2008 Infiniti G Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2008 Infiniti G includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Infiniti G from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Infiniti G, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Infiniti G help you decide if a 2008 Infiniti G is right for you.

2008 Infiniti G Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Rear-seat entry/exit

Ride/handling	Ride (coupe, sedan w/Sport Suspension)

Available AWD

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

G35 w/Premium Pkg, manual	AWD G35x	G37 Journey, automatic	G37 Sport 6MT	Class Average
8	7	8	8	7

G35 or G37, these eager V6 engines satisfy at any speed. Passing maneuvers are a breeze. Though more powerful, the G37 coupe doesn't feel much faster than G35 in everyday driving, regardless of which transmission you use. Tested G35 models suffered from an overly sensitive throttle, but G37 coupes did not exhibit this behavior. On all, the automatic transmission is generally smooth, but some G35 test cars suffered from intermittent delays in downshifting. Manual-transmission models are a bit quicker, helped by a precise shifter. One test G37 suffered from imprecise clutch action.

Fuel Economy

G35 w/Premium Pkg, manual	AWD G35x	G37 Journey, automatic	G37 Sport 6MT	Class Average
4	5	4	5	4.6

In Consumer Guide testing, G35 Sport sedans averaged 17.1-18.0 mpg with manual transmission, 18.6 with automatic. Our extended-use AWD G35x sedan averaged 19.8 mpg over 17,893 miles. A manual-transmission G37 averaged 20.1 mpg. All G35 and G37 models require premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

G35 w/Premium Pkg, manual	AWD G35x	G37 Journey, automatic	G37 Sport 6MT	Class Average
6	6	3	3	6.3

All are taut and stable, helped by long wheelbases and solid structures. There's no bounding or float, but large bumps can pound through the cabin, especially on G37 models equipped with the sport suspension and 19-inch wheels. Some jiggle is evident on broken surfaces, which is more evident with the coupes' available sport suspension.

Steering/Handling/Braking

G35 w/Premium Pkg, manual	AWD G35x	G37 Journey, automatic	G37 Sport 6MT	Class Average
8	8	9	9	7.1

All are a near match for the targeted BMW 3-Series. G35 and G37 are grippy and agile, with little lean in corners. The available 4-Wheel Active Steer System provides even sharper moves. Braking is strong, though some testers found the pedal too sensitive in some test G35 sedans.

Quietness

G35 w/Premium Pkg, manual	AWD G35x	G37 Journey, automatic	G37 Sport 6MT	Class Average
6	6	5	5	7

The engine note is lusty in rapid acceleration, with coupes having a particularly sporty tone that may not appeal to all drivers. Road noise is evident on coarse surfaces, especially with available 18- and 19-inch tires. Wind noise is minimal for both body styles.

Controls

G35 w/Premium Pkg, manual	AWD G35x	G37 Journey, automatic	G37 Sport 6MT	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.1

Coupes and sedans now share the same overall interior design. All have a 7-inch dashboard screen with or without navigation, and many functions work through controls mounted horizontally below the screen. The navigation system itself is refreshingly easy to use, and many audio and climate functions are separate from it. The main gauge cluster moves with the tilt steering wheel.

Details

G35 w/Premium Pkg, manual	AWD G35x	G37 Journey, automatic	G37 Sport 6MT	Class Average
8	8	8	8	7.4

Cabin assembly quality and most interior materials are on target for the class, with real aluminum or wood trim available. One test AWD sedan suffered from an intermittent buzz from the dash top.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

G35 w/Premium Pkg, manual	AWD G35x	G37 Journey, automatic	G37 Sport 6MT	Class Average
8	8	8	8	7.3

Room is good in both body styles, though taller drivers will desire more headroom, particularly with the available sunroof. The seats in Sport models have additional side bolstering to keep occupants planted in fast cornering. Visibility is good in sedans but somewhat confined to the rear corners in coupes.

Room/Comfort (rear)

G35 w/Premium Pkg, manual	AWD G35x	G37 Journey, automatic	G37 Sport 6MT	Class Average
6	6	2	2	5.2

Sedans have above-average headroom and legroom. The bench is well contoured, if a bit short. Limited width, minimal foot space, and the driveline hump thwart uncrowded three-abreast travel. The coupe's front seats power forward and back to ease entry and exit, but twisting is still required. Headroom is limited, as is legroom, even with the front seats moved well forward.

Cargo Room

G35 w/Premium Pkg, manual	AWD G35x	G37 Journey, automatic	G37 Sport 6MT	Class Average
4	4	2	2	4.2

The sedan's trunk is large for the class. The lid hinges don't intrude, but a narrow opening won't swallow larger objects. Sedans include a center pass-through, but no folding seatbacks. Coupes have a one-piece folding seatback, but the cargo area is small and very shallow. Interior small-item storage space is just fair.

Value within Class

G35 w/Premium Pkg, manual	AWD G35x	G37 Journey, automatic	G37 Sport 6MT	Class Average
9	10	8	7	6.2

These Infinitis might lack the brand prestige of rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes, but their performance, space, and available all-wheel drive make them excellent alternatives. These virtues, teamed with prices that undercut those rivals, make these coupes and sedans Best Buy values.

Total Score