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2004
INFINITI I35

Starts at:
$30,600
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New 2004 INFINITI I35
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Notable features

255-hp V-6
Four-speed automatic
Leather upholstery
Side-impact airbags
Optional Sport Package

The good & the bad

The good

Smooth, quiet operation
Acceleration
Easy to drive
Automatic-transmission performance
Seat comfort

The bad

Non-sporty handling
Undramatic styling
Ride comfort on rough surfaces
Backseat space

Expert 2004 INFINITI I35 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Roughly slotted in the middle of Infiniti’s four-model sedan lineup, the luxury-performance I35 gets only a few modifications for the 2004 model year. A sunroof, a powered rear sunshade and side sills become standard this year.

Evolved from the Nissan Maxima, this midsize front-wheel-drive sedan was last redesigned for 2000. After the 2001 model year, a larger V-6 engine was installed, which prompted a model designation change from I30 to I35.

Previously the most popular Infiniti model, it’s been eclipsed by the G35 sport sedan that debuted in 2003. Topping the Infiniti line is the plush Q45, and a full-size M45 sedan is also available.

Exterior
Apart from the roof, no other body panels are shared between the I35 and Maxima. The I35’s hood creases are prominent, and a Q45-style titanium-colored grille sits between xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights.

Mounted on a 108.3-inch wheelbase, the I35 is 193.7 inches long overall, 70.2 inches wide and 57 inches tall. Alloy wheels hold 17-inch tires. An optional Sport Package includes Vehicle Dynamic Control, a sport-tuned suspension, special eight-spoke alloy wheels and side sill spoilers. A full-size spare tire is optional.

Interior
Five people fit inside the four-door I35. The 60/40-split rear seatback folds for additional cargo space. A 200-watt seven-speaker Bose sound system with an in-dash six-CD changer is standard. The radio operates using Radio Data System (RDS) technology and includes a cassette player and steering-wheel audio controls. The driver changes gears using a serpentine-style shift gate. Heated front and rear seats are available.

The seats are upholstered with Sojourner leather and flank a wood-accented console. A classically styled analog clock sits in the center of the dashboard. Nissan’s Bird View navigation system is optional. Trunk capacity is 14.9 cubic feet.

Under the Hood
The 24-valve, 3.5-liter dual-overhead-cam V-6 engine produces 255 horsepower and mates with a four-speed-automatic transmission. An electronically controlled throttle is used.

Safety
Side-impact airbags for the front seats are standard. Active head restraints for the front occupants move up and forward in a rear-end collision to reduce the chance of whiplash injuries. Traction control and antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and Brake Assist are standard. Vehicle Dynamic Control is offered as part of the Sport Package.

Driving Impressions
Solid execution and satisfying behavior translate to overall excellence in a well-made sedan that’s far more substance than flashiness. The I35 is smooth in operation in nearly every respect, and it delivers down-to-business luxury with a pleasant and functional interior.

Even when it is pushed hard, the engine is extra quiet in a well-controlled prompt-responding powertrain. Passing power is super, with nearly instantaneous downshifts that deliver refined yet vigorous acceleration. Above-average handling falls short of sporty, but the I35 steers easily and accurately with a fine feel. The sedan doesn’t ignore bumps, but its suspension takes the edge off most of them.

Front-seat space is good but not exceptional, but rear headroom and legroom are tight for average-sized adults. Despite fairly short bottoms, the seats are inviting, comfortable and supportive. Brightly lit, easy-to-read gauges enhance driving pleasure.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com;
Posted on 9/26/03

2004 INFINITI I35 review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Roughly slotted in the middle of Infiniti’s four-model sedan lineup, the luxury-performance I35 gets only a few modifications for the 2004 model year. A sunroof, a powered rear sunshade and side sills become standard this year.

Evolved from the Nissan Maxima, this midsize front-wheel-drive sedan was last redesigned for 2000. After the 2001 model year, a larger V-6 engine was installed, which prompted a model designation change from I30 to I35.

Previously the most popular Infiniti model, it’s been eclipsed by the G35 sport sedan that debuted in 2003. Topping the Infiniti line is the plush Q45, and a full-size M45 sedan is also available.

Exterior
Apart from the roof, no other body panels are shared between the I35 and Maxima. The I35’s hood creases are prominent, and a Q45-style titanium-colored grille sits between xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights.

