2003 Infiniti I35 Review
Fuel Economy
20 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Though not as luxurious as some peers, the I35 is powerful, reasonably well-equipped and a good deal -- so long as you don't mind that it's a Maxima in disguise.
Pros
Outstanding V6, pleasant highway ride, low price, spacious cockpit, easy-to-use controls, strong reliability record.
Cons
Too similar to the Nissan Maxima, some cut-rate interior materials, sport package gives the car a choppy ride on rough pavement.
What's New for 2003
There aren't that many changes for the I35 this year. It gains the option of having an integrated satellite radio, and on the inside the use of wood-tone trim is expanded on the center console.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Solid car for the money
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Infiniti I35 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought this car looking for comfort, performance/sportiness, luxury/sleek elegant look and a bit of exclusivity. 12k miles into it I've found all this and then some. Among the competition, (es300/TL), I went with the i35 due to its performance (3.5L versus 3.0, 3.2), comparable gas mileage (20/26), comfort in the little things (sunshade, rear heated seats, sojourner leather), build quality and reliability (its a maxima in disguise). TL's and ES300's are a dime a dozen, this car was Infiniti's hidden car. Its nice to roll in a car that has a lot of everything, yet isn't seen 5 times in 1 in block. The ride is very smooth and no major issues have arrived.
Favorite Features
Performance. Many people refer to this car as an old mans car, but at the age of 23, it turns a lot of heads during passing on the highway and the sheer acceleration/pickup at the light. The VQ35de roars after 2500RPM. The heated seats are a plus, I get compliments whenever someone sits in the car.
Suggested Improvements
No car is perfect, and although its discontinued if I could improve on it: *Stronger/Firmer suspension. OEM parts are weak, turning radius is terrible. *4AT transmission. Lackluster, a 5 speed would really improve acceleration and to the overall performance. Shifts feel sludgy. *Better Bose
Best Car I've Had
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Infiniti I35 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This car has given me absolutely no problems in the past 6 years I've had it. Recently I was hit by some object on the freeway. The windshield withstood the impact with just a small scratch. I think I would have been in trouble had I not been in such a sturdy car. I love the performance and the reliability.
Favorite Features
Ability to accelerate when I need the power.
Suggested Improvements
I would have liked a better choice of colors. Ended up with silver, but I still like it very much.
Fabulous Performer
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Infiniti I35 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Originally leased (Sept 03) then bought the car at end of lease (a first for a lease for me). I do not recall ANY problems during the dealer maintenance period and follow on has been limited to replacement of belts and hoses which I do on a 3-year cycle. Did have a wheel bearing go out and was an unusual and unexpected repair. Even with 84K miles, computer is registering 25.5 MPG avg which has reduced from about 26.5 for the first 4 years. A great cost of ownership vehicle.
Favorite Features
I really appreciate the driver seat that moves back when you exit the vehicle. This avoids hitting your head on the frame which happens on most vehicles with current styling trends. Great gas mileage and low maintenance costs
Suggested Improvements
The faux wood trim peels - probably due to poor surface prep prior to installation.
Disappointed
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Infiniti I35 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I purchased this vehicle just about 5 years ago because I had heard so many great things about Infiniti. The first 3 years were good but then my oil was always running low and they could never diagnose it. Now I only have 87000 miles and the engine has failed. That is certainly not what I expected from an auto dealer with their perceived quality. Their customer satisfaction department was anything but satisfying and I will now be buying a BMW!
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Very reliable and comfortable
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Infiniti I35 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Bought new in 03 for 21.5k. The car has been ultra-reliable with no significant problems at all. After 52k miles the only maint. I have had to do is change my oil+filter. I so far have never had to refill oil in between changes, my tires are in great shape, and all components still work great. I really liked the interior and the soft leather seats. The car is quiet and has a powerful engine. It's a sleeper car in that it is very nondescript, but it also has a streamlined look. The drive is not comparable to a sports sedan but that's not the point. It handles well for its size in the corners and has good balance. The steering feedback is very good as well.
Favorite Features
The comfort overall and the sound system. All around high quality and reliability.
Suggested Improvements
The turning radius could be better but I knew what it was when I bought and researched the car. I get about 23 mpg on average if I drive slowly mixed city/hwy. A bit low but you pay for the 255hp eng. There's a big gap between the hood and front bumper, but otherwise the build quality is quite high.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2004 Infiniti I35
- 2003 Infiniti I35
- 2002 Infiniti I35
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