Overview & Reviews

These days, we've come to expect a lot from Infiniti. But in years past, the Japanese luxury brand actually struggled to find an audience. Only with the Infiniti G35 sport sedan did the company start to regain its footing after years in the red. At the time of its debut, the G35's refined styling and sporty performance made a loud statement.

There were two generations of the Infiniti G35, both built on the same platform as the Nissan 350Z sports car. The G35 distinguished itself in the entry-level luxury segment with a roomy cabin, plenty of performance and a respectable price. For those reasons, the rear-wheel-drive G35 was one of our editors' top recommendations for a sport sedan or coupe that was rewarding to own and drive. More recently, the G35 was replaced by the G37.

Most Recent Infiniti G35

There were two generations of the Infiniti G35 sedan, although the second generation is essentially the current G37 sedan with a smaller V6 engine. The G35 coupe lasted only one generation (meaning, same body style) before being replaced by the fully redesigned G37 coupe.

The most recent G35 sedan was completely redesigned for 2007. Changes included a stiffer body structure, revised chassis tuning for better handling, a more powerful V6 engine and a more voluptuous take on the previous G's styling. It was more or less the same size as the outgoing model, but the biggest improvement could be found inside, both ergonomically and aesthetically. Everything was better put together and materials were higher in quality. The 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 306 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, but a six-speed manual came with the 6MT trim. We'd seriously recommend against this transmission (especially on 2007 models) as it was incredibly difficult to drive smoothly.

The sedan was available in five trims: a base model, Journey, x (indicated all-wheel drive), Sport and Sport 6MT. Most Infiniti G35 sedans will be of the Journey variety, which added items like dual-zone automatic climate control and a six-CD changer. The Sport trims were geared toward enthusiasts and featured 18-inch wheels and tires, a limited-slip differential, sport seats and aggressive tuning for the car's electronic stability system. A four-wheel active steering system was an option that's exclusive to the Sport trims, although we weren't fans of it.

Other than its engine, its name and few other detail changes, the G35 sedan became the G37 sedan for 2009.

Used Infiniti G35 Models

The original Infiniti G35 was introduced for 2003, and was produced in sedan form until 2006 and as a coupe until 2007. Originally, the sedan was available in one trim level until the all-wheel-drive model arrived for '04. The coupe could be had in base or Sport trim. The latter included a firmer suspension, a limited-slip differential and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Both sedan and coupe shared the same 3.5-liter V6, but the sedan originally made less power (260 hp with four doors, 280 with two doors). They were made even at 280 hp for 2005, and both models when equipped with the six-speed manual option got a boost to 298 hp. These horsepower numbers dropped to 293 and 275, respectively, for the '07 coupe because of a change in SAE testing procedures -- actual output did not, in fact, change.

Other than the myriad engine changes, there were other noteworthy updates made during the first-generation G35's lifetime. The sedan received a new hood, grille, bumpers, side sills and taillights for '05, although it was hardly a revolutionary aesthetic difference. The coupe remained mostly unchanged visually. Inside, though, both benefited from a redesigned instrument panel and improved manual transmission with a lower shifting effort. The coupe gained an optional rear-steer system for 2006, while its Sport Package gained a unique front fascia and a big rear spoiler. Bluetooth arrived on all Gs that year. While the G35 sedan was completely redesigned for '07, the coupe remained the same.

In our reviews, we were quite fond of the original generation Infiniti G35. The sedan was a bargain-priced alternative to the BMW 3 Series, while being a little less frantic and more comfortable than the second-generation G35 and current G37. The coupe was the more practical, livable alternative to Nissan's 350Z -- it was a sports car in luxury clothing. If there was one area of concern, it was an interior filled with several cheap surfaces and some unintuitive controls. Headroom was also quite limited in the coupe. One feature that was welcome, though, was the optional reclining rear seatbacks in the G35 sedan, which made it a top choice for backseat comfort.

