When will the changes go into affect? Starting in October, 2004, model year 2005 automatic transmission-equipped Infiniti G35 sedans will go on sale across the nation, with a 6-speed manual version becoming available later in December.
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| Infiniti has yet to show rear photos of the 2005 model (2003 model shown), therefore no comments can be made with regards to reported changes made to its taillights. (Photo: Infiniti Canada) |
Another thing Infiniti has going for it is strong J. D. Power and Associates initial quality and dependability scores. Regarding the first, Nissan's luxury division placed 8th out of 37 automakers in the 2004 Initial Quality Study (IQS), with problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) improving from 110 last year to 104 now. While BMW was the highest scoring German brand, it dropped from its previous 8th position to 12th, but would actually be rated 11th if it wasn't for the fact that it tied at 109 problems per 100 vehicles (from 118 PP100) with Audi. It should be said, however, that while Infiniti beat out these two Germans its 2003 score of 7th was displaced by Jaguar this year. Lexus was once again first overall. The fact is, each of the nameplates mentioned placed well above the industry average, and should all be considered high quality.
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| Infiniti placed 8th out of 37 automakers in the 2004 Initial Quality Study (IQS). (Photo: Infiniti Canada) |
In J. D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) the brand also fared extremely well compared to all of its German competitors and just about every other nameplate as well. Behind Lexus again, Infiniti managed to maintain its 2003 PP100 ranking of 174 despite falling in placement from 2nd to 3rd, now behind Buick. Perhaps it was the introduction of the brand's upgraded "t" models in the 2001 model year (J.D. Power's VDS surveys three year old cars) that caused reliability to drop, but nevertheless Infiniti has fallen to 3rd place with a 189 PP100 while Buick has surged forward from 3rd to 2nd with a 187 PP100 rating, despite losing 8 positions from its 2003 179 PP100 ranking. Once again, Infiniti is rated as one of the most reliable brands available.