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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  I love this car! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By PLINA - July 17 - 9:13 pm

  Just came down from an M35X to a G35X Sport and I love this car it has almost everything I want in a car and it handles like a dream, the feel of this car is very solid and the finish is excellent, the power is great and I dont hear any wind nose like others have said.

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  Excellent Ride - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Matt - July 17 - 2:40 am

  This is my 3rd car since college and definitely the best. Granted the G35x is significantly more expensive than a Honda Accord or a Volvo S60, however, the power and comfort is amazing. If youre a music fan, I recommend getting the navigation package since you can burn your CDs on to a 9 gig hard drive for your convenience. Im not sure why the car really comes with a 6 disc changer since its pretty obselete when factoring in the other feature.

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  Excellent Value - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By TheAdjective - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the automatic with Sport Package in December 2002 with every option except the Aero package. Wonderful car to drive -- excellent power and handling. Ive had no mechanical problems at all. I do believe Infiniti cut corners on the interior materials as Ive had to take the car in for dealer service to cure squeaks coming from the headliner area. There are still some occasional rattles around the same area but to a much lesser extent. That said, this car is an excellent value - I do not believe you can get the performance (with true ability to carry 4 adults), dealer support and overall driving satisfaction at this price from another vehicle.

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  ES 300 Beater - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By FoodForThought - July 11 - 8:23 pm

  A nice blend or power (260hp), sport sedan, and comfort. A good buy for G35 with willow cloth. But not so nice when equipped the way you want it. (33-35K)

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  Great Buy - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By adnan - July 11 - 9:13 am

  Ive driving my new Infinite for about a month now, m really surprized by the powerful engine, exceleration is swift like a bullet, braking is amazing. This car has great looks from inside and out. Exhaust noise is fun to listen to when excelerating. Its very tempting to drive this car really fast, feels very smooth and comfortable at high speeds, feels like 50s when driving at 80. This car has a lot of room in the second row. Bose stereo perfomrs less than expected but its OK. Had the chance to drive my G 35X in snow, 4-wheel drive system was great, no slip, no skid, very manouvreable in snow. Its thousands cheeper than BMW 3 series with much more features for much less money, great buy.

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  Awesome - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By trackatak - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It is definately the best luxury sports car for its price on the market.

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  G35 awesome! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By king of crown - July 11 - 2:00 am

  best car i ve had since my 91 Q45-great performance and handling and styling for under 40 grand -all i want to do is drive!

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  Fun Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By sonikflood - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. Originally I wanted a 350z because I wanted to stay within the "z" family so, I test drove a couple 350s to see how I liked them. I was kinda iffy about the styling of the new "z" but then I found out about the G35 coupe and fell instantly in love with it. I had absolutely no doubts about it whatsoever. It is basically a luxury version of the 350z and has a ton of "creature features" in it. From the Bose stereo to the Nav system to the Heated leather seats this car is awesome. Plus its got performance that you wouldnt expect from a luxury car of this caliber.

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  Finally....Im Having Fun Driving - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By M.L. - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This car Rocks!!! Ive driven BMWs and Mercedes, and I now get to enjoy driving my car. Lots of power and extremely quick - Very impressive for a car that price. Its very comfortable for a sport coupe and its lines are not unlike those of very expensive Italian sports cars. I opted not to go with the rear spoiler as I felt it takes away from the cars natural look and even though its automatic the gears dont miss a beat on shifting. Overall, I cant say enough about this car, and I cant stop staring at it just like a lot of other people out there.

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  G35 coupe: fun and comfort - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By DrJPosner - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The G35 coupe has the most comfortabble seats of any auto I have had. There is enough room in the back. The trunk is small. Driving is great fun, it handles well and is what the French call "nervous" meaning it loves to move very quickly. It handles beautfully.