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2004 Infiniti G35 Full Review
Date Published: 9/27/08
Also in the 2004 Infiniti G35 Review:
2004 Infiniti G35 Review
Introduction of an all-wheel-drive sedan highlights 2004 for Infiniti's sporty near-luxury car. G35's sedan and coupe share a V6 powertrain; the sedan has 260 hp, the coupe 280. Both carry base and Leather model designations and come with rear-wheel drive. Wearing a "G35X" badge, but officially the AWD Leather sedan, the new model has all-wheel drive with Snow Mode that allows the driver to lock in a 50/50 front/rear torque split. Rear-drive G35s are available with a 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. AWD comes only with the automatic. Standard on all are antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags; the coupe's curtain bags cover only the front seats. For '04, the base sedan joins other sedans with standard 17-inch wheels and gains heated outside mirrors. The Leather sedan includes such features as leather upholstery, sport-tuned suspension on cars equipped with manual transmission, and, for '04, heated front seats. Also new this year, manual-transmission sedans get a limited-slip differential. Leather sedans can be upgraded with wood interior trim, sunroof, and reclining rear seatbacks. The coupe's suspension is equivalent to the sedan's sport setup. Compared to automatic-transmission coupes, manual coupes have upgraded brakes and 18-inch wheels vs. 17s; the 18s are optional on automatics. Leather models are available with a navigation system and satellite radio. All but the base sedan have xenon headlamps. Also for '04, all G35s get a standard tire-pressure monitor.
News
Independent "tuner" companies and performance-parts suppliers have been winning friends and making money with G35s. Whether Infiniti itself will offer similar options remains to be seen. Company marketers may be crunching sales numbers for an all-wheel-drive coupe and a 2+2 convertible based on parent Nissan's 2-seat ragtop 350Z. We'll keep you posted.
Nissan recently confirmed that its high-performance Skyline GT-R will finally reach the U.S., and we think it could be badged as an Infiniti. The all-wheel-drive twin-turbo V6 coupe is a global performance icon and rally-racing star familiar to younger U.S. enthusiasts from popular video games. But don't hold your breath just yet. Word is that "our" GT-R won't arrive until early 2008.
Nissan recently confirmed that its high-performance Skyline GT-R will finally reach the U.S., and we think it could be badged as an Infiniti. The all-wheel-drive twin-turbo V6 coupe is a global performance icon and rally-racing star familiar to younger U.S. enthusiasts from popular video games. But don't hold your breath just yet. Word is that "our" GT-R won't arrive until early 2008.
2004 Infiniti G35 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Rear-seat entry/exit |
| Ride/handling | Fuel economy |
| Available AWD | Ride (coupe, sedan w/Sport Suspension) |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
With automatic transmission, stoplight racers may want more takeoff punch, but G35s are nonetheless satisfyingly fast. Test automatic-transmission Leather coupe and AWD Leather sedan both did 6.2 sec 0-60 mph; test manual coupe felt even faster. Eager V6 a good match for smooth, rapid-shifting automatic, feels even more alert with short-throw, precision-feel manual transmission.
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto. | AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.4 |
With automatic transmission, stoplight racers may want more takeoff punch, but G35s are nonetheless satisfyingly fast. Test automatic-transmission Leather coupe and AWD Leather sedan both did 6.2 sec 0-60 mph; test manual coupe felt even faster. Eager V6 a good match for smooth, rapid-shifting automatic, feels even more alert with short-throw, precision-feel manual transmission.
Fuel Economy
Test rear-drive sedans with automatic transmission averaged 17.9 mpg. Test AWD sedans averaged 15.8-17.3. Test manual Leather coupe averaged 17.0. Infiniti recommends premium-grade fuel for all G35s.
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto. | AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Test rear-drive sedans with automatic transmission averaged 17.9 mpg. Test AWD sedans averaged 15.8-17.3. Test manual Leather coupe averaged 17.0. Infiniti recommends premium-grade fuel for all G35s.
Ride Quality
Taut, stable, helped by long wheelbase, solid structure. Unwanted body motions well-checked, but large bumps occasionally pound through, especially in Sport Suspension sedans and 18-inch-wheel coupes.
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto. | AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 7 |
Taut, stable, helped by long wheelbase, solid structure. Unwanted body motions well-checked, but large bumps occasionally pound through, especially in Sport Suspension sedans and 18-inch-wheel coupes.
Steering/Handling/Braking
All G35s grippy, agile--a close match for targeted BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class--though European rivals have edge in high-speed stability, steering feedback. On bumpy surfaces, coupes with 18-inch wheels can be tossed slightly off course as low-profile tires fail to absorb shocks. Strong brakes.
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto. | AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6.8 |
All G35s grippy, agile--a close match for targeted BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class--though European rivals have edge in high-speed stability, steering feedback. 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
Lusty engine 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.
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto. | AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 6.7 |
Lusty engine 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
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. Unorthodox power-seat controls mount beside console, susceptible to spills from nearby cupholders. Navigation screen rises from dashtop; system thankfully does not incorporate audio or climate functions. Assembly quality and most interior materials on target for the class, but higher number of plastic trim pieces separate it from Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes.
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto. | AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
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. Unorthodox power-seat controls mount beside console, susceptible to spills from nearby cupholders. Navigation screen rises from dashtop; system thankfully does not incorporate audio or climate functions. Assembly quality and most interior materials on target for the class, but higher number of plastic trim pieces separate it from Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good room in sedans, but some testers say cushions too firm for long drives. Coupe has special driver seat with softer cushion, though its 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.
