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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  Seven Months and Still Loving It - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By DCornellier - December 19 - 11:36 pm

  Well, Ive had my 2004 Infiniti G35X for seven months and it still turns my own head! I came out of the ATM the other day and thought, nice car. LOL.To date, I have only had one odd problem with the gas tank, it stopped allowing me to fill it when it still wasnt full. Infiniti found it to be defective and quickly replaced it without any problems. I can not say enough about the royal treatment that I have received from my Infiniti dealer when I take my car in for service. I get a new loaner car every time.

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  Great Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bdub - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I just test drove this car and it is awesome. The G35 engine sounds great and the power is felt as soon as you step on the gas. The exterior styling of the car is exceptional.

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  Had to have it - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By docfcc - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This was the first car that after I saw it on TV, I went out and bought one. It looks even better in person- especially in your garage.

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  Burning Up Tires - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Horse Power - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Great Car except you should be prepared to shell out $1300.00 for tires every 17,000 miles you drive this car. You cant rotate since front and rear tires are different sizes. So add about 80.00 to 90.00 dollars per 1000 miles of usage. The tires on my vehicle are Michelins... Other than the tires the only problem with the vehicle has been the drivers seat belt retractor, good luck getting it replaced. I hope the back ordered part will be replaced in a few weeks!!!!!!

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  G35 Fun Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Rob - December 12 - 10:46 pm

  The car hits the intended mark with excellent performance, handling, style, and even gets decent gas mileage.

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  nice car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By gregj7777 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Had my G almost a year. No problems. Only regret is that I opted not to get the built-in navigation system. If you like gadgets like I do, go ahead and get it even if you wont use it that often. At least youll have it when you need it.

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  2005 G35x with 18600 miles on it! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By kmckis1029 - December 9 - 11:46 pm

  I found this car on 8/1/08 with 18636 miles on it! It has premium pkg C and I guess the sport package since I have a full sized spare tire and rim in the trunk. I have been very impressed by my car. This car is for the "grown man" that likes to play with his toys still. Im a 23yr old male who was considering a wrx sti limited also. But after my test drives I was willing to lose some power to get way more luxury and comfort. This has to be the best blend of power/luxury in my experience.

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  Very good car, but it has its quirks - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By og - December 9 - 1:50 pm

  Overall, this is an excellent car, but you have to accept certain Saab-ish or Subaru-ish quirks that come with it. Can not complain about the shift linkage, handling, acceleration, or comfort. The quirks I mentioned include things like memory seats. Yes, the seat will move to the predetermined position, as will the steering wheel, but the side view mirrors will remain still. Also, here are RCA jacks for an MP3 player in the center arm rest compartment, but there is no integrated charger or mount for the iPod. The car also does not have daytime running lights. Overall, these are small gripes and the money saved over a MB, Audi, or BMW is well worth the minor inconveniences.

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  Amazingly good car for the money - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By snagiel - December 7 - 10:00 am

  For a luxury GT coupe that performs nearly as well as a Porsche at half the price, the G35 sport coupe 6MT is hard to beat. The engine is very eager and powerful, the shifter slick and fun, the steering divine, the handling tenacious, and the braking phenomenal. The interior is comfortable, the back seat usable for short passengers, and the exterior styling is gorgeous.

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  this is the car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Pepko - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Is there anything more desirable than new Nissan 350Z? Yes there is ...