2012 Nissan 370Z Total Car Score Analysis

The 2012 Nissan 370Z earns a below-average Total Car Score in the Sport Coupes & Convertibles segment. 
 
Not surprisingly, it’s the 370Z’s pulse-quickening performance that earned the admiration of most reviewers. Along with the abundant acceleration provided by the 3.7-liter V6 engine, the firm suspension and strong brakes create a driving experience that’s the equal of much more expensive models. 
 
The 370Z does have a few faults, however, including a noisy passenger cabin with significant blind spots. The firm suspension that delivers such appealing handling can also make for a rough ride. Some reviewers also noted the V6 felt somewhat unrefined when pushed to the upper end of its rev limit.  
 
With this sixth-generation Z car debuting three years ago, a refreshed version should arrive next year with a full redesign coming along two to three years after that. As for the 2012 Nissan 370Z, it returns essentially unchanged.

2012 Nissan 370Z Model Line-Up

The 2012 Nissan 370Z is available in coupe and convertible ( “Roadster” in Nissan-speak) body styles. Both can be had in base and Touring trim levels, while the coupe is also offered in a high-performance 370Z Nismo model (covered separately).  
 
Under the hood, base and Touring trim levels get a 3.7-liter V6 that puts out 332 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a seven-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles offered as an option. Both transmission can be had with a rev-matching feature that automatically blips the throttle to make for smoother downshifts. 
 
Standard equipment includes automatic xenon headlights, keyless entry/ignition, automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels and a four-speaker CD stereo. Touring models add leather upholstery with faux suede inserts, heated power-adjustable seats (heated and ventilated in Roadster models), an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a premium Bose audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer, satellite radio and eight speakers. Roadster models also come with a power-operated soft top.  
 
Options include a Sport package that adds larger (19-inch) wheels and brakes, a limited-slip differential, the rev-match feature on cars with a manual transmission and spoilers, front and rear. Touring models are also available with a voice-controlled touchscreen navigation system with real-time traffic and weather info, Bluetooth audio streaming and a rearview camera.  
 
EPA fuel economy numbers for the 2012 Nissan 370Z coupe are 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 19/26/22 with the automatic. EPA estimates for the Roadster drop just a tad to 18/25/20 with the manual and 18/25/21 mpg with the automatic.

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