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto. | AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7.2 |
Good room in sedans, but some testers say cushions too firm for long drives. Coupe has special driver seat with softer cushion, though its 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)
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.
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto. | AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 5.6 |
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
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.
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto. | AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
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
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, space--and now all-wheel drive--the G35 is a credible and less-expensive alternative to rival models from those automakers.
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto. | AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 5.8 |
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, space--and now all-wheel drive--the G35 is a credible and less-expensive alternative to rival models from those automakers.
Total Score
| Base sdn | Leather sdn w/Sport Susp., nav. sys., auto. | AWD Leather sdn w/Prem. Pkg. | Leather cpe, man. | Class Average |
| 65 | 62 | 66 | 48 | 60.8 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 60 | |
| High Score | 71 |
2004 Infiniti G35 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/27/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
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| RWD Base 4-door sedan, automatic | $27,950 | $25,607 | $590 |
|
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| RWD Leather 4-door sedan, automatic | $30,100 | $27,263 | $590 |
|
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| AWD Leather 4-door sedan, automatic | $31,900 | $28,887 | $590 |
|
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| RWD Leather 4-door sedan, manual | $29,850 | $27,037 | $590 |
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| RWD Base 2-door coupe, automatic | $29,250 | $26,794 | $590 |
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| RWD Leather 2-door coupe, automatic | $31,550 | $28,571 | $590 |
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| RWD Leather 2-door coupe, manual | $32,450 | $29,384 | $590 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base sedan
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 260-horsepower engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, trunk pass-through, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, analog clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, compass, visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, remote decklid release, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 215/55VR17 tires, alloy wheels.
Leather sedan adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, steering-wheel radio controls, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Leather sedan w/manual transmission adds to Leather sedan:
Powertrain
6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 215/55WR17 tires.
Base coupe adds to Base sedan:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 280-horsepower engine.
Safety
Front curtain side airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
6-way power driver seat, 2-way power passenger seat, folding rear seat, heated power mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: rear curtain side airbags, trunk pass-through.
Xenon headlights, sport suspension, 225/50VR17 front tires, 235/50VR17 rear tires.
Leather coupe adds to Base coupe:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, illuminated visor mirrors.
Leather coupe w/manual transmission adds to Leather coupe:
Powertrain
6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Upgraded brakes.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/45WR18 front tires, 245/45WR18 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
Leather coupe
|
$2,250
|
$1,939
|
|
Power sunroof, driver-seat memory, dual-zone climate controls, Bose sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener. NA Base coupe.
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|
Sport Tuned Suspension Pkg.
|
||
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2WD Leather sedan
|
$425
|
$366
|
|
Additional titanium-tinted interior trim, sport suspension, 215/55WR17 tires.
|
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Performance Tire and Wheel Pkg.
|
||
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Coupe automatic
|
$900
|
$776
|
|
Additional titanium-tinted interior trim, limited-slip differential, 225/45WR18 front tires, 245/45WR18 rear tires, titanium-tinted alloy wheels. NA Base coupe.
|
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Aero Pkg.
|
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Leather coupe, Leather coupe w/manual transmission, Leather sedan, Leather sedan w/manual transmission
|
$550
|
$471
|
|
Rear spoiler, underbody aerodynamic side fairings. Leather sedan requires power sunroof. Leather coupe requires Sport Tuned Suspension Pkg. NA Base.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Navigation system
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Leather coupe, Leather coupe w/manual transmission, Leather sedan, Leather sedan w/manual transmission
|
$2,000
|
$1,805
|
|
Includes trip computer. Requires Premium Pkg. NA Base.
|
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Power sunroof
|
||
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Leather coupe, Leather coupe w/manual transmission, Leather sedan, Leather sedan w/manual transmission
|
$1,000
|
$862
|
|
NA Base.
|
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Bose sound system
|
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Leather coupe, Leather coupe w/manual transmission, Leather sedan, Leather sedan w/manual transmission
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$900
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$776
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NA Base.
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Satellite radio
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Leather coupe, Leather coupe w/manual transmission, Leather sedan, Leather sedan w/manual transmission
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$400
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$345
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Requires monthly fee. NA Base.
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Wood Pkg.
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Leather sedan automatic
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$250
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$216
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Wood interior trim, wood/leather shift knob. Requires Premium Pkg. NA w/Sport Tuned Suspension Pkg.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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215/55VR17 all-season tires
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2WD sedan
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$0
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$0
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Requires Sport Suspension Pkg. NA Base. Std. AWD.
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Chrome alloy wheels
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2WD Leather sedan
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$1,600
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$1,138
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2004 Infiniti G35 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Infiniti G35 2-door coupe | Infiniti G35 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.2 | 112.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 182.2 | 186.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.5 | 69.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.8 | 57.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3416 | 3336 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 7.8 | 14.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | 20.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.2 | 40.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.8 | 43.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 34.7 | 37.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 31.4 | 36.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /214 | 3.5 /214 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 260 @ 6000 | 280 @ 6200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 260 @ 4800 | 270 @ 4800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 6-speed manual | 20/27 | 20/27 |
| 5-speed automatic | 18/26 | 19/26 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Infiniti G35 2-door coupe | Infiniti G35 4-door sedan |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 6/70,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/60,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 7/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2004 Infiniti G35 Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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