Drivers Log.(evaluation of Infiniti G35 Coupe automobile, information and statistics)

2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe

Date in fleet: Dec. 23-30 As-tested price: $36,195 Powertrain: 3.5-liter V6; rwd, five-speed automatic Hp: 280 @ 6200 rpm Torque: 270 @ 4800 rpm Curb weight: 3422 lbs

MORRISON: Daaaaaaaang! Now this is a car. This is the first time I've really driven any G35, and I'm blown away. Obviously, it's a Z, but until driving the G35, I had a hard time imagining how it felt. Well, it feels almost exactly like the Nissan. Same great drivetrain, same great engine sound. Handling is great, though I didn't get to drive much after the snow came down. But with the traction control on, I didn't have one problem in the slush that's been on the road since. One thing that sliding in the snow did show me was that the steering is darn good. I found it easy to correct a few small tailslides, and even in the brief dry running I got in, I was impressed with the feedback. Nicely weighted, but without a false, over-boosted feeling. Overall, the G coupe is impressive. Exterior styling is exquisite, performance is spectacular and the price is right. I never thought it would happen, but the 3 Series is beaten. If you want the best performance for your dollar, the G is the leader in the low- to mid-$30K range.

2003 Ford Expedition XLT

Date in fleet: Dec. 20-Jan. 2 As-tested price: $36,935 Powertrain: 4.6-liter V8; rwd, four-speed automatic Hp: 232 @ 4750 rpm Torque: 291 @ 3450 rpm Curb weight: 5267 lbs

RAYNAL: As pointless as one of these huge SUVs is with rwd only, this was a hell of a good truck for the chores I asked it to perform. Most of which involved folding the seats down and filling it with boxes. At that, the big ute performed admirably. And with a couple of days of rain/snow, the covered cargo area worked out great.

I know, I know, these big'uns are being blamed for nearly everything ...