Although the previous time I took my 2004 Infiniti G35 Sedan in for service and squeak repair, I got to drive the 2007 G35, this time (coolant replacement and oil change), I got the older 2006 G35 as a loner. Since the dealership I go to provides free loaners, I got familiar with the entire G35 yearly updates as well as with some model years of FX35. Although the 2005 was the year when significant improvements were made to the G35, the 2006 is probably the most desiarable of the previous-gen sedans, since all of the bugs were worked out by then. Well, almost.

I will go over the car's features and performance as well as the improvements over the last year's model and the ownership/maintenance experience with 2004 model, which is relevant to both 2004 and 2006 model years.

More Info

The 2006 Infiniti G35 Sedan is a rear-wheel drive car with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces 280 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque (automatic transmission). Models with 6-speed manual transmissions produce 298 hp, but slightly lower 260 lb-ft of torque. The power in the model I got to drive (Auto) is routed through the 5-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. Also available are an AWD version (G35x, auto only) as well as an aforementioned rear wheel drive model with a 6-speed manual transmission, which produces 298 hp through the use of dual variable valve timing (auto models only have variable valve timing on intake).

The manual-equipped 298-hp engine is also known as "Rev-up" motor. It is also known for the fact that some examples develop excessive oil consumption, which only recently have been addressed by Infiniti through a technical service bulletin (TSB) and are replaced.

The car features 52/48 weight distribution front to rear and has aluminum suspension components. The standard-issue G35 has zero-lift front aerodynamics and feels very stable at high speeds. It also features LED stoplights, which illuminate faster and last longer than conventional lights.

The front features HID xenon headlights (low beam) and I was a little surprised to find that the windshield washer jets are located on the wiper arms and no on the hood and provide clean hood look.

The brakes have electronic force distribution, ABS, vehicle dynamic control and brake assist. The G35 has front, side and head-curtain airbags as well as active head restraints (they move forward in rear-end collisions helping to prevent whiplash).

You can get more information elsewhere, but I just have to say that I believe that the G35 is a great bargain: the interior space of a BMW 530 with more power for the price of the stripped BMW 325. Of course, there are other variables involved, even aside from the BMW’s legendary handling and BMW free maintenance, but lower reliability than that of the G35.

The I dove recently was a 2006 Infiniti G35 Sedan without Premium Package, but with Sport Package, which includes firmer suspension, wider (235mm) tires and Bridgestone ER300 tires.

Pricing

The 2006 G35 Sedan, when new, sold for about $29,500 and even for less at the end of the model year, when the all-new 2007 model was about to come out. Obviously, now you can get it, depending on mileage, options and condition anywhere from $16-22K.

It is currently about 4K cheaper than a comparable 2007 model. The 2007 brings quite a few improvements, but I am not sure they warrant such a difference in price. You can read my review of the 2007 Infiniti G35 sedan here.

Improvements Over the 2004 Models

Although the 2006 model did not seem to change much over the 2005 model (aside from wheels and tires), I noticed improvements from the 2004 immediately. The exterior looks slightly more sporty and a bit more modern. The interior features better materials and easier to use controls. The volume and temperature controls are now rotating knobs as opposed to buttons in 2004 (rotating knobs are more convenient as you can change the temperature or volume quicker), but they are still on the side further from the driver. The buttons seem to have more solid feel.

The gauges and displays don't seem to suffer from backlight as much as they do in my 2004 model. This is a major improvement, since I really dislike the fact that in my 2004 model you cannot see the temperature or compass settings when the sun is hitting the car from behind. The gauges have more refined look to them and the orange backlight color for the gauges looks better now.

The steering wheel mounted controls for the stereo and cruise control are now backlit. I never look at them anyway and operate them by touch, so I didn't care for this "improvement". Besides, the backlight is a bit weak and the up/down rockers are now flimsier than before.

The steering wheel now not only tilts (with the instruments) but telescopes as well, even on the base models with no power tilting/telescoping. The telescoping is absent on my 2004 model and I miss it.

The seats have better shape and seemingly better leather. The steering wheel has smoother leather, which I am not sure I like better than the leather on my 2004 model. The shifter is not as stiff as in 2004 model and is easier to move.

I like the intelligent key feature (which I sampled in the 2005 G35), but you have to get a model with Premium Package. The feature was not available in 2004 model. The car seems to be quieter in both engine noise and the tire noise, comparing to 2003 and 2004 models.

