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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  Excellent Ride... Fun to Drive!! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By OnebadTKE - March 29 - 9:06 am

  I have been looking at the usual culprits in this class of vehicle for about 2 1/2 months now -- BMW, Lexus and Infiniti (both M35 and G35). I LOVED the G35 from the time I sat down until the time I left the dealership last! To get the MOST enjoyment from the car, I definitely recommend the Sport option for the added bonus of the seat upgrade! Granted the different sized tires may be a problem for some, but I have had to buy sport tires on my last 2 vehicles so am used to the cost! Regardless of some of the other "complaints" on the car, the gas mileage is a non-issue...unless you are coming from a Honda Civic or Mini- Cooper! 20 MPG city/25-28 MGH HWY is great for a PERFORMANCE SEDAN

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  A smile everytime I drive - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Private Jet - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is Great. I love driving it all the time, and everytime I or someone very convincing drives it theres a smile on ones face. This car is addictive and seems to enjoy being driven hard and aggressive. I cant stop smiling when I drive or even think about it.

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  Infinit G35 Sedan - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Peter R - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Super performance. 350Z in four doors. Will meet or beat almost any sports sedan / most sport coupes under $40k in all performance categories. Acceleration, braking, handling, and comfort are superior to any in class, including BMW 330, Audi A4, Cadillac CTS, Mercedes C320, Acura TL, Saab 93, Lexis IS300. Great price for all of this power and luxury. The most original styling in its class.

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  Great car!! Fun to Drive!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By EKU1988JSW - March 16 - 10:00 am

  A pleasure to drive. The handling is super. I just wish there were more windy/hilly roads in Indianapolis. The sport suspension package gives this car the extra handling ability and its power really makes a difference when needed. The styling is beautiful. None of the other luxury sedans have anything comparable. I test drove used (2 - 3 yrs) Mercedes 240, Lexus E300, Jaguar X-Type, and Volvo 50 series and the G35 was hands- down better.

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  Excellent Sport Machine - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Spankee - March 15 - 6:53 pm

  This car was purchased from my company for $10,000 less than blue book. I had my eye on a sports car, but with a luxury look. This was it. I had an Infiniti QX56, but with gas prices, I just could not afford to let the tags, insurance, and now gas eat away at my pocketbook. This car is fun to drive. This car is awesome. My G35 Sport has the automatic/manual/paddle shifters on the steering wheel which makes this car more fun to drive. The only thing is that since I drive this car fast, I wish it had a bigger gas tank.

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  g35 coupe - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mkgug - March 13 - 2:00 am

  nice car but expensive with all options. aero package should be a must but the navigation is fun to use but not essential. Paid MRSP

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  Traded in my 05 TL for an 05 - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By ZaphodB - March 12 - 2:03 pm

  In November I bought a new 2005 Acura TL. It was beautiful inside and out but it drove badly. Torque steer, Brakes pulled, vibration in pedal and steering wheel at speed. I just traded it in on a 2005 G35. I love the G35. It drives properly. (keep in mind I have been driving a Mecedes E Class for the last ten years so my idea of properly is RWD) I find that the G35 drives a lot like my My Mercedes but it has a lot more power and is more noisy. anyway, I love the G35 so far.

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  Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By doseas - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I was torn between the Nissan 350Z and the Infiniti G35C, so I put deposits down on both. A couple of months later, the dealers got in test cars & I test drove them the same day. Both drove fantastic. There was very little difference in handling between the two. Each model had its own plusses and minuses: the 350Z had a more aggressive styling and more people took notice of it; the G35C had more trunk space, a usable back seat, a sunroof, and less visibility problems than the 350Z. But, in the end, I would have been happy with either one -- I would accept whichever car came in first, which turned out to be the G35C.

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  Wow, G35 sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Chris 1 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Better than my 3 series for 6 grand less. What else could you ask for?

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  Fun to Drive - Just a Little Cramped - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By PBenjung - March 6 - 9:40 am

  Superb acceleration and holds the road well. A good looking car with features you cant find at the price. I chose this over the Acura TL. The TL is a quieter driving experience but it doesnt have the raw power and machismo of the G35.