2003 Infiniti I35 Consumer Reviews

Best value for the money!

Written by: johnny45 on 07/07/2008

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti I35 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Had previously owned a '99 I-30 - what a wonderful car, but I had no idea how much fun and what a great driving experience could be had until I purchased my 2003 I-35 new in May '03. This is such a great car! Fun to drive - very reliable - reasonable on oil changes/maintenance costs - it has been the best value for the money of all the cars I have purchased over the last 45 years of driving experience. It reminds me of the early Nissan Maximas - a really great sports sedan! It gives so much back to the driver. Based on current offerings in the automobile markets, I'm keeping this car until the wheels drop off - at least another 10 years! And yes, it runs OK on regular gas - 26 mpg hwy!

Favorite Features

Driving experience. A sports sedan - great handling/speed/reliable car. Fun on short and long trips! Best car for the money.

Suggested Improvements

I got rid of the Bridgestones once I had 30K miles and put a softer "rubber" tire for road comfort and handling.

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Riding VIP

Written by: Nissan Love on 12/10/2007

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti I35 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

All i can say is wow! Purchased April 07 with 30k miles 8 months later have 56k miles. Its so smooth and refined while still being fast and fun. Only performed routine maintance. Beautiful inside & out. Great service from dealerships. This car has everything that an engineer can ask for in a car that does everything so well and refined. Gives you an adrenaline rush when driving although it's not as great as our Maxima. Surprised that it gets 26.8 MPG our Maxima gets 27.6 MPG. Will keep forever cause it runs like a champ and is truly a beast of a vehicle...both the Maxima & I35

Favorite Features

VQ35DE has amazing, power, refinement, reliability, fuel economy (26.8 MPG) & quietness. Ride comfort. Luxury. Features. Service. Leather is great. Interior quality. Standard warranty. Feeling of class & wealth. Bose stereo. One touch everything. Looks.

Suggested Improvements

Wish it had a TRUE performance version. For some reason my transmission began slipping @ 53k miles but is being replaced under warranty.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I Love my I

Written by: Jackie on 08/17/2007

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti I35 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I chose this car when I had to replace my Acura Integra with a larger "Mommy" car. I initially went for one of the new Acuras, but decided on this car after comparing prices and test driving them all more than 5 times each. This car is sooo comfortable, especially on long rides. I haven't had any major problems, but I am disappointed that the driver's seat motor went out. One thing, the turning radius is horrible!!

Favorite Features

Comfort. Smooth ride. Automatic seat adjustment before the motor went out.

Suggested Improvements

The turning radius would be #1, but this car is discontinued, which is why I got such a good deal when I purchased it.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great Car!!

Written by: NissanFan4Ever on 05/25/2007

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti I35 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Love the car!! I traded my 2005 Nissan SE-R Spec V for it. Had the car 8 weeks and I average around 900-1000 miles a week. The car is absolutely a dream to own and drive. I average 26 MPG. The car cruises effortlessly and has amazing power. It handles well for what it is. I miss and loved the Spec V (especially the handling and the seats) but needed and wanted something safer, more comfy and luxurious now that I am an engineer and do a lot more driving. I highly recommend Infiniti and Nissan products - this is my 5th Nissan/Infiniti product.

Favorite Features

Ride, luxury, VQ35DE engine, smooth trans, power sunshade, one-touch everything, wood-grain, comments I get, HIDs, Bose stereo, quietness and refinement, room, gauges and price!

Suggested Improvements

Handling could be a little tighter like my mom's 03 Maxima SE, more exterior chrome.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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external noise

Written by: G V on 01/06/2007

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti I35 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I've had the I35 for the past 3 years. I could hear external noise (like wind) when driving at 70 mph. I also have a Camry for a comparison purpose and hence will go for a lexus next time

Favorite Features

car seat warmer and the steering wheel warmer

Suggested Improvements

Reduce external noise

0 out 4 people found this review helpful

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An under the radar superstar!

Written by: JDA on 10/15/2006

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti I35 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

My unreliable E430 had to go; I wanted a reliable, fast, sedan, with a hint of luxury. I had a Maxima before the Mercedes, so I decided to try a "Luxury Maxima." Picked one up used/cheap, since they have been discontinued and are overshadowed by the G35, and have now had it 6 months. Nondescript exterior style does not draw attention to the powerful V-6 underneath. Seriously: people underestimate this car all the time - until you blow them away; the engine delivers power at all speeds. I have averaged 22 mpg in mixed driving. I have had two minor service issues, but both were covered under warranty - Roseville Infiniti has treated us well...so far: they know I want a G35 in 2008.

Favorite Features

Nondescript nature of the vehicle. Powerful V-6, steering wheel controls, understated interior. Paying $220 for a servicing that would have been $550 for my old Mercedes. I look forward to long trips - not as much as with the E430 - but that service bill and Nissan reliability balance that well.

Suggested Improvements

Ummmm, the fake wood: gauche. The turning radius...pretty darn bad, but I've adjusted. Also, the discontinued model factor lessens the re-sale value, but who cares, the initial 3 year depreciation has already hit; you can pick these up at bargain rates, and they will run well another 8-10 years.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Couldn't be happier.

Written by: Shiska on 09/19/2006

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti I35 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I have had this car since new (almost three years ) and it is far and away the best car I have ever owned , and I have been owning and driving cars since the mid 1960's.I still feel the same getting behind the wheel in the morning as I did when the vehicle was new. Fast, smooth, anvil tough and reliable in the most severe conditions, it is everything I want in an automobile.

Favorite Features

Performance and handling,heated seats and steering wheel in the cold weather,stability control,rear sunshade.

Suggested Improvements

Better and more extensive interior control illumination.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I'm a fan

Written by: Infiniti fan on 05/04/2006

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti I35 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I love this car. I agree with other reviewers about the turning radius - it's like driving a truck. Otherwise, it's a great car for the money. The extra features can not be found on any other car for the money. Gas mileage is so-so, but trade-off for the high HP. Have had brakes replaced, but I do mostly city driving. Had a G35 loaner (sticker $44,000) and I hated it. No extra features. This is a much better value. If you can find a used one coming off lease - BUY IT!! The G35 is aimed a t a much younger demographic. I am 48 - female.

Favorite Features

Heated steering wheel; in-dash CD changer; rear sun shade

Suggested Improvements

None. Car is no longer made.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Grea Car for the Money

Written by: TN on 02/15/2006

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti I35 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I have now owned the I35 for over 3 years now. It has been a great car for the money. The car has 255 hp with a smoother ride than DTS. Awesome inside. The inside is layed out very nice and you feel like you are in a $40,000+ car. I paid 28,500 for mine and that included the winter package.

Favorite Features

The sound system is really top notch. The heated steering wheel is super nice.

Suggested Improvements

The turning radius is terrible. It the only thing about the car that is bad. The resale is very bad. I would not buy one new again. Forget about trying to trade in.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great Value!

Written by: Doug on 07/14/2005

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti I35 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought my I35 in December 2002 and now have 45000 miles on it. Only warranty work done was a new seat motor. Great engine, great near- luxury interior, great value. Sporty (stiff) suspension. Bose radio is terrible. It is all bass, very muddy sounding. No treble whatsoever. The worst car radio I've ever heard! You will have to replace the speakers if you like listening to music. Turning radius is embarrasing. Like driving a bus in a parking lot. Overall highly recommended.

Favorite Features

great engine. near-luxurious interior. best value in class.

Suggested Improvements

Bose radio is the worst! Terrible, muddy bass sound, no treble. Turning radius much to large.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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