The handling also seems to be better, possibly due to the fact that the car has wider tires, sport suspension and Bridgestone ER300 tires as opposed to my car's Bridgestone Turanza EL42 when new and even the replacement Yokohama YK520. The 2006’s steering has more heft to it (less power assist) and feels more precise.

The interior now uses real aluminum trim and the door release handles are shiny chrome-colored pieces. The inside door handles are now covered in comfy leather (or fake leather), whereas previously it was harder plastic. The manual shifting now works better and the car even matches the revs when you downshift. I mostly use the auto mode however, as it works well.

The interior is still no match for contemporary Acura or Lexus models. And the 2007 model is an improvement over the 2006.

The stereo now has no cassette player (a feature I only used a couple of times in my 2004 model), but can play MP3s and even WMA, unlike the 2003-2004 models. Since it is a 6-disc changer, you can store a lot of music in MP3 or WMA format.

The head unit plays CD-R and CD-RW. I recorded a couple of CD-RWs with MP3 music and discovered that the sound quality was very good (as good as if I burned CD-Audio from the same MP3s) but the fast scan within the song has a delay of about 2 seconds between the time you press the scan button and the time the scan begins. Also, it refused to play MP3s with 96 kbps bit rate (not a big problem as at this bit rate, the quality is pretty bad).

Brakes

The brakes have been redesigned for 2005. I have read a lot of complaints about 2003 and 2004 models brakes that would wear out rather quickly, sometimes supposedly by 10,000 miles. Mine did wear out at 15K. The replacement set so far lasted 26K, but is less responsive.

The discs were pretty small in 2003 and 2004 models and the brake pads featured a compound that worked really well but also would wear out fast. My front wheels were always covered in brake dust. Furthermore, my brakes would squeak slightly in cold weather.

Some complained that the brakes were too sensitive (grabby), but I actually liked that. The G35 would get consistently excellent baking results when tested by various car magazines.

For 2005-2006, the car got new brakes with larger discs and different caliper design. I think the brake pad material is different also. I immediately noticed the difference: the brakes feel less sensitive and are easier to modulate, but require more pressure. Which is similar to my 2004 G’s replacement pads (provided by Infiniti). I honestly liked the OEM brake feel of the 2004 model better, but if the new design reduces brake wear, it is a good improvement.

Not Good

The Bose stereo system (I know this from using the 2005 model, from which the 2006 system does not differ) sounds pretty bad. I know that in 2004 models, the standard audio sounded slightly better than Bose and it seems to be the case with 2005-2006 models. Both the Bose-equipped cars and non-Bose cars use the same head unit made by Clarion.

The standard audio system has 4 6.5-inch woofers in doors and 2 tweeters in front doors. The Bose system adds and amplifier and a couple of 6x9 speakers on the rear parcel shelf. The Bose system is a complete waste of money as it sounds even worse than the standard system.

Both Bose and non-Bose systems have over-emphasized upper bass and treble and severely lack midrange and lower bass. Contrary to popular belief and the common sense, you have to adjust bass to about -3 dB and treble to about -3/-4 dB for sound to get semi-decent. Only then the midrange can be heard. Still, the lower bass is lacking, despite having a separate Bose woofer (not a real subwoofer).

The Bose system boosts upper bass, which makes the sound unnatural. The speakers on the rear shelf are added and they are called "super woofers" - they boost upper bass and lower midrange but do not produce any "real" bass. As is the lower bass, the upper midrange is also lacking.

Also, although I have no problem with the way the power seat controls work (4 separate rocker switches), their location is not smart (inboard seat cushions). I would fear using front cup holders for the fear of spilling drinks on them and rendering them unusable.

Interior

The G35 is roomy inside and I find the seat very comfortable, due in part to the adjustable lumbar support. There is plenty of leg room up front and in the back seat. The wheel tilts together with the instrument cluster - a feature I don't mind but don't care much about. The Premium Package gives you the power tilting/telescoping and the wheel automatically moves up when the door is open to ease getting out.

The car has an automatic climate control (the premium package adds dual climate control and rear vents), which is easy to use.

The display in the middle of the dash has an electronic compass, climate control display and the outside temperature gauge with a signature Infiniti analog clock in the middle.

Make sure you set the proper "zone" for the compass to show the correct reading. The proper zone for Southern California is "3", whereas one of the cars I drove earlier was somehow set to zone "8" and the compass reading was a bit incorrect.

There is a cigarette lighter and 2 power outlets (one of which is in the armrest compartment).

