2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Comparison, Pictures & Images

We're fanatical oil- and tire-pressure checkers. The G35's six-bend Rubik's dip stick, which requires threading back into an equally challenging orifice, got the attention of a few staffers. The Michelin tires held up well despite our staff's aggressive driving style and didn't exhibit the unusual wear pattern that our long-term 350Z showed after a similar amount of test mileage. Perhaps the G35's longer wheelbase and different camber settings were more conservative than the Z's.

Other than those minor complaints, the G35 Coupe earned more genuine compliments per mile than most of our long-termers. Based on how many entries ended with, "Do we have to give it back?" and "I'd buy this car," it's no wonder we're anxiously awaiting our first opportunity to drive the 2005 G35. When it does arrive shortly, it'll have more of the things we like (horsepower and grippy tires) and less of the things we don't (fake metallic plastic interior trim). See "What's New..." for a preview of what's to come.

Living with the G35 Coupe for a year only underscored how good it really was. In hindsight, we made the right call awarding it as we did, and we'd do it all over again given the chance. A uniquely stylish and capable car in the market, it's priced within reach of those who aspire for something European and sporty but can't afford a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. It's earned the right to be called a legitimate Grand Tourer in every sense of the term, first-year teething and all.