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2008 Infiniti G Full Review
Date Published: 6/28/08
2008 Infiniti G Review
The 2008 Infiniti G37 coupe becomes the newest addition to this roster of midsize cars from Nissan's luxury division. The 2-door G37 joins 4-door G35 sedans, which continue largely unchanged after their 2007 redesign. Both body styles are available with rear-wheel drive; the sedan is also available as the all-wheel drive G35x. G37 coupes have a 330-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine while sedans use a 306-hp 3.5-liter V6. Manual or automatic transmission is available on both the G35 and G37. G35x models are automatic only. Its AWD system includes a snow mode that locks in a 50/50 front/rear power split.

The 2008 Infiniti G35 sedan is available in base, Journey, AWD G35x, and Sport trims. The G37 coupe comes in base, Journey, or Sport 6MT. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. The G37 Sport 6MT has sport suspension, specific wheels, and high-performance tires. These features are available on the G37 Journey as part of a Sport Package that also includes steering column paddles for manual control of the automatic transmission. A new option for the G37 Sport 6MT and G37 Journeys with Sport Package is Infiniti's 4-Wheel Active Steer System, which uses sensors to adjust steering response and move the rear wheels slightly to improve handling response. Available for both the G35 and G37 are a navigation system, sunroof, and 9.3-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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.

Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Volvo V70, and Volvo XC70.

News
At a glance, the updated G35 sedans look like the previous models, but they do, in fact, wear different exterior sheetmetal on the same basic platform.

The G35 sedan is sold in Japan as the Nissan Skyline. The Skyline GT-R is a high-performance sports coupe with its own architecture, a turbocharged V6, and all-wheel drive. Last offered in 2003, the GT-R has long been a performance icon in Europe and Japan. It's also familiar to some younger U.S. enthusiasts from popular video games like "Gran Turismo." An all-new GT-R is coming to the U.S. with the Nissan badge, a decision that rankled Infiniti dealers who felt the car deserved to be sold through the upscale U.S. channel. In any case, it's reportedly due here for 2008 or '09 with up to 400 hp and a base price likely north of $50,000.
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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

G35 w/Premium Pkg, manual AWD G35x G37 Journey, automatic G37 Sport 6MT Class Average
74 75 64 64 68.4
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score
56
Average Score
68
High Score
78
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2008 Infiniti G Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/27/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
G35 Base 4-door sedan, automatic $31,850 $29,296 $715
AWD G35x Base 4-door sedan, automatic $34,350 $31,587 $715
G35 Journey 4-door sedan, automatic $32,300 $29,709 $715
G35 Sport 6MT 4-door sedan, manual $32,650 $30,030 $715
G37 Base 2-door coupe, automatic $34,500 $31,726 $715
G37 Journey 2-door coupe, automatic $35,250 $32,413 $715
G37 Sport 6MT 2-door coupe, manual $35,800 $32,917 $715
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 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 trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, 4-way power passenger seat, center console, trunk pass-through, aluminum interior trim, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, digital-media player connection, tachometer, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, 215/55VR17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential, dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated front seats, 8-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, automatic headlights.
Journey sedan adds to Base sedan:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, 8-way power passenger seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, automatic headlights.
Sport sedan adds to Journey:
Powertrain
6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 225/50WR18 front tires, 245/45WR18 rear tires.
Base coupe adds to Base sedan:
Powertrain
3.7-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Folding rear seat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/50VR18 tires.
Journey coupe adds to Base coupe:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, 8-way power passenger seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, automatic-off headlights.
Sport 6MT coupe adds to Journey coupe:
Powertrain
6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 225/45WR19 front tires, 245/40WR19 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
Journey/Sport coupe
$3,200
$2,757
Power sunroof, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, heated front seats, driver-seat power lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, steering wheel, mirrors), heated power mirrors, Bose sound system, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener.
Navigation Pkg.
Journey/Sport/AWD sedan
$2,150
$1,853
Journey/Sport coupe
$2,200
$1,896
Navigation system w/voice recognition, rearview camera, traffic information, hard drive for music file storage. Requires Premium Pkg.
Technology Pkg.
Journey/Sport/AWD sedan
$1,100
$948
Journey/Sport coupe
$1,150
$991
Adaptive cruise control, steering-linked adaptive headlights. Requires Navigation Pkg., Premium Pkg.
Sport Pkg.
Journey coupe
$1,850
$1,595
Limited-slip differential, uprated brakes, steering column paddle shifters, front sport seats, unique interior and exterior trim, sport suspension, 225/45WR19 front and 245/40WR19 rear tires, unique alloy wheels.
Performance Tire and Wheel Pkg.
Journey coupe
$650
$561
225/45WR19 front tires, 245/40WR19 rear tires, unique alloy wheels.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
Journey coupe, Journey sedan, Sport 6MT coupe, Sport sedan
$1,000
$862
NA Base.
Wood interior trim
Journey, AWD
$450
$388
Requires Premium Pkg.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
AWD sedan, Journey, Sport
$550
$474
Requires Premium Pkg. AWD sedan requires Sport Pkg.
4-wheel active steering
Journey sedan, Sport sedan
$1,500
$1,293
Journey coupe, Sport coupe
$1,300
$1,121
Requires Premium Pkg. Journey requires Sport Pkg.
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2008 Infiniti G Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Infiniti G37 2-door coupe Infiniti G35 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 112.2 112.2
Overall Length, in. 183.1 187.0
Overall Width, in. 71.8 69.8
Overall Height, in. 54.8 57.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 3616 3497
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 7.4 13.5
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 20.0 20.0
Seating Capacity 4 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.4 40.5
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.8 43.9
Rear Head Room, in. 34.5 37.7
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 29.8 34.7
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc V6 dohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.5 /214 3.7 /226
Horsepower @ rpm. 306 @ 6800 330 @ 7000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 268 @ 5200 270 @ 5200
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
6-speed manual 17/25 17/25
5-speed automatic 17/24 17/24
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 G37 2-door coupe Infiniti G35 4-door sedan
4WD Rollover NA 5
Front Impact, Driver NA 5
Front Impact, Passenger NA 4
Rollover Resistance NA 5
Side Impact, Driver NA 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger NA 5
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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