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2008 Infiniti G

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Overview

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2008 Infiniti G Review

By KBB.com Editors

Intended to compete on a level playing field with German compact and mid-size sport sedans, as well as a variety of roughly comparable Japanese and American models, the Infiniti G35 four-door matches smart appearance, bold performance and crisp responsive handling in four trim levels and offers both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Following a major redesign for 2007 that saw a similar update of the G35 Coupe (which is now the G37; reviewed separately), this high-energy Infiniti sedan has the look and feel of a true enthusiast vehicle, inside and out. Although domestics models, including the Cadillac CTS and Lincoln MKZ, or Japanese counterparts, including the Acura TL and Lexus ES 350, are prime targets of opportunity, Infiniti is most intent on having the G35 sedan score biggest with folks who are also shopping the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

You'll Like This Car If...

Those who prefer a bit more emotional approach to a feature-rich entry-luxury sport sedan should find happiness with virtually any iteration of the Infiniti G35, but particularly one of the Sport-fortified variants.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Die-hard German-car fans will still find issues -- real or imagined -- with this high-intensity Asian alternative. For those with deeper pockets, sedans like an Audi RS4 or BMW 335i -- although compact and not mid-size -- offer thoroughly desirable packages with even higher horsepower thrills.

What's New for 2008

For the first time, the Sport Package is now available on the all-wheel-drive G35x model, as is an 18-inch wheel and tire upgrade. XM Satellite Radio becomes standard, the RearView Monitor moves from the Technology Package to the Navigation Package and a dedicated iPod interface joins the options roster.

Driving the G

Driving Impressions Derived from a long-wheelbase version of Nissan's latest FM (Front Mid-ship) platform that also underpins the Z350 sports car, the G35 possesses sparkling performance credentials that only improve when fortified...

with the Sport Package goodies. Driven normally, this scintillating sedan coddles, comforts and entertains. Drive it enthusiastically, and the G35 satisfies like few competitors can. Its lusty V6 pulls strongly on demand, whether backed by the five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. The finely-tuned suspension delivers impressively balanced ride and handling and the powerful anti-lock brakes stop with authority. An available 4-Wheel Active Steer Package for Journey or Sport 6M models further enhances its already excellent transition moves, quickens response and subtly improves stability during cornering, while all variants benefit from a driver-selectable Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system that lets you explore an ample portion of the car's ultimate potential before the system swings into action. Those willing to forego a bit of at-the-limit edge for the all-season security of all-wheel drive should consider a G35x.

Favorite Features

Power Front Seats
Amazingly comfortable and supportive, even the base G35's front seats boast eight-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way for the passenger, plus manually adjustable lumbar supports. All other models add eight-way power for the passenger while the Sport 6M seats include power activation for the thigh, lumbar and side bolsters.

Available 4-Wheel Active Steer Package
Computer-controlled 4-Wheel Active Steer works in combination with a quicker, variable-ratio power steering unit. As speed increases, the system turns the rear wheels slightly in the same direction as the front wheels when the car is cornering or changing lanes, resulting in more stability at higher speeds.

2008 Infiniti G Details

Interior

Superbly-formed power front seats wrapped in leather and set off by aluminum accent trim textured to resemble traditional Japanese handmade paper add a unique flavor to the G35's cabin styling. Its cockpit-like ambiance may strike some as a bit busy, but the controls are logically arrayed and the flashy electroluminescent main gauges are quite legible. Not so much for the center stack -- with or without optional navigation -- where display legibility tends to come or go based upon the amount of reflecting sunlight. Rear passengers will find the G35 sedan's rear bench seat belted for three but contoured for two average-sized adults at best.

Exterior

Well-tailored sheetmetal effectively complements the G35 sedan's sporting character, melding crisp lines and sensual contours into a tasteful yet visually distinctive styling statement. Complementing the basic shape are an eye-catching grille treatment with four sculpted bars that twist from center to edge like traditional Japanese sword blades, flush-fit L-shaped headlights and taillights that flow around the fenders front and rear and standard 225/55 V-rated tires on 17-inch alloy wheels. The top-line G35 Sport 6M model has W-rated 225/50 front and 245/45 rear tires on 18-inch alloy rims.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Exceptionally well appointed, even the base G35 Sedan offers leather upholstery, a full range of power assists -- including dual power front seats -- steering wheel-mounted supplemental audio and cruise controls, Intelligent Key remote entry and start, six-speaker AM/FM/MP3-capable audio with six-disc changer and auxiliary input, automatic air conditioning and high-intensity discharge (HID) bi-xenon headlights. The Journey, G35x and Sport 6M bring greater power-seat adjustability and other detail upgrades. Standard safety features on all include front, front-side and side-curtain airbags, active front-seat head restraints, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).

