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2006 Infiniti G35 Full Review
Date Published: 8/26/08
2006 Infiniti G35 Review
A keyless-entry/engine-start system and wireless cell phone link are newly available for Infiniti's entry-level cars for 2006. G35 comes as a rear-wheel-drive sedan and coupe or as the all-wheel-drive G35x sedan. All use a 3.5-liter V6. Rear-drive models have 298 hp when teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission, 280 hp with a 5-speed automatic; the automatic includes a manual shift gate. G35x comes only with the automatic and has 280 hp. Its AWD includes a Snow Mode for locking in a 50/50 front/rear power split. All G35s have ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags; the coupe's curtain side airbags cover front seats only. Also standard are leather upholstery, heated front seats, and bi-xenon headlights. Limited-slip differential and sport suspension are included with manual transmission, are optional for automatic transmission rear-drive models. Coupes with sport suspension now offer Infiniti's Rear Active Steer option, designed to improve handling by automatically steering the rear wheels slightly. A navigation system is optional.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buys include Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include Lexus GS, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

News
G35 sedans get a 2007 makeover on the same basic platform as the larger M35/M45 sedans. There's more muscle too, as the 3.5-liter V6 is also redesigned to produce at least 300 hp, according to Infiniti officials. The optional automatic transmission adds steering-wheel paddles for manual shifting. Other new features include standard keyless entry/ignition, steering-linked headlamps, and an available navigation system with real-time traffic alerts. Styling changes are cautiously evolutionary. The G35 coupe stands pat for now. All '07 Gs should be at dealers this November.
2006 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

Base sedan, auto. Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto. AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg. Base coupe, man. Class Average
7 7 7 8 6.7

Eager V6 satisfies at most any speed. Automatic transmission smooth, alert, but slightly dulls takeoff response; still, a brisk 6.0 sec or so 0-60 mph. Manual-transmission models a bit quicker, helped by precise, short-throw shift action.
Fuel Economy

Base sedan, auto. Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto. AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg. Base coupe, man. Class Average
4 4 4 4 4.6

No opportunity to measure, but expect overall averages of 16-18 mpg. Infiniti recommends premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

Base sedan, auto. Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto. AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg. Base coupe, man. Class Average
7 5 7 3 6.7

Taut, stable, helped by longish wheelbases, solid structures. Unwanted body motions well-checked, but large bumps occasionally pound through, especially on models with sport suspension.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Base sedan, auto. Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto. AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg. Base coupe, man. Class Average
7 8 7 8 7.1

All G35s grippy, agile--a near match for targeted BMW 3-Series--though European rivals have an edge in high-speed stability, steering feedback. On bumpy surfaces, models with 18- and 19-inch wheels can be tossed slightly off course as low-profile tires fail to absorb shocks. Strong brakes.
Quietness

Base sedan, auto. Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto. AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg. Base coupe, man. Class Average
7 6 7 3 6.8

Lusty engine note in rapid acceleration, a background baritone at cruise. Road noise evident on coarse surfaces, especially with 18- and 19-inch tires. Wind noise moderate in coupes, lower in sedans.
Controls

Base sedan, auto. Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto. AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg. Base coupe, man. Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.7

Coupe or sedan, cabin generally well-designed. Main-gauge cluster moves with tilt steering wheel, but wheel rim can mask power-mirror controls. Climate system readouts are displayed at top of dashboard, remote from climate buttons--a minus to some testers. Power-seat controls mounted unorthodoxly on seat cushion beside console. Navigation screen rises from dashtop; system thankfully does not incorporate audio or climate functions. Cabin assembly quality, most interior materials on target for the class, but plastic more evident than in Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes rivals.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base sedan, auto. Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto. AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg. Base coupe, man. Class Average
8 8 8 6 7.4

Good room in sedans, but some testers say cushions too firm for long-drive comfort. Coupe has special driver seat with softer cushion, though its more prominent side bolsters can interfere with arm movement when shifting manual transmission. Coupe with sunroof snug for six-footers, and seatbelts require annoying stretch to reach. Visibility good in sedans, very confined aft in coupes.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Base sedan, auto. Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto. AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg. Base coupe, man. Class Average
6 6 6 3 5.5

Sedans have above-average head and leg room on firm, well-contoured bench, but limited width, driveline hump thwart uncrowded three-abreast travel. Sedan Premium package oddly substitutes manual backrest recliners for standard power adjustment. Coupe's front seats power forward and back to ease entry/exit, but some twisting still required. Coupe's body design limits head room for taller passengers, but leg room surprisingly good.
Cargo Room

