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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  GEE WHZ - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By jcengels - October 5 - 11:13 pm

  This car really gets the looks and has measured up to almost all my expectations. The only items I would look to improve would be memory for the electric seats and better gas mileage. Beyond that this car is everything you could want, great handling, great power, killer stereo and wonderful ride. I find myself looking forward to go to work just to drive the car.

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  Just OK - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By gunmetalalloys - October 5 - 5:43 pm

  Great engine, looks. Sounds great from the outside, fairly quiet on the inside. Inside materials and fit/finish is poor (Ive actually looked at the nooks of the interior). Placement of storage and cupholders ludicrous. Shift action vague, clutch uptake high, pedal placement not good for heel-toe. Most beautiful stock rims ever. Final word: great value for performance. Quality and ergonomics of nissans not what they should be but I still love it!

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  Fun car to drive - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Jon - October 1 - 4:30 pm

  I have had my G35X for about 6 weeks now. It is a lot of fun to drive. Pick up and handling are great. I like the AWD. The interior is nicely appointed, and there is a lot of leg room for the front passengers. My wife says that she is more comfortable in the G35X than she was in my Audi A6. THe XM radio and sound system are very good. I have the navigation system/trip computer which I have used several times to get away from traffic jams and find locations in unfamiliar areas, and it has worked well. The gas mileage is a disappointment, but I was aware of it before purchasing. I only get 17.1-17.4 mpg in a combination of local and parkway driving in the NY metropolitan area.

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  Nice to Have - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Crustie - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall the G35 is a nice car to have and very fun to drive. I have had several compliments on the exterior and interior of the car. There are many compartments to store maps, CDs, etc. It is really nice to have the speed to drop the hammer when you want/need to. The controls on the steering wheel are very useful and erogonomic.

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  Great styling, poor quality - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Mark UK - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a good car to drive, comfortable with great performance. I love the styling, inside and out. However the interior build quality is very poor, I have more rattles and squeeks than I can count, one plastic panel inside is falling off, the sunroof makes a loud clonk when I go around a sharp corner. Mechanically its been Ok so far, dealer is also very helpful.

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  Rattles and squeaks - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By me dog - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Have had car for 18 mths now and have had to take the car in for service to address rattles and squeaks 5X now. Everytime I get on rattle fixed, another pops up a few weeks later. Overall build quality is poor and has soured me on the Infiniti name plate

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  03 Infinit G35 Coupe. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By roddrowalt - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Really fun to drive with great build quality and comfort. Very safe vehicle. Styling is great, also. I have had it for over a year and do not regret the purchase one bit.

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  Great car... - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By B Ross - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Hands down, most car for the $$ available in the US. Great acceleration, handling, and fantastic sound system. I compared every sedan and coupe under $40k, and the G35 has it all. Except for M3 ($50k) and RS6 ($60k), this coupe blows everything from Germany away- without the expensive maintanence. Only drawbacks are typical of sports coupes- small trunk (but rear seats fold down making it more useful) and headroom for tall drivers. Im 63" and barely clear the headliner- opt out of the sunroof if youre tall.

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  Great car for the price - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By m1nuterice - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I just got this car 3 days ago and so far its been a great car. Personally I think the exterior styling is great (the taillights might be a little too big) however the interior could be a little better but then a car like this for 30K you cant ask for everything. The car performs similar to my friends 528 and 330 but the one that stands out is almost always the BMW. However, the BMW almost always cost about 7k to 10k more then the G35 and if money was not an issue then you wouldnt be looking at either of these cars. Bottom line, for around 30k - 36k loaded, you cant find a better car.

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  Two Years Later & Would Do It Again! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By dbal72 - September 28 - 2:48 pm

  Two-year follow up on my 2008 G35xS. Have the "S" pckge which makes car even better. The "S" package is 18" beautiful wheels, different front facia, side rocker panel, paddle shifters, sport seats. Suspension stays same as stock which is nice blend for sport/comfort. Bought used and have owned two years and put on over 50k miles. ZERO problems with this car. Reliability has been rock-solid. Other than typical maintenance I have put nothing into this car. Have always owned Audi/VW and even though the Infiniti interior isnt quite the fit and finish of the Audi it is close. The AWD system in this car is flawless. Drives like RWD until you need the traction in snow/rain.