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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  Thrill to Drive - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Don - June 23 - 10:33 pm

  I have been researching new cars for over a year and the G35X was a last minute choice. I originally looked at Lincoln MKZ, Lexus IS250, Cadillac CTS & BMW 325. But I have to say Im absolutely in love with this car. It moves like the wind and is a joy to drive. The only issue I have so far is getting the HomeLink system to work with my garage door opener but thats a minor problem when compared with the exceptional performance of this car!

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By johnra72 - June 22 - 2:50 pm

  I love this car. I usually get a new car ever four years or so but I am planning on keeping this car for at least one and maybe two more years. It has great power, and the handling is excellent. All with decent fule economy. In 1965 I had a GTO with tri power carbs and a four speed manual transmission. My G35 would run rings around the GTO in every department including acceleration. Amazing for a 6 cylinder car.

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  good car but could be better - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By bernie - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Good car great brakes but high maintainance

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  North Houston Infiniti Lemon - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By SoSad - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Purchased G35 8 months ago, has approx. 8500 miles and major electrical problems. Has been at dealership for a total of 21 days, I have taken it in 3 times and was told it was fixed!! NOT North Houston Infiniti has offered me no relief!!!! Only grief! Have applied with state for Lemon relief. I know these are good cars, I just happened to get a bad one. Dont Buy at North Houston Infiniti they do not care after you have signed on the dotted line

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  Be$t Bang for the Buck - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By efeezy - June 18 - 12:56 am

  Straight up performance w/luxury and technology! Some may not be ready for the new G35 sedan. Only the few owners of this car can relate. A heavy foot can get you in trouble if youre not careful. It will unleash a plethora of power and unlike the rest of the class. Infiniti comes standard w/306 hp. The G35 Sport is specifically designed w/a limited-slip differential for improved traction under acceleration and larger disc brakes & redesigned calipers for better stopping power. Additional cost for luxury & convenience is very reasonable and with all the toys, it is still a lot cheaper than other cars in its class. Also, you get the credible repuation of Infinitis reliability & safety

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  The G35: An Outstanding Luxury GT Value - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Corun Gagatsis - June 12 - 11:16 pm

  The G35 is an outstanding vehicle which has fullfilled all of my hopes and expectations. Its a tremendous combination of luxury and sports car performance. It has truly earned the label of a GT (grand touring) car, and with a price range of $30,000 - $37000, it also represents an exceptional value. Of course, no car is perfect, and the G does have a few minor flaws, mostly due to poor interior design choices. (See suggested improvements) However, overall the car has been terrific, and I look forward to putting several more thousands of miles on mine.

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  Great Car - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By John - June 11 - 10:03 am

  Drove Saabs for 20+ years and the G35 is significantly better in all respects. Havent had it back to dealer for anything but scheduled maintenance in 1-1/2 years - 30,000 miles. Can easily drive 750+ miles per day without getting tired. Best quality new car Ive owned in 45+ years of new car ownership.

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  Good, not great - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Cardude - June 11 - 7:36 am

  The 2005 Infiniti G35 features the feel of a heavy car despite its smallish size, good handling, and comfortable seats that are still too small. The leather is average, the pickup is impressive, the interior is not what it should be for a luxury brand yet not bad, the stereo is nothing special, there is limited amount of space, the trunk is tiny, and the car has great traction.

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  Pleasantly pleased - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By TJJ - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my GS35X in Feb and enjoy it more than the day I bought it. Oil changes and general maintenance have been it to date. I looked at the BMW 3 Series prior to my purchase and frankly, dont think they hold a candle to my GS35X. Exceptional value from my viewpoint. The national ratings knock the Infiniti for having cheap interior materials....dont beleive it, I think they are fine. Then again, if thats all the rating agencies can find on this gem.....

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  Great Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Philly G Man - June 10 - 6:06 am

  Well, almost 2 years into ownership, and I still love this car like no other car that I have ever owned. Admittedly, I baby her. Hand wash and wax, park in isolated spots at malls, etc. However, I still get admiring comments from folks at gas stations and parking attendants 2 years later ! She handles like a dream, the VQ engine puts out great power, and the features can not be duplicated at this price point. The only annoying points are some rattles, and the placement of dashboards instruments. (ie: radio controls). This placement problem was alleviated for the 05 model. Is it practical ? No. You cant fit much in the trunk. But the fun factor more than compensates. Buy it, and enjoy !!