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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Cheap Thrill - 2003 Infiniti G35
By JJBO - January 29 - 2:00 amHave owned my G35 sedan for 2 months. Car is absolutely awesome. Drives and handles like nothing Ive ever driven before. Test drove 330i prior to buying and was no brainer to pay $12K+ less for comparable performance. G35s acceleration is exhilarating...you always hope youre first on line at the traffic light. The drive to work is actually fun now!
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Do yourself a favor and drive this car! - 2004 Infiniti G35
By bhamvett - January 27 - 10:00 amFirst off the car is very solid and well built.The car handles with the precision of a Acura NSX, and the Brembo brakes are exceptional.The interior is nicely appointed and the leather seats are very supportive.The shifter is a bit notchy, but gets easier the more you drive the car.Fit and finish are excellant and the styling is wonderful.I love this car.I dont miss my C5 Corvette at all!
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Brakes, comfort & road noise - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Frostie - January 27 - 10:00 amIm not a car buff but I find the brakes on this car to be a bit touchy. They seem to grab too quickly giving a jerky braking motion. This car is meant for 4 passengers, not 5. It also becomes uncomfortable to drive for long periods of time. And road noise!! It is the worst I have ever experienced. I thought my previous car, the Chevy Impala was loud, but this car is even worse. Going 70 on a highway one cant even hear what the other is saying without having to talk loud and when it rains the noise is deafening. My car does come with a sun roof.. perhaps that is why it is loud when it rains, but I also had a sunroof in my Impala and It was not loud like this one.
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Fun to drive G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
By coachpan - January 27 - 10:00 amAfter having a very bad experience with a new Acura, this Infiniti model has not let me down. Other than the fact the the more fun you want the more you pay in gas bills, this car is the best that I have ever owned!!! The 6 speed manual cannot be beat. I only wish tha I could hear the motor a litle more during excelleration.
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Great Car - 2006 Infiniti G35
By Mike - January 26 - 4:56 pmI love driving this car. Ive had it about a month and have 1200 miles on it. I came from a 2001 Saab 9-3 with tons of torque steer to the G35 with zero torque steer! Ive found about 6 different ways to get home from work that involve twisty-curvey roads. The car has practically no body roll even when pushed hard. Ive only got to drive in the snow once but the all wheel drive made it a snap. Im always looking for another excuse to drive somewhere.
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Girl Power - 2003 Infiniti G35
By jh345 - January 24 - 12:40 pmIve had my G35 for 2 years now, looked at the 3-series, Audi A4 & Maxima, liked the room and look of G35 better. Lots of power and style, love racing other cars esp. when they dont expect it from a woman. Although I recently thought about trading it in b/c of the 20 gallon tank, the defrost issue, snow and service costs, but every time I look at it or get into it I just cant!
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Snow - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Anon - January 24 - 2:00 amWe Love the car! The look, the feel, the way peoples heads turn when we drive down the street. I dont normally write reviews, but there is one thing that I just wanted to share... read the suggested improvements.
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Snow - 2003 Infiniti G35
By anon - January 24 - 2:00 amWe Love the car! The look, the feel, the way peoples heads turn when we drive down the street. I dont normally write reviews, but there is one thing that I just wanted to share... read the suggested improvements.
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Best buy in its Class - 2003 Infiniti G35
By DaveT - January 24 - 2:00 amThis car is a blast to drive. When people talk to me who are not familiar with the car, they think it is a $40- $50k car. Im very pleased!
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Great car - 2007 Infiniti G35
By John - January 19 - 6:46 pmTraded in a Saab 9-5. Test drove Audi A4 and Acura TL as well as Saab 9-5 but kept coming back to the G-35. Technology / electronics are amazing - back up camera, navigation system, etc. Car rides well and is FUN to drive with outstanding handling and power. Great styling. Mileage better than expected - getting 21 to 22 mpg on highway with cruise control.
