Overview:
This week I revisited Infiniti and the I35 luxury sedan. Sometimes I think I’m going through Auto Menopause with all the cars I drive. I don’t have hot flashes but “Mood Swings” are wild.
Consider the lineup over the past several weeks: Infiniti QX4 SUV with smart cruise control, Saab 9-3 Viggen, Cadillac DTS with Night Vision and XM Radio, Saturn Vue SUV, Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas elegant and poised, Corvette Z06 knock your socks off rocket, Infiniti Q45 super quiet luxury, Porsche Boxster S sophisticated vehicle that will take you to the moon.
It’s a tough job but someone has to do it.
Anyway, the mood was ok in this I35 but I got to tell you that Porshe Boxster S made me fall in love all over again. But then, it’s a two seater and nowhere for the kids and other pets. The guys will wonder if mom will take a practical station wagon for the second car and the gals will say I’ll get the Jaguar for me and dad can have a Saturn.
We’ll settle the argument and buy two Infiniti I35’s for the price of the Boxster S. – one for mom and the other for dad.
Infiniti has a delightful lineup in my opinion. The Q45 is super luxury and the QX4 fills the SUV slot. But if you don’t care to spend that much this I35 is a great family sedan. I liked it a lot. But when I want to get my heart started, the Corvette and Porsche are great pacemakers.
General Info:
Parts – Japan
Assembly – Japan
Class: – Midsize Luxury Sedan
Cars: – G35, I35, Q45, QX4
Handling & Performance:
Very stable with power to spare and respectable gas mileage for a luxury sedan that handles so well.
Styling:
All three Infiniti sedans are slight notches apart and although conservatively styled they are pleasing to the eye.
Fit and Finish:
Typically good Japanese quality.
Conveniences:
Loaded with standard equipment.
Cost:
Priced well considering the quality overlap you get from the likes of Q45 and QX4. However, you can bump up the price significantly if you opt for the navigation system, sunroof, sport package and cold weather features. Those additions increase the price to $35,000 or roughly $6,000 more.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you like what Nissan produces, you have a selection of price and functionality for today’s life styles. All the Infiniti products are super in my opinion. I only have two thumbs and both are up.
However, the competition noted here is awesome and the most impressive I’ve seen in a long time. You have so much to choose from. I’d have a tough time deciding because I love ‘em all. They are so close in price and standard features I have listed them in order of my personal preference. I haven’t tested the Lexus IS300.
Manufacturer Recommendations:
Not enough difference in the “I35” and 2003 G35 models. I haven’t tested the G35 but I doubt both are needed in the lineup.
The Competition:
(4) Infiniti I35 $28,750, (9) Acura TL $29-33,000, (8) Audi A4 $25-33,000, (5) BMW 3 Series $27-42,000, (10) Jaguar X Type $30-36,000, (2) Lexus ES 300 $31,505, () Lexus IS 300 $29-31,000, (13) Lincoln LS $33-41,000, (12) Mazda Millenia $28-32,000, (3) Mercedes Benz C-class $25-50,000, (6) Mitsubishi Diamante $26-28,000, (7) Oldsmobile Aurora $32-35,000, (11) Saab 9-3 $28-45,000, (1) Volvo S60 $27-34,000.
Good News:
Lots of stuff to choose from, this I35 is not a standout but it is a strong competitor.
Bad News:
…becomes good news when you can\’t think of any bad.
Standard Equipment:
3.5 liter 255 horsepower V6, 4-speed automatic trans, engine speed sensitive power steering, front strut and front and rear stabilizer bars, ABS disc brakes, traction control, power mirrors, auto headlights, fog lights, leather, power front seats, memory settings with auto entry/exit, trip computer, climate control, audio system with cassette and 6 in-dash CD player, cruise control, steering wheel controls, power windows and door locks, Homelink transceiver, front and side impact air bags, child safety rear locks and anchors, security system with Immobilizer and remote keyless entry.
Gas Stats:
20 City and 26 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $28,750.