Mounted on a 108.3-inch wheelbase, the I35 is 193.7 inches long overall, 70.2 inches wide and 57 inches tall. Alloy wheels hold 17-inch tires. An optional Sport Package includes Vehicle Dynamic Control, a sport-tuned suspension, special eight-spoke alloy wheels and side sill spoilers. A full-size spare tire is optional.

Interior
Five people fit inside the four-door I35. The 60/40-split rear seatback folds for additional cargo space. A 200-watt seven-speaker Bose sound system with an in-dash six-CD changer is standard. The radio operates using Radio Data System (RDS) technology and includes a cassette player and steering-wheel audio controls. The driver changes gears using a serpentine-style shift gate. Heated front and rear seats are available.

The seats are upholstered with Sojourner leather and flank a wood-accented console. A classically styled analog clock sits in the center of the dashboard. Nissan’s Bird View navigation system is optional. Trunk capacity is 14.9 cubic feet.

Under the Hood
The 24-valve, 3.5-liter dual-overhead-cam V-6 engine produces 255 horsepower and mates with a four-speed-automatic transmission. An electronically controlled throttle is used.

Safety
Side-impact airbags for the front seats are standard. Active head restraints for the front occupants move up and forward in a rear-end collision to reduce the chance of whiplash injuries. Traction control and antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and Brake Assist are standard. Vehicle Dynamic Control is offered as part of the Sport Package.

Driving Impressions
Solid execution and satisfying behavior translate to overall excellence in a well-made sedan that’s far more substance than flashiness. The I35 is smooth in operation in nearly every respect, and it delivers down-to-business luxury with a pleasant and functional interior.

Even when it is pushed hard, the engine is extra quiet in a well-controlled prompt-responding powertrain. Passing power is super, with nearly instantaneous downshifts that deliver refined yet vigorous acceleration. Above-average handling falls short of sporty, but the I35 steers easily and accurately with a fine feel. The sedan doesn’t ignore bumps, but its suspension takes the edge off most of them.

Front-seat space is good but not exceptional, but rear headroom and legroom are tight for average-sized adults. Despite fairly short bottoms, the seats are inviting, comfortable and supportive. Brightly lit, easy-to-read gauges enhance driving pleasure.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com;
Posted on 9/26/03

Safety review

Based on the 2004 INFINITI I35 base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
4/5
Side rear passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years
Powertrain
6 years / 70,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Months from In-Service Date (ISD): Less than or equal to 60 months from ISD | Vehicle Mileage: Less than or equal to 15,000 Miles | Greater than 15,000 Miles but less than or equal to 60K miles
Basic
6 years / 75K miles from original ISD | 6 years / unlimited miles from original ISD
Dealer certification
167-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.0 / 5
Based on 18 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.4
Value 4.4
Exterior 3.9
Reliability 4.0

Most recent

  • I am the original owner and still owner.

    This car is very comfortable and is reliable. Great condition. It is garage kept since purchase. This auto is accident free. Interior still looks new.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    14 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Comfortable & Value Heavy

    Bought mine with 60k miles last year. I'll begin with the good. It offers simple luxury in that there is alot of comfort in the heated seats and a heated steering wheel helps in the winter. It also has great handling after I replaced the rear factory struts. Stock fronts were still in good shape. It also handles great in the snow. Things to look for if shopping. The transmission in this car feels great and sporty in some speed ranges but like a slouch in others. Lower radiator supports rust out. My silver model has faded clear coat which is fairly normal for a 15 year old car but I've seen more impressive paint. It's also common for the Bose subwoofers to fail which really kills the sound system if you listen to music loud. I've put 12k miles so far. I have spent roughly 200-300 on PREVENTATIVE maintenance which I've done myself. Outer tie rods were 50. Rear struts were 120. Sway bar links were 26. I wouldn't recommend the car to someone younger as it's somewhat boring to drive. A 2002 Maxima manual would likely be better. For an older adult looking for reliable comfortable transportation it's certainly a good car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Royal Infiniti

    I owned a 2003 Maxima which was all I could ask for in a car...well, almost. I must be getting older and the sport suspension on the SE Maxima was getting a little too stiff. I bought this car to replace it. Everything in this car has served me very well and the only reason that I am selling mine now is to retain some of the value as I upgrade to my newer Infiniti. It's hard to find anything to complain about here. Powerful, pampers you in luxury, and reliable.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I love this car!!

