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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  a total package - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By surfer - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Car has great eye-grabing beauty, which is only surpassed by its sheer driving pleasure. It is a constant test of willpower to keep the car within acceptable speed ranges.There has been some criticism of the dash controls but after a little time in the car, I find the controls to be quite intuitive and easy to use

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  What I car and worth the money - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Alex13 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Before buying this car, I was looking into the BMW 3 and 5 series, Lexus GS 300, and Audi A4. I test drove this car and it took me only 10 minutes to decide that this was the car I wanted. The horsepower and look of this car are one of the best in my opinion. From the front it looks like a porshe and on the rear side looks like an Audi.

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  G-35 - Breath Taking - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By PJbyrne - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This is the best new car I have owned. The G-35 is to todays performance sedans what the GTO was to yesterdays muscle cars. It has raised the bench mark at a fair price. I have the Aero package and the ride is much smoother than I had expected.Acceleration will surprise both you and the kid in the nitros Honda. Braking is at the level that could have your "I am hurt" lawyer planning his retirement. The interior is comfortable and reasonably quiet. However it is the exterior styling that still takes my breath away - if the G-35 were a woman, it would be an over-the-top 10! Take one for a test drive - you may not want to give it back.

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  I love my G35 - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Henry Hamilton - July 30 - 10:26 pm

  In the past I have purchased three and five series BMWs and have been happy with except for the constant repairs. This time I decided to get a Japanese car so I looked at the ES330, the TL and the Maxima. The first time I drove the G35 I was sold. It handles great and has lots more power than my bimmers did.

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  Love the Car but not Infiniti - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By AUsomTiger - July 29 - 10:00 am

  The price, performance, and style of the G35 Coupe add up to the best car for the money. I love this car. I get a big grin every time I crank it up and hear its melodious exhaust. But, there are a few things that bother me. I had to have my clutch plate, flywheel, and pressure plate replaced at 2200 miles due to a defective flywheel. The transmission will eventually have to be replaced due to the additional stress. My coupe was supposed to be satellite ready, but its not. Many cars were not properly prewired. Rather than make the wire available for customer installation, Infiniti has chosen not to support satellite radio at all in those vehicles.

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  the high-end nissan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By stpcheerios - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I drove the coupe but have a 78 280z, so waited till the manufacturer delivered the six speed sedans. Equipped with the preferred package, aero package (spoiler/rear wheel diffusers), and sunroof. Sweet/smooth/nice looking. It feels more like a coupe than sedan. Never drove anything else, so not much help as far as comparisons. Own an 01 Pathfinder and 00 Xterra, but the Infiniti nameplate does provide a longer warranty and the quality of the leather and some other materials may be a step above a Nissan, but its still Nissan and that means a strong engine, responsive chassis, and a quality product from front to rear.

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  G35 Coupe - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Jim Hoey - July 27 - 11:33 am

  After doing considerable research, I chose to purchase the 2005 Infiniti G35 Coupe. Based on performance, value for the dollar, and the included standard equipment, I dont think there is a better value to be found. Having owned a 2001 I30 I knew about the exceptional dealer support, free loaner vehicles, reliability, performance, and comfort of the Infiniti line. My G35 has proven to be even more fun to drive. I previously owned a 1986 300Z. The G35 smokes it. Other cars considered included BMW 318 series, Saab, Mercedes, Jaguar, and Acura. Dollar for dollar, and feature for feature, none stacked up to the G35.

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  2005 Infiniti G35X - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By jonmanch - July 26 - 10:03 pm

  Only had the car for two weeks; however, it is a lot of fun to drive. I recently owned an Audi A6. The interior finishes are very nice, and I think Infiniti has improved on the finsihes for 2005. The car was well assembled. There are no squeaks or rattles. I do find fault with a few design failures; namely, the car doors do not automatically lock when either placed in Drive or when reaching 9 mph as the VW and Audi doors do. Also, the memory seats do not include the side view mirror settings. I park in a garage in NYC, and I always get the car back with the mirrors changed. It is a slight inconvenience to reset, but at this price, it should have been a simple programming job.

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  Very Satisfied - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By khr - July 25 - 11:06 am

  Infiniti did it again with a great car! I love driving this car, it handles great and I highly recommend it! I sold a 2002 BMW 325i to get this car and am glad I did!

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  Awesome driving experience! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By chiro2445 - July 20 - 6:14 pm

  First off I must say I came up from a 1999 Pontiac Grand AM to this amazing 2007 G35 S. Simply put, the car is fast! The responsiveness of this vehicle is amazing. The active steer assist makes maneuvering at high speeds much easier although it can be a tad bit artificial. Steering at lower speeds give great feedback and feel. The sport package make ride comfort a bit hard and tight, but its way better than a 99 Pontiac Grand AM lol! The exterior styling is sleek and smooth, plus the Bose sound system is crystal clear. I average 22 mpg on a daily basis and Im driving about 55-60 mph average! Overall you get performance, luxury, and value!