2003 Infiniti G35 Review

The smokin' fast Infiniti G35 is one of few cars that matches or tops European sports sedans. That's an impressive feat because this is Infiniti's first genuine sports sedan. The early 2003 G35 is from Nissan's upscale division. It has a rear-drive platform for more balanced handling, like a BMW sports sedan, and a V-6 set way back in a new-generation platform designed for mounting an engine behind the front axle for even better handling and a low, aggressive-looking hoodline. Infiniti will use the same basic platform for its upcoming splashy 350Z sports car, FX45 V-8 sport-utility vehicle and the higher-powered coupe version of the G35.

Not that the G35 sedan lacks power. Its smooth 260-horsepower V-6 feels like a strong V-8, whisking this fairly large car to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and providing fast highway passes while loafing at 2,800 rpm at 75 mph. Estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg in the city, 26 on highways. A big 20-gallon fuel tank allows a long cruising range. The advanced aluminum 3.5-liter engine works with a five-speed automatic transmission that upshifts seamlessly and downshifts quickly. It has a manual shift feature, but Infiniti promises that the car eventually also will offer a six-speed manual gearbox.

Car buff magazines have fallen in love with the G35. Road & Track says in the July issue that its tests showed the G35 took the No. 1 spot by beating out sports sedans from BMW, Mercedes, Acura, Audi, Cadillac, Jaguar, Lexus, Lincoln, Saab and Volvo in the approximately $28,000-$40,000 range. That's an amazing triumph for a brand new model. Car and Driver said in a recent issue that the G35 would have "outrun'' the current crop of mid-size sports sedans it tested if the G35 had been available, besides having the lowest base price. The G35 seems as if it should cost $10,000 more than it does.

The base $27,100 G35 has so much equipment that listing it could put you to sleep. The $28,950 "Leather'' model adds such things as leather upholstery, steering wheel radio controls and slightly larger (17-inch) wheels. There are no options for the base model. The few options for the Leather model include a Premium package with reclining rear seats. There's also a Sport-Tuned Suspension package with titanium-finished interior trim and a sport suspension that enhances handling but might cause the ride to be a bit too firm for some folks. Safety items for both G35 models include side front air bags and side curtain airbags. Also standard are anti-lock brakes and an anti-skid control system.

Steering is quick, and the car clings tenaciously to the road when driven hard. Stopping distances are short, but the brakes are overly sensitive at low speeds and thus might cause some beverages to be spilled. There's no such problem at higher speeds. The ride is smooth, helped by a long 112.2-inch wheelbase. The original flagship Infiniti Q45 was hurt by poor advertising. But the G35 has unusually creative advertising. Slick print advertisements and television commercials show stunning futuristic cars in 1950s settings and ask "Where are the cars with shapes we'd seen only in our dreams--the cars we were promised?'' "Dream cars'' were all the rage in the 1950s. They had fantastic styling and promised computers, video screens and shapes so aerodynamic that they were "invisible to the wind.''

Indeed, the G35 has those items and looks like people in the 1950s would have expected a 2003 car to look. And it's almost invisible to the wind with a very low .27 coefficient of drag (or .26 with the optional rear spoiler). While the G35's advanced electronics are mentioned in those advertisements, Infiniti doesn't say the car's sound system controls are difficult to figure out. The posh interior has high-quality materials and supportive front seats. Most controls are nicely placed, but many first-time G35 drivers won't be able to quickly find the control for the power outside mirrors because it's hidden by the steering wheel. Also, power seat controls are oddly placed near the console, where they can be flooded with spilled beverages.

Gauges are easy to read, and the main instrument housing conveniently moves up and down with the tilt steering column. Large console cupholders have a cover to allow a flat console top when they're not in use. The optional DVD-based navigation system includes a 6.5-inch retractable screen. There's exceptional room for four tall adults, but the rear-drive system's high, wide center driveline hump makes it inconvenient for anyone but a child to occupy the middle of the back seat. Other interior drawbacks are a tiny glove compartment. And front door storage pockets don't hold much. There's a large rear armrest with pull-out cupholders that should be more substantial.

The trunk has a low, wide opening and can swallow lots of cargo. The lid's four-link hinge design doesn't eat into cargo space, and the lid moves up well out of the way so heads don't get bonked. The fuel tank is put in front of the rear wheels to enhance cargo capacity. The G35 is an outright winner. For sure, it would have satisfied those lovers of 1950s "futuristic dream cars.''

2002 INFINITI G35

Prices
$27,100-$28,950
Likes
Genuine bargain. Zoomy styling. Killer engine. Roomy. Sharp handling. Posh interior. Very well equipped.
Dislikes
Touchy brake pedal at low speeds. Tiny glove compartment. Confusing sound system controls. Oddly placed secondary controls.