2002 Infiniti I35 Review

Things are getting far more competitive in the 2002 near-luxury market, so Nissan's upscale Infiniti division has rolled out a much-improved version of its top-selling mid-size I35 sedan -- with a lower price. As always, the new front-drive "I" model is based on the Nissan Maxima, also revamped for 2002. Compared to its I30 predecessor, the I35 has different front/rear styling and a larger new 3.5-liter V-6. With 255 horsepower, it's the most powerful standard engine in its class. The I35 grille resembles the one on the flagship Q45 model. The modified interior looks even more upscale; it's swathed in soft-to-the-touch leather and has nicely simulated wood accents. There also are improved brakes and a revised suspension with larger (17-inch) alloy tires for better ride and handling.

The $28,750 I35 comes only as the Luxury model, which replaces the two I30 models: a standard $29,715 model and a sportier $31,790 I30t model with a sport suspension. While the I30t is gone, you can order the I35 with a $1,700 Sport Package. It contains a firmer sport suspension, skid-control system, wider tires, leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob and side sills for a racier look. But there's a rub: You can't get the Sport Package without ordering the $1,380 sunroof and power rear-window sunshade package -- although a sunroof is popular for many cars. Side sills are $500 extra and you can get a $500 rear spoiler if you order the Sport Package. The navigation system is $2,000.

Don't want to fool with a minispare tire if there's a flat? Then order the $180 full-size spare. But, oops, you can't get that spare without ordering the sunroof/sunshade package. The I35 has quick steering with decent road feel, but feels a little stiff with the Sport Package. The ride is smooth even with that package, and stopping distances are short despite a rather soft pedal. The all-disc brake system has anti-lock and brake-assist features for surer emergency stops. The I30 was well-equipped, but the I35 has more standard equipment. Such items include traction control and powerful Xenon headlights.

It all makes you wonder how Infiniti manages to put the base price of the I35 at about $1,000 less than the standard I30, which had a 3-liter V-6 with 227 horsepower and less torque. However, with thoroughly revamped 2002 near-luxury rivals such as the Lexus ES 300, Infiniti had to go an extra mile to make its latest "I" model more attractive. While the I30 was quick, the I35 is appreciably faster (0-60 mph in 7 seconds) and more responsive at all speeds. The sweet dual-overhead-camshaft, 24-valve V-6 makes the I35 a relaxed highway cruiser. It works with a strengthened four-speed automatic transmission, which has an easily used manual shift feature. But the transmission is so responsive that it's best just left in "drive" most of the time.

Fuel economy isn't bad for a fast, 3,342-pound sedan: an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. All doors are large and open wide, and the chromed door sills are a nice upscale touch. The church-quiet interior provides good room for four tall adults and has a Bose 200-watt, 7-speaker premium audio system with in-dash 6-disc CD player, cassette, steering wheel controls and speed-sensitive audio volume control. The large, reshaped power front bucket seats provide especially good side support and the back seat is very roomy. Front cupholders are strategically placed on the console to avoid spills, but the console storage bin doesn't hold much.

The back of the console contains hefty pull-out cupholders for rear occupants, but rear windows don't roll all the way down. The big windshield allows excellent forward visibility, and the nicely designed dashboard contains easily read gauges and even has a nicely revised Infiniti signature analog clock. Safety items include dual front seat side-impact supplemental air bags and an emergency inside trunk release. The large trunk has a low, wide opening. Rear seatbacks flip forward to allow more cargo space, although the pass-through area between the trunk and rear seat is only moderately large. The trunk lid has manual hinges that eat into cargo space, but the hood has hydraulic struts that don't require an old-fashioned prop rod. The I35 should do well because it offers considerably more for less money, and everyone loves a bargain.

2002 INFINITI I35

Price
$28,750
Likes
Slicker styling. Larger engine. Fast. Comfortable. More equipment. Competitive pricing.
Dislikes
Rather stiff steering feel with Sport Package. Rear windows don't lower all the way. No full-size spare tire without ordering a sunroof.
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Compared with its I30 predecessor, the I35 has different front/rear styling and a larger new 3.5-liter V-6. With 255 horsepower, it's the most powerful standard engine in its class.