Optional Equipment

The G35 offers multiple upgrade packages and several individual extras, although only for the Journey, G35x or Sport 6M models. Key groups include the Premium Package (moonroof, Bose audio system, power tilt and telescoping steering column, Bluetooth and more), Sport Package (sport steering wheel and seats, unique front fascia and side sills, 18-inch wheels and tires, limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes and magnesium paddle shifters with the automatic), Technology Package (Intelligent Cruise Control, adaptive front lighting and more) and the Navigation Package (voice-activation, real-time XM NavTraffic, RearView Monitor, Lane Guidance and a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive). Also available are 4-Wheel Active Steer, African Rosewood interior trim and a rear spoiler.}

Under the Hood

The G35's stellar V6 is the latest iteration of Nissan's renowned VQ35-series engine. This all-aluminum 3.5-liter is loaded with design elements that help reduce internal friction and increase total performance, including continuously variable timing on both the intake and exhaust valves. It delivers a stout 306 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque, is matched with either a five-speed automatic (G35, G35 Journey or G35x) or close-ratio six-speed manual transmission (G35 Sport 6M) and returns slightly above-average fuel economy numbers. On a G35 fitted with the Sport Package, the automatic also features finger-friendly shifter paddles mounted on the steering column and ideally positioned for quick gear changes.

3.5-liter V6
306 horsepower @ 6800 rpm
268 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 (manual), 17/24 (RWD, automatic), 17/23 (AWD, automatic)

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2008 Infiniti G Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 228 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.3/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.5/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.4/10

Exceeded my very high expectations

By J De An (NJ) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Power, road handling, comfort"

Cons: "No daytime driving lights (added LEDs for safety)"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Owned Chevy (early) Honda Preludes, Toyota Celica GTX and now G37x. This has "best of" all prior vehicles put together and then some. Power is terrific when needed (merging into highway traffic, overtaking slower cars on two lane roads, etc. milage surprisingly good if not lead footed all the time). Solid drive but not at the expense of comfort (for front passengers--really not designed for more than two people; buy the sedan if more than two). All controls logically laid out, stereo system (Bose)true quality; radio functions intuitive unlike my husband's new Camry--that is way too complex."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Fast. Sleek. Sporty. Off road capable.

By Bowtied (ID) on Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Gorgeous In & Out. Fun to drive. AWD."

Cons: "Average Gas Mileage."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I own the 2009 Infiniti G37x Coupe. I mainly bought the car so I had something classy for looking good wherever I went. Mainly though I was looking for AWD so I could take it to go snowboarding. I just didn't want a Subaru STI or a Mitsubishi EVO. THe price was right on the G37 so i bought it. The car handles amazingly in the snow, dirt, rain & mud. The suspension gives a comfortable ride as well. It has a good amount of power for when you put your foot down. There of course ins't much space in the back. Not comfortable for anyone over 5'7"ish. Its a coupe its not made to have people in the back. The Exterior is gorgeous but the Interior puts the Icing on the cake. Leather, heated seats, Navigation, and Bose audio what else do you need."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Fun, super sporty and unexpected!

By coolcamino (AZ) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 89,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Sporty and Great handling, Very Reliable"

Cons: "Stiff suspension (LOVE IT)"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"306 Horsepower stock, rear wheel drive, all luxury options 18" wheels, paddle shifters. BOSE sounds amazing! What's not to love. Faster than a BMW 3 series and much cheaper and more reliable to own!"

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Great value, fun to drive, becoming a bit dated.

By BTB (IL) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Value, fun without sacrificing comfort."

Cons: "Lots of them on the road, gas mileage, dated int."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"The car is great fun and the manual transmission is becoming a rarity nowadays. I like that you can have "fun" yet not sacrifice ride quality. Before this car, my daily driver was a Mercedes E550 4matic and driving in the city is more comfortable in the G37S. Crazy, right? Minor complaints would be that I never got anywhere near the stated mpg and that the controls/speedo etc. look dated compared to other cars in the segment."

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My fourth & FAVORITE Infiniti

By Doc (FL) on Thursday, April 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Inovative, great features for the $$, FUN<"

Cons: "Gas Mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have had 4 Infinit's. My First a 2004 FX 35, I still own. This is my 3rd "G". Had a 2007 G35X, a 2009 G37S Coupe & this one. All In ALL, This is the Best looking, best performing of all the later 3. The FX stands alone as a unique and extremely comfortable touring & Road car. (the seats alone are AWESOME"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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great value- but

By bullgator (TX) on Sunday, April 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "price is much better than the germans, bang for $"

Cons: "10Oz door holder for coffee is awkward, and tiny"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"i really just wanted a standard but the sport but it only comes with the journey. fit and finish are great, but how much trouble would it be to provide a human a cup holder ( like the automatic version i drove ). the design is superb, very sexy, but it only comes in black-on-black. the body curves are sweeping, but the doors ding if you look ay them wrong. the nav user interface is easy, but the iphone 5 bluetooth interface doesn't work without much pain. it corners and accelerates beautifully, but i'm told it will eat front tires.so it's great, but..."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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