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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  2008 G35x is the car to beat - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By dori - April 18 - 8:56 am

  Of all the many cars I owned, this is the most fun and best thought-through car. Handling, power, road feel, road-noise level are all first class. The navigation and the rest of the electronics are wonderfully integrated and easy to learn and use. The screen is very bright and is useable even in sunny days. The 3 ways to control most functions (voice, knobs and touch- screen) make it fun abd easy to use under all conditions. The trunk access is too narrow, with a high barrier so that placing groceries and baggage is a hassle. Driver seat can not be pushed back enough for my frame (511").

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  A GOOD ONE - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By glennyd - April 14 - 10:00 am

  THE CAR HAS ONLY 200 MILES ON IT AND EVERYTIME , I TAKE HER OUT FOR A DRIVE THERE ARE MORE THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT THE WAY SHE DRIVES AND HANDLES.

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  Still Not a BMW or a Lexus - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By msiseng - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Nissan/Infinity needs to do some work, but is slowly getting there with the G35. I cannot figure out how the engines in the sedan and the coupe differ? Crafty Nissan/Infinity marketing explains the difference of 20 hp between the sedan and the coupe. This is also the same engine as the 03 Nissan Z and the 03 Nissan Altima 3.5. Nissan uses the same engines and expects the public to believe they are somehow different? No amount of "tweaking" the air intake or the exhaust can illicit an extra 20 hp! Who are they fooling?

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  wonderful ! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mike5425 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  you know.. its great !!

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  hail to infinity - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mparks - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive.Excelent power and handling.Interior is roomy, seats five.Its styling always turns heads.

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  One of the best cars out there - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Neal - April 4 - 6:56 pm

  Personally I love the look, this car is an amazing performer. I took it to a local twisty road and my friend couldnt close his mouth. Better all round car than Z. BMW is so not worth it, 30K + tax = 10 grand less than 330ci performance + happy customer. :) It is definitely deserving of its title as Motor Trend COTY. The 6 speed has perfect gearing, is a hoot to drive, only car I like more is Porsche 911 and Boxter S, which cost 3 and 2 times as much respectively. Go out, test drive both a BMW 330Ci and a coupe 6spd and then choose, if you like the BMW, you can pay 10K more for a car that will break down faster. Really amazing. best car for 30K available.

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  DJs 2003 G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Darryl - April 2 - 2:00 am

  The G35 is best car Ive ever owned, considering the acceleration, handling, ride, stopping distance, size, quality and styling. The scarcity is also a plus for me, since I bore easily when I see too many of any style car. The dealer also treat you first class. It is the total package.

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  Very nice - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Cerebrus - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Love it so far; awesome ride, acceleration. Most bang for your buck of any car in its class. Great looks, very unique. It has a BMW-feel to it; solid and stiff. The interior is not as uniformly nice as BMW, but its not bad.

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  Ex Beemer fan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Convert - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Infiniti has done something that I never thought possible, pulled me out of BMWs 3 series and into the G35. The performance that this cars brings to the table is mind blowing (makes the 3 series appear sluggish). This is also the 1st time a Japanese car was able to turn my head with styling. I may never go back.

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  G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By car driver - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Better than my last Porsche