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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  great sport coupe for under $38k - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By grg* - May 9 - 2:00 am

  We love it! good acceleration, excellent handling, grat looks-- the whole package!

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  2006 Infiniti G35 4dr - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By dmclean3 - May 7 - 6:26 pm

  Excellent power and great handling characteristics. Exterior design is attractive, but not drop dead gorgeous like the coupe. I really like the modern dash treatment. The motorized pop-up nav system is also a really neat feature since I prefer not to see the screen unless I need directions (in my opinion its a shame this wont be carried over in the 2007 redesign). Some people have complained about the quality of the interior materials and I have to agree that that was one things that held me back from buying this car in 2003 and 2004, but Infiniti has done a lot to remedy this complaint in 2006. I wont say that the interior is up to Audi quality, but it doesnt feel cheap anymore.

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  Beautiful!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By LuxLuvr - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I went on my second test drive of this rocket on wheels. head turner, FAST!!!!, Very tight on the corners, great brakes for high speeds!! Its a real beauty although the interior leather could use some more work (this is only the first year Im sure theyll fix it next).I found the engine a little loud (of course, the sport enthusiast may disagree, given the mission of the car) and the ride a little rough-ish (again, im not a die hard sport enthusiast)....Love the headlight design, go Infiniti and go Nissan!! Summary: 100 out of 100.

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  G35 a great sports value - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Jim - May 5 - 6:00 pm

  For those not economically minded, perhaps a porsche or mercedes would be better, but in the lower luxury sports coupe/sedan class, this car cant be beat for the money. Youd have to step up to the M3, 5 series, or GS430 to get this kind of performance from the BMW/Lexus. GREAT LOOKS, sounds like a ferrari; best in class horsepower & torque, and seriously fun to drive. 0- 60 times in the 5 second range. If you love to drive, get the manual. Plenty of room for 4 (see below), and available with all the options for those of you that like creature comforts. Leather interior is nice. Infiniti service is top notch; free car washes for the life of the car.

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  First Asian Car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By azinfiniti - May 5 - 3:23 am

  Great car! Watch out for the brakes and driver side power seats. Infiniti seems to be having problems with these components.

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  G35 Sedan w/ sports prem. pack - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Adman - May 4 - 10:00 am

  A real sports car. Although slightly less sexy exterior than the 35 Coupe, once you get inside, youd never know the difference. Handles, excellerates and corners like a pro. I find the breaks smooth and sure, rarely skidding even on fast de-celeration. Go for the black leather interior and titanium dash - its worth the extra few $$.

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  Lots of Car for the Money - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Gary NCAL - May 4 - 10:00 am

  After owing BMWÂ’s since 1987, this car turned my head with the combination of safety and performance features at a reasonable price. The amenities (sun roof, Bose Stereo, etc.) only add to the overall value you get for your dollar. On the performance side, the power curve is smooth throughout all ranges and when needed, has the high end power to plant you firmly in your seat. I would suggest this car to anyone who is looking for performance, comfort, and style at a reasonable price.

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  The 2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe - Excellent Car, Loads of Fun - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By TOBY W. - May 4 - 3:46 am

  I traded my Lexus IS300 in for my 2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe. The only thing that I miss about the Lexus is its stereo. The G35 is like driving a video game simulator. It just gets up and goes, at any speed. When I first drove it, it felt like it was always in a lower gear. The torque is awesome. Going around corners is as exciting as driving a go-cart. The seats are extemely comfortable. I have gone on 2,000 miles round trips with no problem. The stereo really needs to be be upgraded though. My Honda Accord sounds better. This is a simple car in every sense of the word. It works. And I cant wait to go somewhere.

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  So Smooth - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By New Infiniti Girl - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The car glides on the road.

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  G35 the right choice!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mlopez - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a sports sedan. I tested the Audi A4, Lexus IS300, BMW 330ci. I was lost in trying to make a desicion until I drove the G35. WOW! this car is awesome!!. Every time that I drive it, I like it more and more! I feel great with the choice I made. Definitely much better that the Audi and IS300. The G35 and the 330 are very equal car but with the extra ponies and the 6k or more price difference the G35 is a no brainer. By the way in the corners it sticks like glue to the ground!!!