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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  My Love - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Ying - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Perfect exterior design. Excellent interior design. Excellent handling. Very nice performance.

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  G35 Fan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By varu6704 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I leased my G35 after originally placing an order for a 350Z and considering a Vette. The G35 has proven itself to be the right choice. Infinity gives you a better warranty, a sunroof, a useable backseat, and even a glovebox; all of these features are non- existent in the Z. The G35 also stands out in a crowd. Ive seen many Zs and Vettes out there and the Infinity draws much more attention. The only complaints I have are the location of the seat controls (which are on top of the seat) and stereo controls are difficult to see at night. The handling and performance are great and for the money you cant beat it.

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  Great Car and Great Service from Infinit - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By temp - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Had a great experience buying this car at the Infiniti dealer. No pressure and got a great deal on it. Three weeks after I bought the car I got a scratch on the car and the dealer took care of it with no questions asked. I definitely recommend this car over Accura or Honda. By the way, Im never buying or recommending another Honda after all the poor service and performace issues that my 98 Prelude have given me.

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  The great G 35 Infiniti - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Beverly J. Lawton - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I just believe this vehicle to be awesome.

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  My first car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By fallenm0nk - November 20 - 4:50 am

  Not bad for a first car. I love the way it looks and feels. For all those who complain about how its a rough ride... you need to realize that this is a sports car and its SUPPOSED to feel that way. Dont listen to what the dealer/sticker says abouth mileage. They say 19/26 but its really more like 22 mpg MAX.

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  TOTAL RECALL - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By kdocdent - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I enjoyed my Pearl White G35 for the most part. However, the stereo system was out for most of the 6 months that I had it and I was constantly getting notes that something had been recalled on the car. It was too small for trips and the last straw was getting the fuel pump recall that said not to try to restart it if it quit!!! How scary???

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  best car ever o0ut of 14 leases - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By cheezerman - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Get this car-you wont be disapointed. Incredible performance with room in theback for two car seats. No driving fast with kids though!!!!

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  This was my Dream Car when it came out. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By DBarnes - November 15 - 7:20 pm

  Wow I rented this car at Hertz...Wow was I impressed so much that I found one after wrecking my Neon.... The speed of this car is out of this world..But I have replaced my Cd player 2 times $900 both times..Brakes not too mention tires$900, rotors. My leather seat cushion is breaking away from the seats. Light bulbs that only Infiniti can replace. Compressor went out, Left window is off track, and tonight my radiator goes out...I think this will be my last Infinti...

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  former car is300 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By zionvil - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Really like the g35 coupe. alot of car for the money. rides very well at higher speed and quite cabin also at high speeds.Bose stereo jams. Hope the dependlablety is as good as my lexus was.

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  There is no competition for the G Coupe! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By glassfan - November 14 - 6:53 am

  This car is in a class by itself. Acura and Lexus dont even have comparable cars, and the European brands are too expensive and unreliable. I bought a Caribbean Blue 2004 Coupe 6MT from Nationwide Infiniti of Timonium, MD. There were only around 5 new Caribbean Blue 6MTs left in the US at the start of November. It was the least made color and is extremely beautiful and I get endless compliments where ever I go. I wanted an attention-getting color! Ive never had a new car purchase go so smoothly and without a bunch of BS! The G eats up the miles with ease- Brock Yates of Car & Driver magazine chose it as his pick for a car to drive across the country with a companion.