User Reviews:

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  Not a Bimmer (but close) - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Hard to Please - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Better interior space than a 3 series, great engine and transmission. Some interior trim not up to snuff. Souns system speakers not up to par. Good value for the $$

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  Infiniti G35X - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By elyphant66 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  So far I have no complaints about my G35X. I purchased it in July 2004 so I havent had it very long. It is very comfortable and I like that since I drive a lot with my job.

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  Pitfalls - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By JK - July 19 - 12:13 pm

  By the time I hit 50,000 The main computer, Blue Tooth, and CD player had to be replaced. At 67,000 the passenger side airbag and seatbelt sensor had to be replaced. That repair didnt solve the problem so the seat had to be replaced. The seat was a $4,000 seat. The dealer did replace the seat free of charge because of my service history. I switched from a Volvo to the Infiniti hoping it would be more reliable but that has not been the case. The car is comfortable and drives well but I would not purchase another one. My dealer has been great.

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  Fun to drive car - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By loudog2 - July 14 - 12:33 pm

  Since I have a work truck, I wanted something fun to drive on the weekends. I always liked the G and even the I35s before it. The ride is smooth and responsive. I dont notice the wind noise people are talking about. The nav and controls are easy to firgure out.

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  A Great Car! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By JUJU - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I am so in awe of this car! Beauty, power and performance! This car is so fun to drive, I often just drive without any purpose! Very luxurious and very sporty. The only complaint I have at this point, while I have only owned the car one month, is that the door to the sunroof is awfully flimsy. There are a few accents on the vehicle that were skimped on quality - I also dont like the plastic door to the gas cap. But, the plusses of this car far out weigh the minuses!

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jarrettblue - July 13 - 2:00 am

  This car is an absolute thrill to drive. It does everything you want it to do better than you expect it to do it. The value you get is unbeatable, it better in everyway the CLK and the 330ci and you can use the money you save to have the car detailed weekly. Buy this car and you will have no regrets!!!

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  Great Car. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bkorczak - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I have a Caribbean Blue G35 Sedan W/leather, Premium package, Navigation Package,and Winter Package and a I LOVE it. Getting the Premium Package is well worth it, it gives you everything a person could want on a car. The Bose Audio System ,which comes with the premium package, sound great and has loads of power. The Navigation Package works great and is so cool. For anyone who lives in the chicago area and is thinking about buying a G35 go to Infiniti of Orland Park they are great and they treat you wonder. plus I good a great deal on mine.

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  G35, the envy of your friends - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By jg613 - July 9 - 5:20 am

  This car is a head turner. The sport edition has a wonderful growl to it. Power is never an issue. The car has a solid feel. Handling is top rate. I drove a Z before purchasing a G35 and the G35 puts the Z to shame. This is one top rate car. If you are in the market for a sports car but want more amenities, the G35 is what you should be looking at.

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  Above Average Ride - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Phil - July 8 - 10:40 am

  Bought this car for $13,500 Cdn with 85K kms on it. Took it immediately to a recommended aftermarket performance shop and dropped another $3000 for a new clutch, tune up, air intake, exhaust, fluids, etc. My opinion of this vehicle mirrors the majority of the comments. Its fast, luxurious, and reliable - but its best feature by far is its value. BMW, Lexus, & Audi simply cant touch this car for the same price. Although I have a few performance goodies on it, I still surprise many vehicles costing a whole lot more. As a used car value, the G35 is definitely one of the best out there. Is it as good as the German cars - maybe you should ask the BMW drivers who look at my tail lights.

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  2007 Infiniti G35X - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Glenn - July 8 - 12:23 am

  I test drove the BMW 3 series and the Lexus IS 250 before buying my Infiniti. The Infiniti had the best ride and the most power out of the 3 cars I drove. The BMW interior was plain and the Lexus had no power. So far my car has been a complete pleasure to own! I got mine in black and everywhere I go people compliment the cars looks.