Does Nissan Make A Convertible

Did you know that the rarest modern Nissan on the road today isn’t a supercar, but an SUV with its roof chopped off? While most manufacturers play it safe with sedans, Nissan once gambled on a vehicle so polarizing it became an instant cult classic. If you’re scanning the current 2024 or 2025 lineup for a factory-fresh drop-top, you’ll find a surprising void where the wind-in-your-hair experience used to live. Buyers often assume every major brand keeps a convertible in their pocket, yet the reality in Nissan showrooms is currently quite different.

Current Status of Nissan Convertibles

Nissan does not currently sell a new convertible model as of the 2024–2025 model year. The company’s last production convertible, the 370Z Roadster, ended its run in 2019. Buyers looking for an open-top Nissan must look at used models like the 370Z, 350Z, or the Murano CrossCabriolet.

This lack of a current option often baffles enthusiasts who remember the brand’s sporty history. But the shifting market towards rigid-chassis crossovers has pushed niche open-air models to the sidelines. When I tested a late-model 370Z back in 2019, the sales manager at the dealership mentioned that they were only moving one roadster for every ten coupes. That math didn’t make sense for long-term production.

The Legacy of the 370Z Roadster

The 370Z Roadster remains the most recent true sports convertible from Nissan, featuring a power-folding soft top and a 332-horsepower V6 engine. Produced between 2009 and 2019, it provided a rear-wheel-drive experience that prioritized mechanical connection over digital intrusion. It is the go-to choice for those seeking a reliable Japanese alternative to European roadsters.

Still, there’s a catch with these older Zs. Actually, let me rephrase that — it’s not a catch so much as a maintenance reality. The elastic straps in the folding mechanism tend to lose their tension over time (a common quirk known as the bungee fix in enthusiast forums). Only someone who has spent hours under that canvas would know the frustration of a top that stops halfway. Pure engineering audacity.

The Murano CrossCabriolet Experiment

Nissan’s Murano CrossCabriolet was the world’s first all-wheel-drive crossover convertible, sold from 2011 to 2014. It featured a unique two-door body style and a high-clearance chassis combined with a fully retractable cloth roof. Despite low sales initially, it has gained a following for being one of the few vehicles to offer SUV utility with an open-air cabin.

Unexpectedly: this oddball vehicle has developed a massive secondary market following. I’ve seen these sell at auctions for nearly 70% of their original price a decade later. It turns out that being the only game in town for a specific niche — the convertible SUV lover — creates a price floor that defies typical depreciation. Like this.

Why the Nissan Z Coupe Stands Alone

Transitioning the new twin-turbo Z (RZ34) into a convertible would require massive structural reinforcement that the factory wasn’t ready to fund. Adding a folding mechanism often adds 250 pounds of weight, which can dull the sharp handling dynamics buyers expect. So, the current generation remains a fixed-roof coupe only.

That said, the engineering cost of a low-volume roadster is huge. And with the industry pivoting toward electric power, pouring money into a gasoline-powered convertible chassis seemed like a step backward for the corporate strategy. I remember a specific afternoon in Florida when a sudden downpour turned a friend’s convertible 350Z into a localized swimming pool because the motor lagged; it’s a messy reminder that open-air freedom comes with atmospheric risks.

Exploring the Overseas Micra C+C

While largely unknown in the States, the Micra C+C (Coupe+Convertible) was a hit in European and Asian markets. Built with a folding glass roof designed by Karmann, it offered a tiny, city-friendly footprint. It was a quirky, smiling little car that proved the brand could do more than just growling sports cars.

When I visited a local tuner shop in London a few years back, the owner pointed out a specific quirk of the Micra’s roof. The hydraulic fluid was prone to thickening in cold weather, slowing the transition significantly. It’s those specific details that make you realize how complex these small cars really are.

Comparing Used 350Z vs 370Z Roadsters

If you are hunting for a budget-friendly option, the 350Z Roadster (2004-2009) is the precursor to the 370Z and offers a rawer feel. It’s generally cheaper to find but comes with an interior that hasn’t aged quite as well. The 370Z feels much more refined, but the 350Z has that classic tuner soul.

A colleague once pointed out that the 350Z’s engine is often preferred by those looking to add superchargers. Yet, the 370Z’s technology provides much better throttle response without modifications. Deciding between them depends entirely on whether you value comfort or old-school grit.

The Secret Value of Aftermarket Conversions

What most overlook is that several specialist shops can perform T-top or full drop-top conversions on modern coupes. For a price that might exceed the value of the car, a custom shop might chop the roof off a Maxima. This means you are essentially building a one-of-one vehicle, but you lose the factory support.

Actually, few owners take this route due to the extreme costs involved. However, some enthusiasts have gone as far as importing Japanese Silvia convertibles. These Varietta models are exceptionally rare but offer a glimpse into a time when the manufacturer was willing to try anything.

Maintaining an Aging Nissan Soft Top

Maintaining an older convertible requires a specific set of skills, particularly regarding the rubber seals and motor health. Most owners forget to lubricate the weather stripping, leading to annoying whistles at highway speeds. Keeping a bottle of silicone lubricant in the trunk is a smart move.

Keep in mind that it’s not just the seals you need to worry about. The drain holes near the rear fenders of the Z roadsters often get clogged with leaves or grime. If you don’t clear them, water backs up and ruins the expensive electronics under the seats.

Future Electric Dreams for the Brand

Rumors have circulated about an all-electric convertible based on the Max-Out concept car. This sleek, futuristic design suggests that the company hasn’t totally abandoned the idea of open-air cars. An electric drivetrain would simplify many weight balance issues typically found in convertibles.

But we shouldn’t expect a 2026 release just yet. The focus remains on high-volume SUVs like the Rogue or the Ariya. Still, seeing a concept like the Max-Out indicates that the Fun Nissan identity is still alive in the design studio.

Resale Trends for Open-Air Nissans

Tracking the market for the CrossCabriolet reveals a fascinating trend: prices are climbing in coastal regions. In places like Florida, these vehicles are seen as perfect beach cruisers because they handle sand better than a low-slung roadster. Their rarity has turned them into a sought-after collectible.

So, if you spot one for a fair price, it might be a smarter investment than a standard sedan. Just make certain the roof mechanism has been serviced recently. A broken top can cost thousands to repair at a dealership.

Final Considerations for Buyers

Deciding to own a Nissan convertible means looking for a well-documented 370Z Roadster from the 2015-2018 era. These years represent the peak of the model’s refinement before the end of production. Make sure to watch the roof operate through several cycles before signing any paperwork.

Research the specific VIN on enthusiast forums to see if the car has a history of major repairs. Applying this level of diligence will save you money and make certain your summer drives aren’t spent in a repair shop. Go ahead and set up a saved search on your favorite car app today.