2002 Infiniti I35

The I35, available in two versions, gives buyers the opportunity to get the level of luxury and performance they want. The base Luxury trim is obviously slanted toward pampering its passengers. The Sport Package upgrades the handling aspects of the I35 by adding Infiniti's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) to a sport-tuned suspension system.


VDC, using sensors that read steering angle, wheel speed, brake pressure and g-forces, regulates each wheel's brake independently to keep or bring the I35 under control. Adapted from the Q45, VDC seems to be particularly effective when less-experienced drivers get in over their heads. It certainly saved a few of the pilots we were teamed with during a recent ride and drive. For the experienced driver (one who likes as little interference on their control of their vehicle as possible), the system may not be so special. The Sport Package also includes performance 225/50R17 tires, side sill spoilers and a sunroof.


Luxury and performance are the I35's messages, and Infiniti wants both traits to come through loud and clear. And with that in mind, the new 3.5-liter engine performs both tasks. During our testing we put the car through as many possible scenarios as possible, from the racetrack to mountain roads to potholed city streets to expansive freeways. The V-6's power and smoothness were expected, and yet we were still surprised its responsiveness and transparency in NVH (noise, vibration, harshness).

Available interior colors are Beige, Graphite and Willow. Upholstery is Sojourner leather, and instrumentation features an electroflorescent fine-vision meter cluster. A Bose 200-watt, 7-speaker audio system with in-dash 6-disc CD changer is standard.

We were also impressed by the interior's accommodations. Like the larger Q45 the I35 tries to emulate, the layout is luxurious but with a sporty feel. Navigation systems and their levels of driver distraction have become an area of debate, and Infiniti offers its dash-mounted, flip-up system as an option on the I35. Allowing you to chose your own position, figuratively and literally, the Infiniti system features a three-dimensional "Birdview" display that offers a look as if you were flying over your position on the road. This novel view is fun to watch, as long as you aren't behind the wheel.


Comfort is certainly a key factor in the I35 interior. The seats are firm, yet not overly so to make long drives exhausting. Even with five adults in the car, we were comfortable during an extended drive. However, passengers were a bit put out for not jumping behind the wheel first. After all, the driver's position is the premier seat in the I35.