2002 Infiniti I35

I opened the glovebox and the little laminated card fell out. “This is a pre-production vehicle,” it read. That meant this particular Infiniti I35 rolled off the line as production was still being tweaked and therefore should not be held totally accountable for minor flaws. Normally, it’s a nice way of saying all the squeaks and rattles and sloppy fit and finish will be ironed out. We hope. But in the case of this Infiniti, there was no need for disclaimers. I would have never suspected this lovely luxury sedan with updated looks and boosted performance was a pre-production vehicle. If this is Infiniti’s idea of less-than-perfect, I35 buyers are in for a treat. The Good News
If you’re thinking you’ve never heard of the I35, you’re not alone. It is the 2002 rendition of the I30, Infiniti’s previous mid-level sedan, with a couple of new strokes in styling and, more important, a brand new engine.

The new exterior cues include grille and xenon headlamps in front and taillamps in rear. Door handles are now body-colored and badges are more prominent. Don’t expect startling changes here; the I35 continues the I30’s tradition of quiet, unassuming style. But there’s nothing quiet and unassuming about its new power. Well, OK, quiet does apply in the literal sense. This new 3.5-liter V6 operates in a whisper, with the slightest murmur of a deep exhaust note.

Its presence is announced in other ways, however. With 255 horses and 246 pound-feet of torque, this mid-size sedan has been taking its vitamins. Acceleration improves over the I30 by more than a second (now 0-60 in just under 7 seconds), and likewise with the quarter mile, now a 15.3-second feat.

Yet, from its liquid-smooth transmission to its drive-by-wire throttle, the message here is power and luxury. Although the steering feels nicely weighted for sport and brakes have been modified to complement its new performance stature, the ride remains compliant and gentle. It will satisfy those who want to drive hard, and those who want to ride easy.

Inside, the I35 lives up to its luxury billing with leather-lined seats, tasteful “wood tone” touches, rich Bose AM/FM/cassette/CD audio system and lots of other goodies, all on the standard list.

The Bad News
The only drawback to the I35’s newfound muscle is a touch of play in the front end under urgent acceleration. Blame its extraordinary torque feeding the front wheels. If you drive like a normal person, this will never bother you. If you can’t resist being naughty occasionally when the light turns green, take heed.

Gas Mileage
EPA rated at 20 mpg city/26 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $28,750;
Price as tested, $30,675

Is it worth it?
Some would argue that buying an I35 is simply paying too much for a Nissan Maxima, which shares much of the Infiniti’s basics. But you don’t get that finer touch of luxury and performance, not to mention the cool electroluminescent instrument panel, in the Maxima.

Still, if you’re looking for the sedan to impress your neighbors, the I35 is not it. Its looks are much too subdued and, unless they’re car buffs, they’ll probably think you’ve bought a new Maxima, Camry or Accord. That’s not a bad thing, but it’s not what you had in mind.

If you’re looking for a delightful luxury/performance sedan for thousands less than you expected to pay for this level of upscale, however, the I35 fills the bill.

Heck, if my pre-production model showed this kind of promise, just think how the perfect ones must feel.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.