however with the I35/QX4 having been phased out... the G35 is the low car. Before I got my Sedan, I had thought Infiniti should go low, back with a G20 style car, but its becoming more and more evident that Nissan/Inifniti is trying to be more European.. unlike the "Hey I drive a 21k RSX and its a Luxury car from Acura"

2004 G35s 5AT DG/Graphite/Premium/Huper Optik Tint

I hadn't heard that they had phased out the I35, though I remember reading speculation that they might.

As is, I couldn't find an article with google.that explicitely stated so. Just no news, whatsoever, about a 2005 model.

2004 Sedan/DVD Navigation/Desert Platinum/Willow

I think it's still available, but they made very few this year, every now and then I see a new i35, but I read somewhere the sales were very small this model year, the G35 on the other hand has rocked for Infiniti!


Brilliant Silver/Graphite/Chrome Wheels '04 Sedan/5AT

kevin.. the analysts were surprised it was back for 2004 considering the Maxima changed to a new platform and they continued making the I35... regardless, it's obvious that Infiniti is becoming an exclusive RWD/AWD shop... which I can't complain..as it draws the performance enthusiasts.

2004 G35s 5AT DG/Graphite/Premium/Huper Optik Tint

It is obviously not just Infiniti that is making the shift. It just seems that they are the company that has made the most whole hearted shift.

Cadillac has some RWD cars now, for instance. A recent article, possibly linked to from this board, talked about how FWD has difficulty with the power of current engines.

For all I know, there are other companies like BMW that may be all RWD/AWD. But if so, then they were already there. It wouldn't be a shift for them

2004 Sedan/DVD Navigation/Desert Platinum/Willow

I spoke with the dealership last week. They are no longer bringing in any I35s. The last one is the one I drove off the lot as a loaner. There may be a few left-over I35s out there that may be ordered if requested, but I think it's the end for them.

<font color=blue>[i]GroundingGear™ Equipped </font color=blue>

Interesting thread. I was just talking to my wife last night about this topic...how Nissan didn't do a great job of defining the lines between an Infiniti and a Nissan. I understand that the Infiniti line works on a different platform, but when a fully equipted Altima costs more than a G35, it makes you think, did I buy a luxury car or a fully equipted Nissan? Not that I care that I am driving a Nissan (cuz it really is a Nissan), I wonder what people really think when they see the G35. I know that when Lexus first came out, people basically said, "why spend that much for a Toyota?" Needless to say, Toyota has done a magnificient job of seperating their 2 brands with different looks and an extremely luxurious interior which cannot be compared to a Toyota. It is my hope that Nissan does the same. Don't get me wrong, I love my car and like most, am considering the M45 to be my next car with its anticipated new look. As far as the BMW and MB, there are very nice cars, but driving a car almost as much as it is in the shop doesn't appeal to me. Some people may not mind as much since they can say the own a "BMW" or a "MB", but just because you own a 318 or a 230 compressor, that doesn't make you special. Now, there are people who can afford the higher end models and affortd to keep their car in the shop and don't mind driving a rent-a-car from Enterprise or whomever the dealership uses, but Infiniti is following Lexus's lead on how important it is to ensure that a customer does not have to worry about a loaner car for service. One of the reasons I would definately consider a Infiniti and why I would consider a Lexus for my next and future cars is the fact that service is top notch. Lexus in Houston is considered to be the best servicing car company in Houston. BMW is the absolute worse. (Jag and Volvo doesn't even reach the charts)...and MB comes in a close last to BMW in Houston.

In a world where the consumer drives the market, I think BMW and MB needs to refocus their service department because there are a lot of customers who if not for the price and service, turned to Lexus and now Infiniti. Paying a premium for a car isn't bad if the car rarely needs to go to the shop for minor repairs and the service is excellent. I've had my G35 for 13 months now and I have never needed anything other then rattles fixed, which is my biggest complaint about the car. Overall, the G35 is a beautiful car (judge by the looks I still get) and it drives amazing.

I'm not trying to imply one car is any better than another, I'm just trying to point out what "I" think infiniti should consider doing and what other manufatures should be focusing on to get our business.

BTW, another indication that it is not a true luxury car is the flob...Infiniti is the only car in the luxury market that does not a have a single key/flob. If someone looked at your keys, they couldn't tell if you drove a Nissan or an Infiniti...vs Lexus, BMW, MB....ect.

.03 cents. =)

I agree with everything you've said about Infiniti, BMW, and MB, and about the keyfob thing...I agree the G35 keyfob should be just a nice key with small buttons (like Lexus) or similar to the keyfobs of other lux cars. However, our Intelligent Key System in our Infiniti FX35 is a very nice feature...who needs a key????? ;-) Just have the RF keyfob with you and it senses it...unlock the doors and start the car without taking it out of your pocket!



2004.5 G35-S 5AT Black/Willow - Prem, R. Spoiler, Navi, Infiniti Sport Wheels, Alum Pedals, Dark Tint, Z Tube, K&N Filter

My view is that a Brand doesn't necessarily denote a luxury car, but the car within the brands do. For example I don't think the Audi A4 is luxury but the A8 is. I don't think the 325 BMW is luxury but the 7 and 5 series is and I wouldn't consider the is300 a luxury car but the LS models I would. I think it has to do with quality within the brand. The brand definetely has something to do with it as does price (you dont see many luxury cars in the below $40K range) but I don't think just pricing a car high and putting a badge automatically makes a car a luxury vehicle.

Well, then I guess you agree that the G35 Sedan/Coupe is a luxury car, because my G35 is just as nice on the inside (and outside) and has a better navi system, more options, and has more HP and faster than my bro's BMW 530i. It's not "the car," it's the brand. Most would agree that the Infiniti G35 is an entry-level lux car in the mid-$30k price range. Many will argue that it's just as good if not better than many cars $10k more (like the BMW 330i/530i), but they're not the same. what you're talking about is apples-oranges...yes, the Infiniti Q45, Lexus LS430, BMW 7 Series, and MB S430/500 are much larger, more luxury, more features, higher-status, and more expensive cars, but the G35 still is an Infiniti, which classifies it within the lux or near-luxury rhelm. btw - most Audi A4 drivers will disagree with you and say their car is a lux or near-lux class car with full leather, fully featured, and decent engines.



2004.5 G35-S 5AT Black/Willow - Prem, R. Spoiler, Navi, Infiniti Sport Wheels, Alum Pedals, Dark Tint, Z Tube, K&N Filter

Neil,

I’m coming around to your way of thinking. I’ve found the terms “near luxury”, “mid luxury” and “ultra luxury” used to define cars within a brand. The G35 and BMW 3 Series would fall under the category of near luxury cars just as dbarnes pointed out.

But I am under the impression that some brands, BMW and Mercedes for example, have achieved luxury car “status” for their smaller “near luxury” cars. They certainly sell them at a premium over similarly (or even better) equipped G35s. Others have posted that these two brands are more trouble prone and offer worse service to their customers. I can only imagine this continues because the buyers want the status of owning a BMW or Mercedes.

I’m not buying the European is “status” but Japanese is not argument. Other European manufacturers have failed to establish themselves in this country. Renault (partner with Nissan) is one example. Fiat is another. If it boiled down to being an auto company with European roots, both these companies would qualify. Besides, I think Lexus has done with the ES300 what GM tried to do with the failed Cadillac Cimarron (I’m dating myself), turn a basic mid-sized sedan into a luxurious “status” car.

My dilemma is not if the G35 has the interior/performance/styling of a “near luxury” car but rather, is Infiniti successful in making the G35 a “status-symbol” for those seeking status?

Cale


04 G35X

Hmm Status. I don't feel any particular status owning it. Though I have never bought a car for status I am sure a lot of Americans do. The marketing message is very strong. As for real luxury, I just don't see it. Sure there are nice features, but in no stretch of the imagination is the G35 a luxury car. But here is the good news, we are living in a car enthusiasts dream right now. Lots of powerful cars, good mileage, good pollution controls, tons of content, and cheap gas. There are so many good choices out there these days you really can't go too wrong. 20 years age think of what was available, yikes! This is a good time for cars! Get out and enjoy, no matter what others think of your ride.

2004 Sedan -- 3M Clear Bra - Bought on eBay and DIY -- Rocky Mounts bike racks!

I think as far as the status associated with the G35 depends on where you live. For example in Connecticut where I live in my town where the average income isn't extremely high and most people drive average every day cars, it will be seen as a luxury vehicle and has some status associated with it, as they aren't seen much.

However if I drive to Greenwich, CT where there are big time money makers and NYC corporate big shots the "status" of the G35 decreases dramatically as most of them are driving >$50K cars.

You can probably see this in many areas of the country, Cali and Miami included where cities and suburbs have great divisions of wealth and status.

I don't know about you guys but I get all my parts from a nissan dealership and they all say Nissan on them.

I don't pay more for my parts for my infiniti than i did for my altima's, sentras, maxima or hardbody pickups

now if you are having your maintenance done at the infiniti dealership that is on you, you get to pick where you want your maintenance done. Every nissan dealership has the equipment and computer interface to do all troubleshooting and repairs needed but cannot do warranty work.

ever look at the underside of your car? every underbody piece has "nissan" stamped on it.

Better Life thru Chemistry
Black on Black 03.5 Sedan 6MT - Goodyear F1 GS-D3's 225/55/17, Custom Intake Tube, '03 "Z" Suspension, Magnaflow resonator, 6 Wire 4 Guage Grounding Kit

CaleJohnson:

Good points, Cale, and more good food for thought. As a matter of fact, in addition to the brands you referenced, the "flagships" of all French luxury cars failed here as well, Peugeot & Citroen. (talk about dating ourselves!).

In addition to the Cadillac Cimarron's failure, there was also the "creation" of the Seville, initially by rebadging and installing upgraded interior materials and content to a Chevrolet Chevelle/Malibu, right? I remember reading at the time (late '70's) that it actually cost GM about $350-$375 to actually create a Seville from a Chevy, and they priced it high and it sold!

I bought my G35 for the way it drives, looks, and feels; however, I did need some level of respectability for my job, and the Infiniti does provide this. Nonetheless, would I buy a G35 if I absolutely had to be perceived as owning a "Luxury" car? - at this point, I'd have to say no - but I also agree with you that the BMW 3 series and Mercedes C series really are not luxury cars, either, although many buyers perceive them as such (and pay through the nose from start to finish of their ownership experience, as a result). Basically, those cars are riding the coattails of their larger brethren, and I believe that Infiniti hopes to achieve this result with the G35 as well, eventually (something Lexus has achieved to a larger degree with their ES300, a re-badged Camry).

Also, the gentleman from Connecticut makes the very valid point that "luxury" is also in the eye of the beholder, and can be regional in perception. Remember, perception is reality to each individual.

I wonder, then, what would Infiniti have to do to the present G35, in order to put it above the "luxury" threshold in everyone's eyes, everywhere? (This really is a thinking person's forum, isn't it ?).

Sport Sedan Fan - 2004 6MT Sedan
Sport/Navigation/Premium/Aero; "Invisiguard" Bra, Madico Onyx Tint
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