“This is the first major overhaul of the Z car since 2003, and Nissan has moved all the needles in the right directions.” — Los Angeles Times. The 2009 Nissan 370Z ranks 5 out of 8 Affordable Sports Cars. The ranking is done by Auto Press based on reviews, test drives and analysis of reliability, performance and safety data.

The 370Z is a fast-paced sports coupe that offers a lot of power, prowess, style, and quality for an affordable price. The Z coupe is the newest addition to Nissan’s long line of Z sports cars. New for 2009, the Nissan 370Z replaces last year’s 350Z coupe, and is reportedly a faster, more capable sports performer with incredibly good looks and a quality-built interior cabin.

“Overall, the 2009 Nissan 370Z offers up a more compact and muscular, yet organic and sophisticated look than its predecessor,” writes Motor Trend. “Where the 350Z appeared to be a long-legged GT cruiser, the 2009 Nissan 370Z returns to its 240Z roots but adds just enough muscle and aggression to give the look of a proper race track brawler.”

CNET puts, “It would cost about 10 grand more for the BMW 135i, a car with some similar performance aspects to the 370Z. For about the same money as the 370Z, you could get a Honda S2000, but that roadster lacks any decent cabin tech.” Even so, the 370Z is not perfect. Initial test drives reveal so-so fuel economy and coarse engine performance as the Z coupe nears redline. But, considering everything that it offers, critics seem more than willing to overlook these flaws. By and large, reviewers find the new Z is an incredible sports car — especially for its affordable sticker price.

The ’09 370Z is offered in two trims: the base and Touring. Though the 350Z roadster continues into the 2009 model year, a convertible 370Z is expected to hit the market in 2010. “The Z might very well be the performance value of 2009, but as a daily driver it doesn’t stack up: It simply requires too many compromises that its four-seat competitors don’t demand. If you don’t need the practicality, consider the 370Z and enjoy it for all it is. The rest of us will have to find something that’s a bit more justifiable on a day-to-day basis.” — Cars.com

Test drivers are clear in their praise for the new Z coupe, which out performs the old 350Z in virtually every way. “Once you press the throttle pedal, it’s immediately clear that the 370Z is a different animal than the 350Z,” writes Road and Track. “Amidst the familiar hum of the VQ, the new Z leaves the line with more vigor. The hearty low-end punch is still there, but the 370Z keeps accelerating robustly, pulling strongly all the way to its 7500-rpm redline.”

The 370Z is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 332-horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Standard on all trim levels is Nissan’s Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), which optimizes engine performance and fuel economy by gauging intake flow and rpm and adjusting valve breathe accordingly.  Available transmissions include a SynchroRev Match six-speed manual and a Downshift Rev Matching seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters.