INFINITI G35 vs Honda Accord

Nissan's premium brand, Infiniti, has long been an also-ran, as Lexus and Acura tend to dominate the conversation in the Japanese premium-vehicle space. The recently-redesigned Infiniti G35 sedan might help Infiniti break free of the others’ shadows, however, because it’s got the performance, standard features, and price to be a real breakout hit.

A major overhaul for the 2007 model year brought a striking new design, an updated engine, and an overhauled interior with upgraded finishes and materials. The G35 is targeted at new-car buyers that want a sporty premium sedan at a reasonable price. It competes with cars from brands such as Audi, Cadillac, BMW, and the aforementioned Acura and Lexus.

The 2008 model is offered in two configurations: A standard rear-wheel-drive model and the all-wheel-drive Infiniti G35x. Both models get a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 306 horsepower, which reaches either the rear or all four wheels through a standard five-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is available for cars equipped with the optional Sport package.

An Infiniti G37 Coupe is offered as well, but has a different engine and is covered separately.

As faithfully as the sun rises and sets, Honda redesigns the popular Accord every five years. If you’re good with math, that means 2007 is the final year for the current version of the car. But that doesn’t mean you should skip it in favor of newer designs from competitors like Ford, Nissan, and Toyota.

Continuing in 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan body styles, the 2007 Honda Accord is offered in Value Package, LX, Special Edition, EX, EX-L, and Hybrid trim levels. Most Accords have a 4-cylinder engine, some have a V6 engine, and a few have a gas-electric hybrid powertrain.

As far as changes to the 2007 Accord go, the V6 engine is now offered with Special Edition trim. Otherwise, the car is the same as it was in 2006.