Overview:
I have to tell you I do like this Infiniti G 35 passenger sedan – 90%. It is a little sportier than the I 35 that I tested last week. They are about the same money. It was introduced in 2002 and is an indication of how aggressive the new Nissan management is.
The G 35 is not as roomy as the I 35 but you don’t really notice the difference all that much. If I didn’t like sporty cars it would be a toss up between the two. The I 35 is more sedate and a good all around family car. But I believe younger drivers will like the look and feel of the G 35 much better. And the real sports car enthusiast will go for the Coupe.
The G 35 reminds me of the Cadillac CTS, but on a slightly smaller scale even though it is actually bigger than the CTS by 14 cu. ft. As to preference, some people will always opt for American made while others will go for the foreign perceived quality differential.
Me? I’d pop for the Cad in a heartbeat at about the same money. It is beefier and much more classy looking inside and out, albeit the CTS has that Darth Vader look.
General Info:
Parts – Japan
Assembly – Tochigi, Japan
Class: – Compact Sedan
Cars: – FX45, G35, I35, M45, Q45, QX4
Handling & Performance:
This is a spunky little car and 40 more horsepower than the CTS. But I did feel the brakes and transmission are too touchy. A little jerky on the starts and stops.
Styling:
As I said, I like the styling very much. I think it is “Today” and this will be a good seller for Infiniti.
Fit and Finish:
Japanese is always first cabin in workmanship.
Conveniences:
Today’s cars come from the land of plenty. Electronics are so cheep these days that you get all you need and the price is right. The list below is lavish.
Cost:
Priced well, but then the competition is tough in this category.
Consumer Recommendation:
All are nice cars, but my picks have to be the Volvo S60 and the Cad CTS.
The Competition:
Infiniti G 35 Sedan $27-32,000, Acura TL $29-33,000, Audi A4 $25-42,000, BMW 3 Series $28-43,000, Cadillac CTS $29,650, Jaguar X-Type $29-36,000, Lexus IS 300 $29-31,000, Mercedes Benz C-Class $25-50,000, Saab 9-3 $25-40,000, Volvo S60 $26-33,000.
Good News:
Sporty handling, fast, comfortable, fair gas mileage, Japanese quality fit and finish.
Bad News:
Sensitive brakes and jerky engine-trans combo and small side rear view mirrors.
Standard Equipment:
3.5 liter 260 horsepower V6 engine, continuous variable valve timing control, 5-speed auto trans, speed sensitive power steering, 4 wheel power ABS disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution, traction control, cruise control, dual power outside mirrors, 120 watt audio system with cassette and in dash 6-CD auto changer with steering wheel controls, leather, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power windows, climate control, dual front and side air bags, child safety anchors & latch system, remote keyless entry, power door locks, alloy wheels and theft deterrent system.
Gas Stats:
19 City and 26 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $28,950.
