2003 Infiniti G35: Road Test
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2003 Infiniti G35 ▼
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- MSRP: $27,800 -$32,200
- Invoice: $25,470 -$29,157
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Our road test for the 2003 Infiniti G35 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Infiniti G35 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Infiniti G35, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Infiniti G35 help you decide if a 2003 Infiniti G35 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Suspension, auto. | Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg., nav. sys., auto. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.5 |
With automatic transmission, stoplight racers may want more takeoff punch, but G35s are quick otherwise. Test automatic-transmission Leather coupe did 6.2 sec 0-60 mph, test manual coupe felt even faster. Eager V6 a good match for smooth, rapid-shifting automatic, whose manual-gear-change mode gives extra measure of driver control. Feels even more alert with short-throw, precision-feel manual transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Suspension, auto. | Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg., nav. sys., auto. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Test Leather sedan with Sport Tuned Suspension, Aero package, and automatic transmission averaged 17.9 mpg. Test manual Leather coupe averaged 17.0. Infiniti recommends premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Suspension, auto. | Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg., nav. sys., auto. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 7.1 |
Taut, stable, helped by long wheelbase, solid structure. Unwanted body motions well checked, but large bumps occasionally pound through, especially in Sport Tuned Suspension sedans and 18-inch-wheel coupes.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Suspension, auto. | Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg., nav. sys., auto. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6.7 |
All G35s grippy, agile--a close match for targeted BMW 3-Series and Mercedes' C-Class. Exception is in high-speed stability and steering feedback. And on bumpy surfaces, coupes with 18-inch wheels can be tossed slightly off course as low-profile tires fail to absorb shocks. Strong brakes.
QUIETNESS
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Suspension, auto. | Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg., nav. sys., auto. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 6.8 |
Engine has lusty note in rapid acceleration, a background baritone at cruise. Road noise evident on coarse surfaces, pronounced with 17-inch tires, intrusive with 18s. Wind noise moderate, though lower in sedans.
CONTROLS
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Suspension, auto. | Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg., nav. sys., auto. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Sedans, coupes share generally well-designed cabin. Main gauge cluster moves to match steering-wheel tilt, though wheel obscures power-mirror controls. Climate-system readouts display at top of dashboard, remote from climate buttons--a minus to some testers. Power-seat controls mount beside console, susceptible to spills from nearby cupholders and awkward to use for some testers. Navigation system happily does not incorporate audio or climate functions, and screen rises from dashtop. Assembly quality and most interior materials on target for this class, but a few rough-edged trim pieces separate this Infiniti from Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz rivals.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Suspension, auto. | Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg., nav. sys., auto. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7.2 |
Good room in sedans, but firm cushions can annoy on long drives. Coupe has special driver seat with softer cushion, better long-distance comfort, though more-prominent side bolsters interfere with arm movement when shifting manual transmission. Coupe with sunroof snug for 6-footers, and seatbelts require annoying stretch to reach. G35 steering wheel doesn't telescope, as in many rivals. Visibility good in sedans, very confined aft in coupes.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Suspension, auto. | Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg., nav. sys., auto. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 5.5 |
Sedans have above-average head, leg room on firm, well-contoured bench, but limited width and a driveline hump thwart uncrowded 3-abreast travel. Sedan Premium package includes manually adjusting backrest recline, a feature not all testers find useful. Coupe sized for two small adults, with difficult entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Suspension, auto. | Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg., nav. sys., auto. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3.9 |
Sedan's trunk large for the class. Lid hinges don't intrude, but opening won't swallow larger objects. Standard center ski pass-through, but no folding seatbacks. Coupe seatback folds, but opening to trunk limited. Good interior storage space.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Suspension, auto. | Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg., nav. sys., auto. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 5.7 |
Infiniti isn't as prestigious a brand as BMW, Lexus, or Mercedes, and doesn't quite match them or Audi for refinement, detail finish, and materials. But in performance, style, and space, the G35 is a credible and less-expensive alternative to rival models from those automakers.
Total Score
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Suspension, auto. | Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg., nav. sys., auto. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 62 | 66 | 48 | 60.5 |
Total Score: 60
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