The audio control buttons on the steering wheel make it easy to control the CD playback or radio without even looking.

The model I drove had the black interior that looked well (and a bit better than light interior in the 2005 model I drove earlier), but still not up to VW/Audi or BMW levels of finish. It is clean and functional however. The sun visors still feel pretty cheap though. But they are also functional, having sun visor extensions and illuminated vanity mirrors. The biggest flaw of the interior is the plastic on the dash and center console. It has grain structure that is supposed to resemble leather or something of that nature. But it is neither shiny nor convincing enough.

The steering wheel is convenient and has buttons for cruise control as well as for audio control functions. The back seat does not fold, but has a pass-through with an arm rest for the back passengers, which doubles as the cup holders and a first aid compartment.

The pedals are well-spaced overall, but I would like just a little more space between the brake and the gas pedals. The interior has several storage compartments (all of them small): center armrest compartment, 2 little glove boxes (one taken by DVD-based navigation system if so equipped), the compartment in the center top of the dash (taken by the LCD screen for navigation system, if so equipped).

The sunglass storage compartment on the headliner is a bit too small and cannot fit some of my sunglasses. The glass sunroof on the so-equipped cars is easy to use. I am no fan of sunroofs though.

The auto-dimming rearview mirror (if so equipped) works well. The automatic headlight feature (part of Premium Package) can be a bit annoying. When passed through short tunnels in the mountains, there was a delay after entering tunnel and the headlights turn on just as the car is about to exit the tunnel. Then they stay on for several seconds.

Surprisingly, the Premium Package does not include the feature than tilts the passenger-side rearview mirror down when the car is in reverse. And my mother’s basic 2006 Honda Accord Value Package allows you to lower all of your windows from outside using remote. The G35 with no Premium Package only lets you do this for front windows. Why?

Intelligent Key

The Intelligent Key feature (if so equipped) is pretty cool. You don't have to insert a key in the ignition, but rather just push in and rotate the knob that is on the steering column where the key hole normally is. If you have the Intelligent Key in your pocket, the car will start.

The Intelligent Key itself looks like an egg-shaped remote control. It has buttons to lock/unlock doors, lock the trunk or sound panic alarm. If the Intelligent Key system malfunctions, you can pull the small key out this remote and use it to open the car or start it.

You can lock/unlock the car or unlock the trunk by pushing buttons on the remote. Alternatively, you can unlock the trunk by pushing a body-colore button on the rear of the car, left of the tunklid while having the IK in your pocket. In the same manner you can lock/unlock the front doors by pushing a small black button underneath the outside door handle (the car will beep).

I have discovered the small annoyance here. If the car is locked and you push this button on the passenger side first, the passenger door unlocks (but not the driver's door). If you then push the button on the driver's side, insead of unlocking it, all locks will become locked.

The IK is a standard feature on the newer 2007 model and uses a button to start the engine.

Exterior

The standard 17-inch aluminum wheels look nice (nicer than the 2004 design) and are fitted with 215mm V-rated Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires (the sports package equipped cars get W-rated tires in 235/45-R18 size on 18-inch wheels and grippy Bridgestone ER300 tires).

I already mentioned the windshield washers located on the wiper arms. The outside power heated mirrors can be folded.

I must admit that I didn't really like the car's exterior when it was released, but now I like it a lot, even the new rear styling with circular taillight design. It will become old later than Acura’s angular designs.

Trunk

The trunk is roomy and has a cargo net. The opening is quite large and the trunk lid has gas-filled struts. The trunk can be opened from the cabin or by pressing a button on the remote. The trunk lid has a handle on the inside to close the lid without having to touch the outside (possibly dirty) surface, as well as the glowing-in-the-dark release handle. The effort required to close the lid is difficult to modulate however. The difference between being able to close the lid and slamming it is pretty slim.

Handling

My 2004 G35 handles really well, but the tires (Bridgestone Turanza EL42) were disappointing and it doesn't handle as a BMW 3 series I drove in BMW performance driving school. The replacement tires (Yokohama YK520) made it handle better. This 2006 model with Sport Package and wider tires is even better.

The G35 does feel solid. It also (even in sport trim) has reasonably compliant suspension. And it corners and brakes quite flat. I wish I had this 2006 model or at least 2005 instead of my 2004.

On Sport Package

The sport package’s handling on the mountain road is excellent. The car stays glued to the pavements at speeds approaching unreasonable without even a squeak. There is no slack in the steering and the on-center feel is exemplary. In addition, the ride is very smooth and is never harsh, even on the broken pavement, despite my suspicions. I definitely recommend the Sport Package!

