Nissan 350Z: Affordable, Exciting Roadster

Gasoline prices are soaring and Americans are suddenly obsessed with trading down to small, fuel-efficient cars. But, hey, you still have to have some fun in life, and with summer upon us it's hard not to think about splurging on a sporty, two-seat convertible. In that category, the 2008 350Z ragtop Roadster from Nissan (NSANY) offers better bang for the buck than just about any other model.

Much of the buzz about the 350Z lately has centered on the new track-ready Nismo version of the hardtop 350Z Coupe, as well as the all-new and more powerful 370Z that's planned as a 2010 model. But it would be a shame if the 350Z Roadster gets overlooked in all the hullabaloo. I recently did my first test drive of the sporty little Nissan, and it's a marvelous vehicle, especially if you get to drive it during a string of gloriously sunny summer days, as I did.