Navigation package, which has a Nissan HD Navigation System and USB audio port.

Outside, the Z is sleek, sporty and modern – just what you expect from a high-end vehicle. All trims have a slightly different color palate, but most include the stunning Monterey Blue and the more sinister Gun Metallic (the NISMO sticks to mainly blacks and whites). Arrowhead-shaped head- and taillights add to its splendor. The Base comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, and the Touring has the option to upgrade to 19-inch with the Sports Package. The NISMO comes with specialty 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels manufactured by RAYS.

The interior, with its dial-heavy dash, isn’t quite as stylish and the outside; however, people that like sporty cars will appreciate all the goodies to look at. The seats are comfortable enough, and the Roadster and NISMO add zazz, but road noise is still a problem (all those horses under the hood don’t help).

But in the performance department, the car is extremely agile, just like the race vehicle it aspires to be. The Base trim has been clocked at 0-60 in 5.2 seconds – not quite Speed Racer, but still plenty quick. The manual transmission boasts 18 mpg city/26 highway, with 19/26 for the automatic.

All safety features come standard on all trims and include antilock brakes, stability control and side/front curtain airbags.

While the Z model has achieved nearly iconic status, its lack of refreshing leaves some wanting more; it just doesn’t feel as new as it should. There is speculation that Japan’s tragic earthquake and tsunami have stalled innovation and that a refresh will occur next model year.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2012 Nissan 370Z

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User rating:
by Gene V
Jul 18, 2024
I love performance vehicles. I owned an eailer nismo, and would like another. Jul 18, 2024
by Anonymous
Mar 03, 2022
It is a very fun car to drive in, especially for this price range. Would personally go for the manual with sports package ones.Mar 03, 2022
by Richard L
Dec 30, 2021
It is a real sports car its just because its not terrible charged or VA still a sports carDec 30, 2021

2012 Nissan 370Z Pricing

Original MSRP
$32,280 to $43,200
Price range
$15,652 to $18,218
Average price on CG
$16,205
YoY price change
$18,140 to $16,205

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brake width: 0.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: passenger side · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: in dash · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.69 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: manual leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 9.3GB · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 240 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brake width: 0.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: passenger side · Cargo cover: retractable · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in dash · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.69 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: manual leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brake width: .63 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: passenger side · Cargo cover: hard · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.36

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brake width: 0.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: passenger side · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in dash · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.69 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: manual leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: embroidered

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim type: aluminum alloy

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 9.3GB · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.8 · Rear brake width: 0.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: passenger side · Cargo cover: hard · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in dash · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4 · Power adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.69 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Alternator: 150 amps

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Headlights: manual leveling · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger

Seats

Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Kit: inflator kit

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (5)