2003 Infiniti G35 Sport MPG, Horsepower & Maintenance

Our fuel economy varied widely from just 15.2 mpg after a track test to 24.5 on a 900-mile round trip to Scottsdale, Arizona, for the Barrett-Jackson auctions. That editor commented on how comfortable the seats were for the entire Interstate trek, saying he could've easily done an additional stint. The average over 18,600 miles was a respectable 18.7 mpg, still under the EPA's claim of 20 city and 27 highway.

The G35's 280-horsepower V-6 and chunky shifter were lauded for their sports-car inspiration (from the Nissan 350Z). The car's precise steering and compliant suspension were equally complimented by canyon carvers and daily commuters. The Brembo brakes stop with the authority normally associated with Porsches and Ferraris. We even had an opportunity to lap Infineon Raceway (nee Sears Point) and never detected a hint of brake fade.

Service issues were few: a fritzy power-seat switch was replaced gratis at our $92.51 7500-mile/six-month checkup. A recalled brake-light switch was fixed at our comprehensive $282.77 15,000-mile/12-month pit stop. Other than that, it was an uneventful year--which is why editors began looking for negative things to write. When a car is this good, the temptation to nit-pick is increased. Nothing major, just a short list of quibbles mostly criticizing the layout and operation of the center stack audio and climate controls. Some felt the car was designed as a Japanese right-hand-drive car with its most-often used controls on that side of the cockpit. You'll notice the stereo's power and volume buttons over there as well as the HVAC's temp control. Also, the metallic-toned painted plastic surfaces didn't have a substantial feel or look to them, but proved durable despite our concerns.

For those of us who invited rear-seat travelers, we found the power-sliding seat excruciatingly slow to move forward for allowing guests to access the rear seats. Once in the back, taller folks were concerned that their heads were making contact with the sloping rear window. The rear bucket seats should be considered four-passenger insurance rather than viable seating arrangements. Furthermore, the fronts don't retain their seatback angle and need to be readjusted once rear passengers have exited.