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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  Fun to drive - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Hammer - January 2 - 4:03 am

  So far so good one year into ownership of my 2004 G35 Sedan. This is truly a "sports" sedan, very fun to drive with a lot of get up and go. The car is roomy enough for four adults to travel comfortably, the rear seat room is plenty big. Very rigid frame, solid feeling on the road. I love the styling and performance of the car, very pleased with it. Purchased used with 37k miles and it has not disappointed. Negatives would be the a/c and heat controls are confusing, front seat could be a bit more comfortable. This is not a soft luxury ride, my sport suspension package is very much a drivers car. The engine is a bit loud but that is the nature of this car - sports sedan.

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  Car of our dreams - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Paul - December 31 - 3:23 pm

  Sold our wonderful 2003 G35 sedan to buy our great new 2007. This is our four door sports car that puts the fun in our driving every time we use it. We have the luxury package, navigation package and tech package on her and are thrilled with all the features. Have found no defects in the first three months of ownership. Buy one and you will love her.

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  Meets all expectations - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By JR - December 31 - 10:03 am

  I also own a G35 coupe and the sedan is every bit as pleasurable and performing. The 4 wheel drive finally got my wife out of an SUV and in hard rains its been extremely stable and predictable. Im getting 22.9 to 23.5 mpg on the road and about 19 to 19.5 around town. Im glad I bought the tech package as the laser cruise control when there are 3 or more lanes is a very nice feature. I dont and would not recommend using it on busy 2 lane interstates. Three things I dont like. When the wipers go on you have to manually turn the lights on. No automatic door locks once car is put in drive. The CD box in the trunk is a pain and makes loading luggage a chore and limits space. Get rid of it!

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  Sweet coupe - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By unajacket - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the price, exceptional handling, acceleration & stopping power. Eye catching design; really looks better without the spoiler; navigation system a little difficult.

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  Blows away 350Z - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Mbororltr - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Incredible sporty car. My buddy bought a Z, I waited for the G, and worth the wait. Most fun car I have ever owned and so much more economical to own than all of its competitors.

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  Red 04 6 speed - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By REF - December 31 - 2:00 am

  After driving it for a month, I am still impressed with how fun this car is to drive. I gave up a BMW Z4 which had a harsh ride. The G35 ride is firm and sporty like you would expect. Mine is a loaded red 6 speed with premium package and both aero packages. I am picky about a radio, and I am very happy with the Bose system with speed variable volume and random disc play over the 6 disks/or each disk. This car has just the right amount of luxury features.

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  Power, luxury, & sport. Nice!! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By SKYY--------- - December 29 - 11:03 pm

  Battle of the cars; 350Z, M3, or G35. Definately G35. Youve got it all. Power, Luxury, and sport. The car has a sexy appeal unlike others, the comfort is ideal, and the ride exceptional. However, turn the VDC (vehicle dynamic control) and the 298 Hp engine shows you what its all about!! This car is a MUST have! The gas mileage could be a little better, but hey feel the torque. VERY satisfied, and Id buy the car all over again.

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  I love this car!! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By lao608 - December 26 - 7:13 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive! It has great acceleration, corners well and looks amazing. I test drove the BMW 330c, Lexus IS300 and the Infiniti G35. The Infiniti handled the best by far. I get compliments on this car constantly!!

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  German car from Japan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By UMOX - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Japanese car I have owned that has the handling characteristics of my two Audis. This matches my Audi sedans and has much more power. Compare it to and Acura TLS and BMW and i think you will find this is a great buy.

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  Time will tell - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By rjv - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a highly rated sedan and time will tell if it lives up to the ratings. Initial impression is quite favorable.