Used 2012 Nissan Z Roadster Convertible Coupe Review & Ratings

The Nissan Z line has been in production since the first vehicle, the 240Z, rolled off the lines in the 1970s. Over those decades there have been a number of models produced, with all gaining popularity among the sports coupe market. The Nissan 370Z is the latest in this long line of vehicles and was designed to replace the 350Z. It wasn't until 2010 when the convertible version, known as the Nissan Z Roadster, was introduced. With an already popular model of sports coupe on the market, the Nissan Z Roadster Convertible Coupe seemed the next logical step.

Like its hard-top sibling, the Nissan Z Roadster Convertible Coupe is popular among performance enthusiasts because it has the power and handling to back up the claims of being a sports coupe. The 3.7 liter 332 hp V6 engine is matched with a six speed manual transmission to give this convertible the power to tackle even the highest of demands. It grabs curves smoothly and handles like a pricy sports car on even the most courageous twists. Drivers that seek a thrill ride will find that the Z Roadster lives up to their high expectations.

While performance is top notch, style is also a high priority with the Nissan Z Roadster Convertible Coupe. It combines a host of upscale features with high quality materials to ensure that buyers get only the best luxury ride. The sexy and sleek style of the exterior is matched completely by the luxurious feel when inside the cabin. A driver-oriented front seating space offers easy access to controls and features. The only thing lacking in this luxury sports coupe is a backseat. Even the soft top was designed to be user-friendly with a power folding feature that will have drivers enjoying the air in around twenty seconds.

The only real difference between the Z Coupe and the Nissan Z Roadster Convertible Coupe is the soft top and the extra features that come with the Touring trim. It boasts the same high-end features as standard far and has a price low enough to make it competitive with a traditional luxury sedan. The performance could rival sports cars that are well out of the budget and with a quick folding convertible top taking those thrilling and exciting rides becomes even more inviting. The Roadster has been tested extensively and proven to go from 0 to 60 in only 5.5 seconds. It is acceleration and performance like that which makes it a top choice for enthusiasts.

Drivers will find a few flaws with the Nissan Z Roadster Convertible Coupe. The most noticeable is the lack of any backseat. Though many sports coupes do not have seating in the rear, many now are adding that option so that those with families can still enjoy the benefits of a sports coupe. Like the Z Coupe, the Roadster can get quite noisy. This sound could be elevated with the top down and might be bothersome to those who want a quiet ride. Road noise is often at a minimum, but with the top down that could increase as well. Drivers will find that with the top up there is a lack of visibility in the rear of the vehicle, and carrying much inside it will never happen. The cargo space is quite limited in the Roadster. The car handles and performs quite well, but there are a number of competitors with sports coupe convertible models that offer much of the same benefits and more for around the same price range.