Brakes

As described above, the brakes are now less sensitive and easier to modulate and are supposed to last longer. I miss my OEM 2004 MY brakes.

Transmission

The 5-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and does not hesitate to downshift. The shift seem to be even smoother on 2006 model than on 2004, perhaps the engine now matches the revs better/faster (no change from 2005 though). The G35's transmission works well enough in the full auto mode. Plus, the car is available with the 6-speed manual transmission.

The manual shifting is available as well. You choose the gear, not the range of gears. The car even shifts to 1st gear once you come to a stop. The shifting is pretty fast and the car matches revs almost instantaneously - a feature that is handy in the mountains.

Maintenance

Unlike BMW, Mercedes, Volvo or Audi, which provide you with free scheduled maintenance for 3-4 years, you have to pay for your maintenance with Infiniti. BMW and Mercedes cars have flexible service system which tells you when to change the oil (on average 11,000 miles).

The G35 has 3 service schedules, with driving in ideal conditions requiring oil changes every 7,500 miles. Two other schedules - preferred (for people who are paranoid or have OCD) and severe (for all others) - require oil changes every 3,750 miles.

The manual explicitly states that Infiniti recommends mineral-based oils. Based on experience with my 2004 models, the maintenance costs at the dealership are pretty high. Although I pay $21 for oil changes at my dealership since I bought car here (regular price is $40), I paid $130 for 7.5K mile service, which includes only oil change, tire rotation and a couple of inspections. This is not counting the annual (or 15K miles, whichever comes first) in-cabin air filter replacement that dealerships normally want about $100 for.

Do It Yourself

I do some maintenance items myself. Replacing the in-cabin microfilter normally costs $80-120, but you can do it yourself for about $20 (price of the filter). You have to remove the lower glove box (same design for 2006 G35), but it is doable.

It took me a little less than an hour as the design of the glovebox requires you to remove the entire lower section with the glove box cover as well as the side kick panel.

Some items require less maintenance than in other cars. The platinum-tipped spark plugs are supposed to last 105,000 miles. The engine uses long-lasting timing chain rather than timing belt, which would need replacement every 60-100 K.

Unfortunately, some items are a bit more difficult than they should have been. To check the oil, you have to remove and reinsert the dipstick, which has more bends and twists than the mountain drive to my hiking location of choice. I have never seen the worse-designed dipstick.

There is no tube to re-insert it into, just a hole in the engine block with a little "guide", which is useless at best. The hole itself is all but invisible, even in the daylight and requires a use of a flashlight, as it is surrounded by the intake pipe, the black engine cover and an additional attachment to the engine block right in front of the dipstick.

The aforementioned cabin air filter could have been made so that it is easier to replace. On 2000 Mitsubishi Galant you just have to pop the glove box out and unscrew the filter (1-minute operation). In 2004 Volvo S40, you remove the panel under the glove box (only 2 screws hold it) and open the trap door. In the G35, you have to peel the door sash thim, remove the side kick panel, remove the panel under the glove box, unscrew four screws that hold the entire glove box assembly and then (while holding it on your lap since several wires are attached to it) remove the filter compartment door. Installing the filter itself is a pain as the aforementioned wires are interfering.

The engine air filter on most cars can be replaced without tools in about 2 minutes. On this car, you have to use tools and it will take about 30 minutes. At least it is visible through the air intake so that you can inspect it with out removal and you don't have to replace it often.

Fuel

The manual recommends Premium 91-octane, but permits operation on Regular 87 for auto models. Manual models with rev-up engines require 91 octane. I am sticking with the Premium. With current high gasoline prices, the 25 cent difference between Premium and Regular is less that 10% of the gas price. The fuel tank holds 20 gallons. The car is rated at 18 MPG city, 25 MPG highway (2004 model was rated 18/26). I was getting about 19-24 MPG in my 2004 G35 and averaged about 21 MPG in the 2006 model so far.

Safety

The car was crash-tested by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and was named "Best Pick" in the frontal crash test.

Bottom Line

The improved 2006 G35 is better than the 2003-2004 model years and I highly recommend it. Since there were virtually no changes since 2005, you may consider getting a 2005 model if that would provide you with a better deal. Just make sure you are OK with less than good fuel economy and check the car for rattles before buying. And don't forget your Sport Package!

Amount Paid (US$): free
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2006
Model and Options: Auto Sport Package