Base sedan, auto. Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto. AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg. Base coupe, man. Class Average
4 4 4 1 4

Sedan's trunk large for the class. Lid hinges don't intrude, but opening won't swallow larger objects. Standard center pass-through, but no folding seatbacks. Coupe seatback does fold, but opening to trunk is quite small. Good interior storage space.
Value within Class

Base sedan, auto. Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto. AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg. Base coupe, man. Class Average
8 7 8 5 5.9

These Infinitis lack the brand prestige of rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes. And they don't quite match them for refinement or interior materials. But in performance, style, space, and available all-wheel drive, the G35s are good alternatives--and generally more affordable too, making them worthy Recommended picks.
Total Score

Base sedan, auto. Base sedan w/Sport susp., auto. AWD G35x w/Prem. Pkg. Base coupe, man. Class Average
65 62 65 48 61.4
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score
48
Average Score
61
High Score
72
2006 Infiniti G35 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/26/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
G35 Base 4-door sedan, manual $31,200 $28,701 $650
G35 Base 4-door sedan, automatic $31,450 $28,930 $650
AWD G35x Base 4-door sedan, automatic $33,250 $30,580 $650
G35 Base 2-door coupe manual $33,800 $31,084 $650
G35 Base 2-door coupe automatic $33,200 $30,534 $650
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
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 298-horsepower engine (manual), 3.5-liter V6 280-horsepower engine (automatic), 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control, limited-slip differential (manual).
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear curtain side airbags (sedan), front curtain side airbags (coupe), front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, center console, cupholders, trunk pass-through (sedan), folding rear seat (coupe), aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, analog clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, bi-xenon headlights, sport suspension (manual), 235/45WR18 tires (manual sedan), 215/55VR17 tires (automatic sedan), 225/40YR19 front and 245/40YR19 rear tires (manual coupe), 225/50VR17 front and 235/50VR17 rear tires (automatic coupe), alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
coupe automatic
$3,000
$2,585
coupe manual
$2,850
$2,456
Power sunroof, keyless access and starting (automatic), power tilt/telescope steering wheel, memory system (driver seat, steering wheel), dual-zone climate controls, Bose sound system, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights.
Premium Pkg. A
sedan w/manual transmission
$3,150
$2,714
Power sunroof, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, memory system (driver seat, steering wheel), reclining rear seats, dual-zone climate controls, Bose sound system, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, all-window one-touch up/down, automatic headlights.
Premium Pkg. B
sedan w/automatic transmission
$3,350
$2,887
Premium Pkg. A plus keyless access and starting, easy-entry/exit driver seat and steering wheel w/memory, rear air conditioning vents. Requires Sport Tuned Suspension Pkg. NA AWD.
Premium Pkg. C
sedan w/automatic transmission
$3,500
$3,016
Premium Pkg. B plus full-size spare tire. NA w/Sport-Tuned Suspension Pkg.
Sport-Tuned Suspension Pkg.
sedan w/automatic transmission
$750
$646
coupe w/automatic transmission
$1,600
$1,379
Limited-slip differential, unique interior trim (coupe), sport suspension, 235/45WR18 tires (sedan), 225/40YR19 front and 245/40YR19 rear tires (coupe), unique alloy wheels. NA AWD.
Performance Tire and Wheel Pkg.
coupe w/automatic transmission
$650
$561
225/45WR18 front tires, 245/45WR18 rear tires, unique alloy wheels.
Aero Pkg.
Base
$550
$474
Rear spoiler, underbody aerodynamic side fairings. Automatics require Sport-Tuned Suspension Pkg. NA AWD.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Base
$1,800
$1,624
Requires Premium Pkg.
Power sunroof
Base
$1,000
$862
Satellite radio
Base
$350
$302
Requires a Premium Pkg. Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.
Wood Pkg.
automatic
$250
$216
Wood interior trim, wood/leather shift knob. Requires Premium Pkg. NA w/Sport-Tuned Suspension Pkg.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Active rear steering
coupe
$750
$646
Requires Premium Pkg. Automatic requires Sport Tuned Suspension Pkg.
Chrome alloy wheels
sedan
$1,610
$1,159
sedan w/Premium Pkg. C
$2,010
$1,445
2006 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. 3505 3449
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 43.6
Rear Head Room, in. 34.7 37.9
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 31.4 33.6
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. 280 @ 6200 298 @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 270 @ 4800 260 @ 4800
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
6-speed manual 19/26 19/26
5-speed automatic 18/25 --/--
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
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