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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  Great car! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Brett - October 26 - 7:46 am

  I bought my coupe 6MT with 15,000 miles on it about a year ago. I drive it every day and have even driven it from Michigan to California and back. It performs flawlessly and is a pleasure to drive every single day. While I think it deserves a more powerfull engine, it does ok with just shy of 300 Bhp. The exhaust note is like music but could be a bit louder. It is also a great platform for upgrades to performance. I am actually having a single turbo installed this week that will boost the hp to over 425 (crankshaft) without having to rebuild the lower end. This is a great mix of sport and luxury, I love this car!!!

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  OG - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Ogee - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Pretty good car. Initial quality not so good though because of dealership mishandling (they actually forgot to put washer fluid before giving it to me), alignment(pulls to the right), paint issues (lots of scratches), and starting problems (car wouldnt start until I put it into neutral(Im hoping this doesnt happen again).

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  Great Car! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jsmit86 - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 2001 I30 for a 2003 G35 Leather Premium w NAV. So far, excellent! Great power, outstanding handling, kick a$$ stereo, and it definitely turns heads.

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  Value Price Tag but Costly to Drive - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Ken - October 25 - 3:53 am

  After over 2 years, Im starting to see that the G35 can be costly to drive. I only get about 20 mpg combined w/mostly highway driving on a 6MT(below EPA estimates). Im filling my tank about as often as I filled up my previous car that had a tank half as big and took regular UL. The rear tires were at the 2mm wear limit after only 22k mi -- tires that cost about $250/tire. The Brembo pads will probably last to almost 50k mi, but will cost three times as much as other pads. Rotor swaps will cost over a grand. Even so...the handling, acceleration, and exterior styling still bring a smile to my face. The interior lacks a bit. The NAV is difficult to use because of the jumpy joystick.

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  Excellent car for the $ - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By RG - October 21 - 7:20 pm

  I traded in my 2002 BMW M3 2 door for the 2008 G35x Sport, needed a 4 door car for a baby. So far I really do like the car, and coming from an M3, the performance is right up there. Other cars I looked at were the BMW 335ix and Lexus IS350. Both were OVER $10k more expensive and the Infiniti had more features. I really like the interior of this car too, far more than the $10k more expensive BMW. Seats are very comfortable and it has a nice high-end look to it without the price. I think you cannot go wrong with this car for $38k, 300+ HP, great interior, nav, stereo, keyless start, etc.

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  Great purchase - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By LDM3673 - October 21 - 4:36 pm

  I just bought my g35... I love it it is fun and gets all the looks... I could not ask for much more

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  G35 Review - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Woody_1 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic car with excellent acceleration, beautiful cloth seats, and a truly fun car to drive.

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  Not Happy - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By not happy - October 19 - 5:00 am

  Leased G35X, loved it the first 6 months. Brakes cost almost $400 to replace at less then 15000 miles. I drvie very conservatively. Noise in suspension now when I pass over driveways and when I corner. Great looking; great design details. Too bad the reliability is not up to the styling.

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  Best in (a very competitive) Class - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By James - October 18 - 10:10 am

  I test drove the BMW335i, Lexus IS350, and Acura TL Type-S. Very respectable competitors with loads to offer, but... BMW shifts were rubbery, and a 10k prestige premium didn’t feel justified, especially considering reliability and repair cost. Lexus 350i was elegant inside but handling spongy. TypeS was the closest competitor for me, comparably equipped for the same price. High quality 2- tone leather, carbon fiber trim. Handled well overall, but short 20 hp and FWD just falls short of RWD kick. The G35 Sport was crisp, responsive, refined inside and out. Drove both 5A w/paddles (nifty) and 6MT (nicer!). My wife smiled as she left the 5A driver’s seat, “I see why you like this car, wow!”

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  Dont miss my 540i - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bentrodri - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Had initial hesitation about going from a 540i to the G35. Had to get used to a new torque curve, but this is a quick car. Dealer experience is wonderful, especially after the arrogant BMW sales and service. Dont miss the $1000 repair bills either. Do miss the wider tires but the G35 handles well. Looked at the LS v-8 and CTS, but there was nothing even close, dollar for dollar.