2005 Infiniti G35

beanctr

Looks like Nissan is not consistent in its reporting of this issue. They should update their website. Interesting that the 2005 owners manual still has the recommendation and not the requirement for the sedan. Given the horsepower boost that the 2005 sedan received, it made sense to me that premium would now be required. But hey, if the owners manual says it, that's what you should go by.

rayainsw

Brief background: Current ride = 2003 Lincoln LS V8 Sport. I am looking now in expectation of buying next year sometime. Drove a couple of 2003 G35s in ’03 before buying the Lincoln.

On Saturday, I drove both of the 2005s prepped and ready to be driven at my local Infiniti dealer. (I understand that they have others – “out back”. And they still have many 2004s.) One had only sunroof and sport suspension, the other had the Premium C Package and no sport suspension (and the wood - $250?). One $33K and change – the other $35K and change – MSRPs.

Initial impression of the interior is that it is a pretty nice place to go about the business (and pleasure) of driving. It does still (initially) feel a bit narrower and feels a bit more confining than what I am used to. (I need to check some interior dimensions again – I believe there is just over an inch difference in front shoulder room. Feels like a larger difference.) The front seat is generally comfortable, but I am amazed that they did not move the adjustment controls from the right front edge. Bizarre.

The dash and other interior surfaces appear upgraded as advertised - and more acceptable now. (Were marginal at best in 2003.) Both power tilt and telescope (manual on non-Premium) for the steering wheel is appreciated. The leather “boot” around the shift lever is a nice touch. The new interior color - gray (sand?) is what I would buy. The previous 2 choices were either too dark or too light for me here in Georgia. I suppose the Rosewood is a matter of taste – I think it is OK.

Trans. I drove both vehicles exclusively in “manumatic” mode, as this is how I now drive my current car over 90% of the time. I was particularly interested the “rev match on downshift” feature reportedly part of the ’05 upgrade. This is one of the primary reasons that I decided it was worth a test drive. It certainly makes an attempt at a “rev match” – but in several attempts (downshifting to a lower gear when it would result in significant 1500+ rpm bump) it seemed a bit “uncoordinated.

Trans. continued. The automatic, sequential downshifts – all the way to 1 at a stop – would require a bit of recalibration for me. In the sense that I am used to NO downshifts (unless I actually move the lever) from 4 or 5 until below 10 MPH. And no downshift from 2 or 3 – at any speed – unless I move the lever. I am used to not having to be aware of when such automatic downshifts occur. And in heavy stop and go traffic, I typically start in 2nd gear – as no significant acceleration is required - or possible.

Trans. Torque converter is rather loose – meaning that large rpm swings occur when locked in a high gear and applying throttle. Not necessarily good or bad – but different. Hmmm . .

Final Drive Gearing. I am used to lower rpm at cruise. I suppose I could get used to it. This is probably part of why the acceleration feels acceptably quick – and why the EPA highway fuel mileage is no higher . . . OTOH, the acceleration and mileage are quite similar to what I now drive. [3.9L V8 and 5 speed automatic – and likely a bit heavier.] With comparable fuel mileage, I do like the G35’s 20 gallon fuel tank better than the 18.1 gal. I have now . .

Engine. The 3.5L Nissan / Infiniti motor has been widely acknowledged to be exceptional in power delivery and smoothness. No argument from me. Infiniti appears to have allowed a slightly more aggressive exhaust note for ’05. And the engine noise that I found slightly intrusive in the ‘03s appears now reduced to an acceptable level.

The Sport Suspension appears acceptable (from a ride perspective) for me. The LSD and larger tires (and more attractive wheels, to my eye) would likely provide an improved (enlarged) performance / handling envelope. For these drives, though, I was more interested to determine if any ride sacrifice would be worth it, to me. Looks like it would. Glad to be able to buy the suspension / wheels / tires without any other visual / external cues. (“spoiler”, etc.) I certainly did not push the car’s handling, but it was quite comfortable on the winding rural route I drove and steady and composed at highway speeds – up to 70 / 75. Odd that wind noise from the sunroof, in full “vent” position, seemed somewhat intrusive at 45 – 55 but seemed fine at 70 – 75. Interesting.

Concerns:

Long distance driving - seat comfort. (And they have heaters – but no “coolers”.) I sometimes drive 5 or 6 hours in a day.
The general manager / sales manager offered to let me drive one for a few hours to further evaluate.
We’ll see.

It appears that there is still not even minimal (Avg. MPG, DTE) information display without the Nav. Odd.

Outside rear view mirrors are a bit too small for my taste. A potential issue for me when driving in Atlanta area traffic.

Overall, this revised and updated ’05 seems an improved package, and would probably be enjoyable to drive. It is (as some of their Ad copy suggests) a responsive and relatively refined sporting sedan.

- Ray
Keeping the G on my “short list” – for now . .

lexusguy

You really need to drive the '05 G35 HARD to really appreciate how much better of a sports sedan it is than the Lincoln LS. Fortunately the sales guy I had was very understanding of what kind of car the G35 is, and wasnt the least bit apprehensive about me pushing the car near the limit, in fact, he encouraged it. The G35 stays remarkably BMW flat in hard cornering. The steering is nicely weighted, and the throttle and brake have a near perfect amount of feel. Its a European Japanese car.

Kirstie_H

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Infiniti G35 Sedan
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