Young working male's view: I never got used to the difficult-to-read gauges, the location of the seat adjustments, the heavy steering, or the way the G35 used up my meager tip money for gas. This is an Infiniti and so it should have some notable cuddling options, but outside of the potent engine, seamless transmission, and cornering, there wasn't too much offered. Remember that Nissan also makes a potent Altima with nearly the same power at a much-reduced price.
Of course, if you live where you think you need an all-wheel-drive system that includes a "snow mode", which evenly splits the power 50/50 to the front and rear wheels, this is a vehicle to consider. However, for less money you can get the Nissan Murano and a lot more ground clearance, albeit not nearly as potent. In other words, I would have to be pretty much enamored with some intrinsic need for all wheel drive to pay the extra money in costs, insurance, and maintenance.
I am no giant; in fact my parents took me to the hospital when I was young to see if I needed growth hormones. I didn't, but there is a plus side to not being on the plus side of height and that is the fact that I could easily feel at home in the Infiniti where others found it a bit confining. Even the trunk is restrictive with less than 15 cubic feet of trunk capacity, which effectively removes it from a remake of the Good Guys.
I liked the look of the dash, but was perplexed by the Infiniti's ergonomics. It is not difficult to learn, it just isn't intuitive. For example, the Infiniti has dual-zone climate controls but only one control operates both and you have to reach across the center stack to operate it. The readouts for a variety of data are separated from the other gauges and is harbored near the top of the dash. It provided the compass, climate control information, and exterior temperature readings. All were easy to read in bright sunlight or at night. The power outlet is easy to use for radar detectors and other toys of the transportation trade and the ancillary controls on the steering wheel enable you to modulate the audio system and cruise control. Because of the great amount of rain we had during the testing, we never used the cruise control so we can't comment on its versatility and accuracy.
As a recorded hip-hop singer with my own small, but struggling recording company, I am into sound quality and I was disappointed with the optional Bose system when used as a radio. It has very little reception range, which should not be a problem since the Infiniti is equipped with a special antenna. However, if you travel with CDs, it is a good unit and can play MP3 discs and change CDs quickly, but the stereo/CD option costs about $1,000.
A few other tidbits that might sway your decision are that the warranty is quite good with Infiniti offering 72 months or 70,000 miles on the powertrain. The G35 also has two power outlets in the front, one in the center console, which is way too small to store much more than a cell phone, which is probably why Infiniti put a change holder there. There is a strange storage area in the top of the dash. A navigation system goes there, if you can afford the $2,000 (US) price plus you need the even more expensive Premium Package to order it. In other words, unless you have the $5,000 or so dollars for these options, all you get is a storage opening in your dash. Of course, if you keep the cover down, people will never know you couldn't afford the GPS.
Options I would order because of the weak radio reception would be either the Sirius or XM Satellite Radio. We have tested cars with both features and we are tending to lean toward Sirius, but either one is great. The other option is only about $250, and is wood trim on the shifter and door panels that give the interior a warmer note.
Family conference: We never understood the G35x try as we might. We dearly enjoyed its brisk performance, stimulating handling, and ability to tread on rainy roads with ease. Unfortunately, we liked the rear wheel model more and the extra money the all wheel drive version costs was something we could not justify. The G35 was our family car of the year when it came out in 2003 and we bought a G20 in 1995 and loved it dearly, and so we say unto you, brethren, Infiniti is the answer; the question is can you justify the expenses. Sporty car all wheel competition in this general price category includes the Audi A4, Volvo S60, Jaguar X, and Subaru Outback and Legacy sedans. For a full range of vehicle websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/auto/index.html
Article Gallery