2003 Infiniti G35: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Availability of manual transmission for the sedan version of the G35 is a midyear change for Infiniti's newest near-luxury car. G35's sedan and coupe share a rear-wheel-drive platform and V6 powertrain. The sedan is sportier than Infiniti's front-wheel-drive I35. The coupe essentially stretches Nissan's 350Z 2-seat sports car to add a small rear seat, different styling, and more luxury. It has less power than the Z but more than the G35 sedan. Both G35 body styles offer a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate or a 6-speed manual; the manual was a coupe exclusive. Standard are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags; the coupe's curtain bags cover only the front-seat area.

Both sedan and coupe carry Base and Leather model designations. The Base sedan has fabric upholstery, 16-inch wheels, automatic transmission, and no available options. The Leather sedan is available with either transmission and adds leather upholstery, 17-inch wheels, and other features. It can be upgraded with wood interior trim, sunroof, reclining rear seatbacks, and a firmer Sport Tuned Suspension. The Coupe's suspension is equivalent to the sedan's sport setup. Manual-transmission coupes have upgraded brakes and 18-inch wheels vs. 17s; the 18s are optional on automatic coupes. Leather models are available with a navigation system and satellite radio. All but the Base sedan have xenon headlamps.

COMPETITION

This hotly contested segment has its benchmark in the Lexus ES 300. It blends comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 manages to offer a little more luxury than others in the class.

We Recommend the Acura TL, Audi A4, and new Infiniti G35. All offer comfort, speed, and nimble handling at attractive prices. The sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series is Recommended as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.