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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  Fun but problematic - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By great ride - July 4 - 5:33 am

  Ive had the car for about a year and a half now. Its been a lot of fun to drive, great acceleration and handling. Youve heard it before, the gas mileage isnt that great. We get a lot of snow around here and the all wheel drive has been great. The problems have been in the quality of the car. 2nd day it was back in the shop for a new transmission contol valve (2 weeks). Since then Ive dealt with a leaky back window and now a loose ground wire in the dash and replaced a wheel bearing. Yikes! Im scared about what its going to be like when the warranty runs out.

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  A Pearl of a Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Former Beemer Lover - July 3 - 10:00 am

  The lease on our car was up and we went shopping! We drove Mercedes C-class, Volvo, Lexus (ES 400 and IS300), Audi and BMW 3series. We were all set to buy a BMW when we had trouble with some rather arrogant and game-playing salesmen, so we walked away from the deal. Boy, are we glad we did! The Infiniti G35 is by far the best car in this class both in performance, features and "bang for your buck" that we drove. The 260 hp engine simply knocks you off your feet and the ride is smooth as silk, yet sporty. We could not be happier with the car in looks and performance. It deserves all the accolades it has received.

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  2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe - Solid and Fun - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Sam - July 2 - 1:40 am

  The 2004 Infiniti G35 Sedan has great power and sharp looks. The car is very low to the ground, and I ran up on a curb, scratching under the front bumper. (Ouch). The driver seat has the feeling of a jet cockpit, and I feel in total control. There is a blind spot in the back as the car slopes down, but is managable. The suspension is tight, but Ive noticed more road noise than with my old Maxima. Not much room in the trunk, but that is not why you would buy this car. Overall, Im happy with my purchase, and could not find a better "mid life crisis" coupe at this price.

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  Excellent sport sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Rod R. - June 30 - 3:53 pm

  Most fun ride Ive ever had. Hope my next vehicle is somewhere close to it. A little short on tire and brake lives, but more than makes up for it on the pavement. Very roomy interior and trunk. Outstanding acceleration and handling. Had the factory sport suspension package so no lean in the corners, and no lift at all on the highway with the factory aero package. No complaints at all on this car.

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  Excellent value, excellent performance - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Damare - June 30 - 7:56 am

  My wife and I had been looking at Q45s, GS 400s, and LS 400s and were about to purchase a Q45 from a local dealer. Just for fun we saw a private owner selling a G35 for a great price and decided to take a look and a drive. The rest is history. The G35 is the best value for the money hands down. Acceleration, handling, styling, its all in the bag with the G.

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  Bye Bye BMW - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Rob - June 29 - 7:10 am

  I read a review of the G35x before I purchased it in which the reviewer said, "I just bought a G35X, can someone please wipe the smile off my face?" I bought the car and cant think of a better way to recommend it. Driving this car is like driving a space shuttle. It handles, it accelerates, and it makes you feel like driving. I now look at the BMW 3 Series cars I passed over for this one and thank myself again and again for doing so. As far as a driving experience goes for a luxury sports sedan goes, it just can;t get any better than this.

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  Love this car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By jghspt - June 27 - 12:20 pm

  I have only put 1000 miles on this car, but I love it. I drove a 2000 Mustang GT for 5 years so this was an upgrade. I have lost nothing in straight line performance and it handles much better. It also is much more luxurious. I think it is gorgeous and the performance is excellent. I am getting daily compliments on how it looks. It also sounds very nice, although nothing beats the old Mustang. The price is a fair value, probably a very good value. I considered a BMW 330i, but it costs more. I also considered another Mustang, but this car is easily worth the extra $9 to $10,000 more.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By hlubkoj - June 27 - 2:10 am

  First car Ive owned that I can truly say its worth every penny out of my pocket...I truly believe in this product and my next car is going to be another G35 coupe....2009 model.

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  impressive - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By NOBimmer - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Compared several similar $$ models and the G felt the best. Overall, car drives great just 850 miles so far. Now I dont mind staying late at work to drive the more open roads.

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  If you like a sport car, this is it - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By T-ONE - June 27 - 2:00 am

  It feels like a sport car, real fun to drive. However be prepared to pay for your fun: 15 miles per galon like Durango. Last snow in New York have proved that G-35 can handle it very well, just keep VDC OFF. Very uncomfortable stereo and climate controls, first time in my life I had to read manual to understand it.