Test Drive Review-->2003 Infiniti G35!

[JS]

Great company to deal with--I've owned two (G20 and I-30) and both are great cars (especially the G20 with a manual transmission). Dealerships treat you great, and the cars are second to none when it comes to reliability.

I wouldn't worry too much about first year reliability in an Infiniti. First off the g35 is based on the Japanese-market Skyline chassis (as will be the upcoming G35 Coupe, and new 350Z). So the car isn't totally new. Secondly, I bought a G20 the first year the second-generation was available (1999), and have had absolutely zero problems. Nada. There is a reason Infiniti gives you a 60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty--the odds are you'll never have to use it.

Earlier someone wondered if the G35 was the same as the Altima--nope, totally different chassis, G35 is rear-wheel drive--Altima is a front driver.

Also someone earlier stated that the G20 is based on the Sentra, again incorrect. Other than the engine (SR20de), the G20 is a totally different car-- totally different chassis, and the front suspension is essentially the old 240z multi-link front suspension adapted for front-wheel drive (G20 is based on the European and Japanese market Primera.)

G20 is actually almost totally identical to the as the Euro-market Primera GT. Very nice handling for a front-wheel drive car--almost no body roll.

The I-30, and (I-35) however, ARE basically tarted up Maximas.

And yeah, if you buy one, stay away from the free car washes if you bring it in for service! Unless you like swirls! (not many on this board, I strongly suspect)

When the G35 comes out with a manual tranny (anywhere from six months to a year off, depending on who you believe), I'm trading the G20 in.

[AzN Retribution]

The G35 is the Japanese V35/R35 Skyline
the G35 Coupe will have 287 HP with a 6-speed tranny
basically a 2+2 version of the 350z.

the G35 Sedan is a bit different with only 260 but still mor ethen adaquate. I prefer the coupe. the styling of the coupe looks soo much better then the sedan.
both cars are a great value for what you get.
Infiniti is up there with Lexus when it comes to customer satisfaction and reliability

[saintvir]

Originally posted by MikeLS
Dave C.,
Another extremely important criteria for me is that the car must have low maintainence costs. I simply don't have the time or money to spend at repair shops every other week (or month). So, reliability is very important to me. From what I read and hear, the Bimmer and MB aren't the most trouble free cars out there and cost an arm and leg to repair outside of warranty. It's true that the G35 is a new model, and that ALL new models need to have the kinks ironed out. I followed the IS300 closely after it came out, and I remember the next model year they did make several changes that customers were griping over.

All of these sport sedans are first class, and my head spins trying to figure out which is best for me. So, for now, the search continues. Thanks again to those that provided feedback to think about!

If you haven't bought the G35 yet, check out the threads on this car at Edmunds.com ... especially the one on 'problems and solutions'. I almost bought one until I started reading this forum. The G35 has so many irritating quirks and problems that I decided to go with an E320.

[KSCobra46]

I'm seriously considering selling my Cobra to buy a G35 Sport Coupe. Those things are sweet looking. I just need to drive one to determine if it's the car for me. Decent luxury, 280 HP, 6-speed, rear-wheel-drive, 18" wheels and Brembo brakes all for $32,500... not too bad!