2008 Infiniti G35

*Est. $31,450 to $34,050

Pros

The G35 gets points for its muscular V6, which arms this sedan with great acceleration. Its speed doesn't negatively impact the G35's handling, however, which is top-notch. The G35's starting price is attractive, and loads of standard safety features serve to enhance the impression of value and quality.

Cons

The same V6 that powers the Infiniti G35 off the line like a bolt of lightning can get very noisy when pushed, and testers note a disconcerting amount of engine vibration transmitted through the shifter. Not surprisingly, the G35's larger engine decreases fuel efficiency somewhat, and Infiniti's recommendation of premium gasoline significantly impacts long-term costs.

Our Analysis

The Infiniti G35 is another high-end vehicle that reviews say sits somewhere between a conventional family sedan and a more luxurious sports sedan. All G35 sedans have a long list of standard safety features and a 306-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, though some reviewers find all that power hurts fuel economy and makes too much noise. Some critics say the steering feels artificial, and others point out a tricky clutch pedal on manual-transmission-equipped G35s. Most reviewers approve of the freshened exterior styling, and the interior is considered handsome, well thought-out and roomy, though alterations to the framework in manual transmission versions can interfere with the functionality of the interior storage bins and cup holders. The Infiniti G35 is a strong challenger against the BMW 3-Series (*est. $32,400 to $49,100); The Car Family calls the Infiniti G35 "the most underrated family vehicle on the planet."

The Infiniti G35 has been the subject of several current and well-rounded reviews. We found credible evaluations at Consumer Reports, where staff typically conducts thorough road-testing and owner surveys to rank vehicles against their class rivals. Two good smaller-scale comparison tests are available from Car and Driver and Motor Trend, though Motor Trend's contest utilizes a 2007 G35 rather than the 2008 model. The Car Family -- a four-member reviewing team -- rates the Infiniti G35 among other sedans, while editors at Edmunds.com provide a detailed one-vehicle evaluation of the G35, with some informal comparison. Other sources include the G35 on lists of editors' top picks: the G35 is named as a Top Sedan at AOL Autos, and a 2008 Automobile All-Star at Automobile Magazine.

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Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports evaluates virtually every sedan there is, including the Infiniti G35. This review features Consumer Reports' terrific reliability forecasts, based on past-model-year data from owner surveys.

Review: 2008 Infiniti G35 Review, Editors of Consumer Reports

2. Car and Driver

Car and Driver designed this head-to-head test to challenge the supremacy of the BMW 3-Series, a frequently spotted entry on the magazine's annual "10 Best" list. The 2008 Infiniti G35 Sport competes against two other sports sedans (besides the 3-series), all priced at $38,000 as tested, and places second overall.

Review: Great for 38 Comparison Test, Tony Quiroga, Jan. 2008

3. Edmunds.com

Editors here test the 2008 Infiniti G35 to measure performance, design and safety, and include easy-to-understand narrative analysis of the results. The G35 is compared to its rivals in an informal way. In fact, editors say the G35 is one of the few entry-level luxury sedans that can challenge the popular BMW 3-Series in most aspects of design and performance.

Review: 2008 Infiniti G35 Review, Editors at Edmunds.com

4. The Car Family

According to The Car Family's four-member team that covers new cars from differing perspectives, the Infiniti G35 is deemed the best sporty family sedan. Editors say the Inifiniti is "the most underrated family vehicle on the planet" and that it can rival the BMW 3-Series.

Review: The Compleat Guide to Family Sedans, The Haskvitz Family, Mar. 21, 2008

5. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

Motor Trend tested the G35 following its latest redesign, and this feature delivers comprehensive coverage of the changes to the G35's styling, framework and drivetrain. Author Frank Markus also includes performance notes gleaned from the G35's road evaluations.

Review: First Test: 2007 Infiniti G35, Frank Markus

6. AOL Autos

Editors at AOL Autos look for styling, value, performance and reliability in their annual list of top picks. In the sedan category, several of the choices are high-end luxury cars priced well out of our affordable "family car" range, but many others represent viable options for the average car shopper. The Infiniti G35, while a bit more than $30,000 to start, is praised for its sportier driving experience.

Review: Editors' Picks: Top Sedans, Kevin Ransom

7. Automobile Magazine Details/Subscribe

Automobile Magazine has printed up their list of all-star vehicles for 2008. Several sedans, including the Infiniti G35, made the cut here, but some start a bit too high on the sticker to fit neatly into the same category as other more traditional family car models.

Review: 2008 Automobile Magazine All-Stars, Staff of Automobile Magazine

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