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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  G35 Coupe Black Beast - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By jbang - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Interestingly enough I did not expect this car to impress me this way even after all the reviews that I read and research that I did. However I can say that every day that I get in it I have been finding something else to be proud of, and as picky as I am that is no small feat indeed. This thing is so chock full of torque, that anyone who buys anything else who is looking for raw power at under 50 grand has just got to be kidding me.

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  Beautiful car! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By zeusallmighty - October 12 - 4:26 am

  fantastic value and winning combination of sport and luxury... the best initial impression ive had of a car, and ive owned/driven many... youll need a winter tire setup if you live in bad weather states...

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  Great car for the money! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Kevin - October 11 - 12:50 pm

  I love it so much that I look for excuses to take it on the road! The most exciting and rewarding car that I have ever owned!

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  I got a lemon - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Sam - October 10 - 6:20 pm

  Ive only had this vehicle for 7 months and it has been in the shop over 20 days and counting. The oil consumption on this engine is comparable to that of a 2-stroke engine - one part oil to 20 of gas. The vehicle has gone through several oil consumption test, the valve covers have been replaced twice, the exhaust pipes are covered in black desposit and inifiniti wont acknowledge it as a lemon. This is not the kind of treatment that one would expect from a "luxury" dealership. Do your homework and research this car very carefully, if you do a quick web search you will find out Im not this only one with this kind of problem.

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  lemon car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jennifer h - October 10 - 12:16 am

  when i bought my car it had 27,000 miles on it. it has been in the shop over 30 times in 9 months. it has had numerous electrical problems, paint peeling off the bumpers ( and they wont do anything to help you), transmission problems, window constatly creaking ( in shop 5 times for this alone), and of course the big one the breaks. i have been told by infiniti itself that you have to replace the breaks and the rotors every 9,000 miles and it cost 500-600 dollars just for the front braking system. the brakes stop fast but it makes a noise that kills your ears and also is head turning because it is so loud. i wish that i kept my ford mustang cobra.....

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  BMW 330 Killer - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Mike - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I have always longed for a MBW 3-series but when I test drove a BMW330i sedan in 2004 I balked at the price and walked away wanting a little more torque and horsepower. I am very impressed with the higher torque and horsepower of the g35s sweet V6 and the smoothness of its five-speed automatic transmission. The G35s handling and braking characteristics are at least as good as the 330i sedan and both the interior and the exterior are more attractive. Even after test drving the newly redesigned 2005 BMW sedan I still have no regrets.

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  my g35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By graewilson - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Great car! So far no problems!

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  Love to drive it- it spoils me - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35Enthusiast - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This car has a lot of get up and go. It always reponds to the driver and makes the driver feel like he is one with the road.

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  Sheek Sophistication - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By L.M.H - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I loved this vehicle from the moment I laid eyes on it driving my previous car down the highway. I immediatly searched the web for pricing information on this vehicle. I couldnt believe how affordable this it was compared to the qualiy and style that is offered. It is worth every cent if not more!

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  Not perfect but it sure is close - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Gman - October 6 - 6:53 pm

  After 40,000 miles and almost 3 years with my 6MT G, I still love it. I drove an 05 BMW 330 the other day and it certainly was better in some ways but its just a little too bland compared to the G. The tire life and road noise are the only real downsides. Hopefully more tires will become available for the 19" wheels in the future. Need some touring compound tires that will last more then 20k. The transmission was just replaced under warranty because the 6th gear syncro was out. Otherwise no problems. avg 24-25mpg with a mix of hwy and city driving. (the benefits of a man.trans)