2003 Infiniti G35

The all-new 2003 Infiniti G35 sport sedan faces off against some of the toughest competition in the industry, including the Audi A4, the Acura TL, the Lexus IS300 and the BMW 3-series.

Infiniti, the premium brand of Japanese automaker Nissan, brags that the G35 hammers its competitors with things such as a 260-horsepower V-6 and a low base price. That's somewhat true.

While our test car had a relatively affordable $27,100 base price, the bottom line ballooned with the addition of luxury necessities such as leather upholstery ($1,850), a Bose stereo system ($2,200), sunroof ($1,000), xenon headlights ($550) and wood trim ($250). Total package: $33,495. In other words, a beautiful luxury car, but maybe not a great bargain.

He: I drove a prototype of the G35 last fall at Nissan's Tochigi proving ground in Japan. Actually, it was the Skyline sedan, the home-market model on which the G35 is based. On the test track, the car really performs, exhibiting crisp handling and terrific acceleration from that sweet twin-cam six. And the G35 looks as great as it feels. Where the Cadillac CTS is all sharp edges and blunt surfaces, the G35 is curvy and voluptuous -- and I guess I'd better not go any further than that, huh?

She: What are you saying? That this is the Marilyn Monroe of sport sedans?

He: I was thinking more Jennifer Lopez.

She: Another shallow review from the male side of the house, as usual. But you raise an interesting, if somewhat ironic point. This car is more suited for women than men. Largely because bigger men aren't going to fit well in the G35.

He: Well, if we're talking about squeezing my XXL derriere into the driver's seat, you're correct. Nissan, for some strange reason, has mounted the power seat controls up on the right-hand edge of the seat. I felt like that hard plastic kept cutting into my butt and squeezing my thighs.

She: Have you ever considered a body shaper? Maybe Infiniti should consider that as an option. Except there are already too many options on the G35. Too bad they don't make "one price fits all" on this car. Although I am pleased that Infiniti didn't skimp on safety. You get front and side air bags, plus side air curtains, antilock brakes, traction control and dynamic stability control. That last feature is important on a rear-wheel-drive sport sedan like the G35, especially on wet or icy roads, because it helps you maintain grip. And all that stuff is standard.

He: I wouldn't mind paying extra for the Bose audio system, which has great sound, although the in-dash six-CD changer is painfully slow and primitive. The perforated-leather upholstery is lovely, and the light wood trim is some of the most beautiful we've ever seen in an automobile at any price level. One of the more unusual features is a steering column and instrument pod that tilt as a single unit, so if you're a shorter person, you can still view the gauges.

She: Speaking of gauges, I didn't car e for the amber backlighting, which makes the instrument cluster hard to read at night. But I think the analog clock is a classy touch. While I'm griping, some friends who rode with us to dinner said the optional reclining rear seats were uncomfortable -- that only the seat backs move, and not the bottoms. But overall, my impression is that the G35 is a very versatile vehicle, taking us from a fancy Friday night dinner to grocery shopping and weekend activities.

He: It may be versatile AND voluptuous, but the G35's main reason for being is the driving. It doesn't yet have the polished feel of the BMW or the Lexus, but you'll be quite entertained once you slide behind the wheel. Our test vehicle was equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode, which limits some of the fun. You'll have to wait until later in the model year to get the promised six-speed manual. And traditional luxury-car buyers may find the ride on the G35 is a little harsher than they're used to, although the car is nimble and easy to handle.

She: In short, the G35 is very competitive with its peers, and represents a new look in the entry-luxury segment -- proof that performance doesn't always have to come wrapped in a macho package.

2003 Infiniti G35

Likes: Voluptuous styling. 260-hp 3.5-liter V-6 outpowers most competitors. Super standard safety features, including six air bags and anti-lock brakes. Crisp handling. Some of the nicest looking wood trim we've seen. Unusual elements, like tilting gauge cluster. Comfy front seat (Anita). Classy touches like Infiniti's signature analog clock (Anita). 4-year/60,000-mile basic warranty includes 24-hour roadside assistance and free service loan car.

Dislikes: Six-speed manual transmission not coming until later in year. Goodies like Bose audio system, sunroof and wood trim inflate the sticker price by more than $6,000. Our rear-seat passengers complained the optional reclining seats were uncomfortable. Traditional luxury-sedan buyers may find the ride a little bouncy. Amber-lit gauges can be difficult to read (Anita). Uncomfortable, thigh-squeezing front seat (Paul). Cupholders interfered with shifting when they held taller bottles.

Type: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, five-passenger entry-luxury sport sedan.

Price: Base, $27,100; as tested; $33,495 (inc. $545 destination charge).

Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 260 hp; 260 lbs-ft torque.

Fuel economy: 19 city/ 26 highway.

12-month insurance cost, estimated by AAA Michigan (Rates may be higher or lower depending on coverage and driving record.): $1,475.

Where built: Japan.

Anita's rating: * * * (Above average)

Paul's rating: * * * (Above average)