    I saw this car on the website and I was not disappointed when I saw it in person!I absolutely love it. My son in-law test drove it for me and recommended that I buy it so I did!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • This is THE best car I've ever owned.

    I had been searching for a car for a couple months, with no luck, and no real desperate need. Then the vehicle i was driving had finally had enough and does on me, in traffic. Luckily, a police officer was nearby and pushed me into a parking lot to await a tow truck. Then the real search began. I was looking through private owners, mainly, hoping to luck out and pay for something out-right. No such luck. My ex husband and I took the day off of work, and I was expecting to go to Houston. As we were going down the road not far from where we live he stopped abruptly and pulled into a small car lot that i wasn't expecting to find anything in. My eye was immediately drawn to this little car. The owner of the lot approached us and i explained what i had for a down payment, what I was looking for, and what i could afford for payments. The car I spotted was exactly within those expectations. Now I own this Infinity I35 and it is even better than I expected to buy. One previous owner, and 115k miles. It still looked and ran like a new car. This car is so easy to drive. It really gets up and goes. Takes turns with ease. The leather is soft. So many features I never expected to afford. Defiantly worth the money I'm paying for it. Ive paid more for a whole lot less. I just dont see many on the road! And ive been looking. It is a little bit plain on the outside, however still pretty. I love this car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • A lot for the money

    I drove a very similar car for many years: 2003 Maxima SE. The suspension on that Maxima was great for cornering but not so nice if you?re in the car a lot. I rarely had issue with anything on either car but I am also resourceful. I use the forums online for tips and share information. I also used YouTube when I wanted to learn how to change my own plugs and xenon headlights without screwing something up. I am very pleased overall since owning the Maxima in 2006 to 2016 and the 2004 I35 with lower miles to replace it. Close to the top of it?s category for the time and Japan spec reliability. I would whole-heartedly buy another.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Fine car!

    This car looks and performs great. I have had my I35 for about 2 years, it has 275050kms I have put about 5000$ into it including puchase price at 1200$ Parts could be cheaper but if you respect the car it will be gentle on the bills. Power is acceptional and slightly deceiving from the look of the car. I hope i can get the car up too about 500,000 with the proper maintenance, maybe higher? Interior is very nice and comfortable. Overall a decent car for its worth and age. Curious to see if its worth trying to make faster but im worried ill ruin the car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Past its prime

    Once these cars get on in years, they become a money pit. Suspension starts to go leading to tire wear and lots of road noise.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Overall Review Of Car

    Bought this 2004 Infiniti I35 from a private party on Cars.com and it proved to be an excellent choice. Comfort, style, reliability, gas mileage and condition of car is excellent. Loaded with options which only add to the value of the car and all options working including navigation system, heated seats, steering wheel and others.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great car amazing engine lots of power

    This car has a great interior powerful engine it gets about 24 MPG which is very good given the model year. I now have 186K and still love the ride. I had to get front engine mount replaced $850 and had a recall with engine cooling (covered by dealer). Engine cooling gasket needed to be replaced which was causing an oil leak at 160K. Also replaced engine head gasket. Replaced three bearings on rear of car and two alternators (one rebuilt). Muffler is still original only clamps had to be replaced. Net net a great car heading to 200k in miles. More room the G35
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • 2004 infinity 2004 75000 mil

    maybe i was unlucky,but this car is pure junk, let me star with the problem i have with tis car .at 7500 change the radiator ,is leak oil ,transmision is going bad ,radio is sound like s.....t .ac need feel up ,the belt need replace ,this are just some problem wich i have .
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Look under your I-35 and see the rust

    Purchased new, my I-35 has been a great car to own until I looked past the front license plate and saw a major part of the steel frame completely rusted out. Rust that you would expect to see on a car that was left in a field for 30-40 years. Not a 7 year old car that was garage kept, pampered, very well taken care of, and what does Infiniti say: It's normal". Buyer beware!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

INFINITI dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2004 INFINITI I35?

The 2004 INFINITI I35 is available in 1 trim level:

  • (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2004 INFINITI I35?

The 2004 INFINITI I35 offers up to 19 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2004 INFINITI I35 reliable?

The 2004 INFINITI I35 has an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 INFINITI I35 owners.

Is the 2004 INFINITI I35 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 INFINITI I35. 77.8% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.0 / 5
Based on 18 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 4.4
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 3.9
  • Reliability: 4.0
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