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:

• 

  Excellent Automobile - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By ArchbaldMobil - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is one great car, I owned a 2002 Lexus IS300 before this and that was a good car but this is one super fun to drive auto.The quality and workmanship in this vechile is top notch, i have had a lot of good cars but this a car i truely enjoy.

• 

  Fantastic car, a couple suggestions - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Saucy Dog - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The Infiniti G35 2d coupe is a blast to drive, and a fantastic looking car. The car has a much better visual impact in person than in photos. It accelerates like a rocket (esp with VDC selective traction turned off). Before I had heard of the G35, I had put a deposit on a 2004 Mazda RX-8. After waiting for months for the RX, I talked to a friend who saw both cars at an auto show and loved the G. The G35 has much more torque and has a less lumpy profile, and the engine will probably last longer (given probs with the old RXs).

• 

  Great but can be better - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Chris - January 13 - 8:06 am

  This car is fast but in my opinion not so fast off the line. I had a 04 loaner sedan while sirius was being installed and it felt much, much faster off the line and in general, the engine felt more repsonsive at all speeds? The car needs more technology, its 2005 and it has reflector headlights, no rain sensor. no memory seat,no smart key, no onboard computer unless you get the navigation. By the way the improved interior for 05 is leagues ahead of the previuos generations. This iprovement is why I just purchased the 05 coupe, traded in my BMW. Infiniti are U listening??

• 

  Disappointed in TN - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Sharpertn - January 8 - 3:00 am

  While the car is very cute and handles well it has proven to be a money pit in my opinion. Have owned the car not quite 2 years and have replaced brake pads and rotors twice...it literally eats them - found that out after I purchased, should have researched more! The gas mileage is terrible...around town lucky to get 14-16 mpg...hwy is better at around 22 mpg. Nice car but wouldnt buy it again.

• 

  WOW! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G354Ever - January 7 - 11:30 am

  We just drove our car back to Texas after purchasing it in Chicago, for an AMAZING price! We absolutely love it! Was a little afraid of stereo issues, etc. but purchased a 3 year 36k Infiniti Elite warranty for only $1400, so I figured Im covered for that and anything else that might go wrong. This car is amazing to drive, handles all kinds of roads great! It is truly a drivers car...If youre looking at anything else...and we looked at everything else, this is the way to go! Stop reading and go buy one now! Every kid in my youth groups jaw drops when they see it...it is just...WOW!

• 

  Dont Hesitate for the Infiniti G35 - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Scurvey - January 7 - 10:56 am

  I have just rolled past 45K on my 2007 Infiniti G35. Hands down this vehicle is amazing. The G35 delivers exceptional reliability and performance for thousands less than the competition. I am sold on the Infiniti platform.

• 

  good value - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By rah - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Great styling, handling, performance; poor fuel economy: ~16mpg for city commuting. Traction control not useful in snow; stability control effective on slick roads. Driver seat controls in right bolster are uncomfortable. Snug shoulder room; low headroom for a 5- 10" person. Difficult to read instrument lights in daytime. Cant get unheated fresh air from vent during mild/warm weather. Poor purchase experience from dealer.

• 

  Super car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By jerryk - January 6 - 2:00 am

  When I first saw the Z at the auto show I knew I had to have it. I then realized being 62 with grand children, the car was not going to be. The next choice was a four door car with the soul of a Z and this is it. The g 35 is a true drivers car with very few compromises including price. It is fast, handles incredibly well and priced several thousand dollars under the competition. As most of the people who have evaluated this car have said it is in the wrong price class. Definitely equal in engineering to the BMW 525 and 530. It lacks some of the plushiness of the others but they sure dont drive better.

• 

  great reliability and a lot of fun - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By itomatik - January 2 - 9:19 pm

  bought it with 54k miles. had for 7 months and no mechanical issues except of window motor and power locks, which I figured is a frequent problem. other than standard maintenance have had no problem. rear tires live shorter than usual sedan, but its a performance car, so this is what you have to pay for driving in style :) interior is very comfortable even though its a 2003 car. a lot of people who dont know infinities asked whether my car was new :) loved it! rear seats cant really fit tall ppl, but perfect for kids or shorter person. the ride is quiet. sport suspension really lets you feel the road, so you can have better handling.

• 

  Awesome Pawsome, Im Smitten! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Ruah - January 2 - 1:40 pm

  This thing has paws and claws!! GZZZZZZZ i feel 35 again :)! I cant get enough of it...been in it for 3-4 months now, and still in the honeymoon phase~ I want to go just drive it all the time. One of the cons mentioned by edmunds is the uncomfortable tightness of suspension. I find it loosening as time goes on, and I love the "tightness" in the curves...hummm! And yeah, it hummmmsss...people have commented on the roaring hummm...beautiful song it is. The styling is awesome...reminds me of a cross between a porsche carrera and Ferrari dino...and although not in their hp status, it moves and groves and soothes... I dont like the how the doors sound...it should thump these rattle.