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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  Why not Infiniti? - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By T-Spoon - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Like all the other owners, we shopped the sports sedan market. The look and performance wins and ends all discussions about the "best sports sedan". This car truly wins the Bang for the Buck IMO. My wifes G35 looks great parked next to my 02 6-spd Maxima.

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  Wow - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By cmansu - April 30 - 3:56 am

  This is an amazing ride. It is fast, nimble and has every fun feature you could ask for in a car. I looked at the BMW 335 & Lexus I350, but this was a lot less money for the same car.

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  Excellent drivetrain but not perfect... - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By timmietz - April 29 - 9:20 pm

  I have to admit-I am a bona fide car nut and, therefore, notice a lot of things that an average person would not. With that being said - overall I definitely like the G35. It is indeed a car that is a good value but there is a lot of room for improvement. Please see my RANTS and RAVES below.

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  5AT G35 Coupe - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Sean - April 27 - 10:33 pm

  Even with the 5AT transmission, the coupe is a very fast and fun car to drive. The manumatic mode helps to overcome any shortcomings of having a manual, particularly in heavy traffic. The sport tuned suspension is a well recommended option, the 19" wheels look great and the ride is smoother with this car than on previous models with 17" wheels. Only downside to the car so far is the seats have side bolsters that tend to jab most people in the shoulder or back, but otherwise an extremely comfortable, well built and luxurious sports coupe that you can get for $40k or less.

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  Wow! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By BamaFan - April 26 - 10:56 pm

  Wow! What a fun car to drive. I test drove one, and I spent three months trying to talk myself out of buying it. I hated myself for wanting to buy it because I did not need a new car. I finally gave in, and I have not looked back. It makes me smile everyday.

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  Best sporty car Ive owned - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By oldprofessor - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car about 6 weeks and just passed all 1s (1,111) on the odometer. Have gotten more favorable comments about this car than any Ive ever owned. Great fun to drive, and the power is really a kick in the pants. Ive always wanted sportiness with a hint of practicality, and I think the G35c has it.

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  A great car - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Sam - April 24 - 11:26 pm

  I have been eyeing the G series ever since the first one came out. My 1998 Accord finally gave me fits, so it was a chance to hop into a G35. I had a great deal on the 2008 vs. a 2009 so I decided to pull the trigger. I love the interior, and the color scheme. The Premium package is a must. I like the G35S but at $2200 more, I decided to go without. I love the way it looks, and the manu-shifting is great. Not as instantaneous as a 6MT, but I rarely race, if ever. All in all, would definitely do it again. Didnt care much for the navigation (already have an awesome $200 Garmin) and the CF slot. With an iPod and an MP3 CD player, who needs CF?

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  Makes me do bad things - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Chris - April 22 - 1:23 pm

  I got a G35 coupe in July with the special financing before the G37s were coming out. The BMW 335i is probably better, but its 15k more. Doesnt quite have the power Id like at low RPMs that Id like, but at high RPMs it does great. I find myself making excuses to push this car and drive in a manner some would consider inappropriate. The sports suspension is a tiny bit stiff, but in all, its a great car.

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  Good, But No BMW - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35-323 Owner - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2004 G35 and a 1999 BMW 323i. The G35 is faster, smoother, more comfortable driving around town, and more comfortable on a long road trip. The G35 is also roomier, has a larger trunk, and a better stereo. However, the BMW is more fun. The BMW handles better, has more comfortable seats, and it makes you feel like driving faster in all situations because it is easier to control. Overall, the G35 is a better luxury car, the BMW is a better sports sedan.

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  My 4th Nissan product - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By sisko1224 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  My first car out of college was a Datsun 310, then a 240sx,then a Maxima and now the G35x. I never had any problems with the others and dont expect any from this one. I have had American cars for company cars and I have yet to find one I would buy. I traded in a Solara Covt for the G35x and I can really tell a difference. The Toyota is a great cruiser but has no personality. I love the performance, ride, and looks of my new Infiniti and look for reasons to drive it.