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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  The Most Complete All-in-One - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bought - September 27 - 8:50 am

  Alot of people try to find a car within the confines of the 30k range. The wait is over. This car is the complete package and you get the performance (260hp+) and styling (if you dont mind the rear-end) rolled into one. Mind you, the rear end is better justified when viewed in person. The car handles great on turns and the rwd is just awesome to play around with on the streets. The furl economy is better than average for an engine with a monster 3.5L, nonethess anything below the 20mpg seems a bit steep these days as gas has gone up.

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  Picture Perfect! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By TCS - September 26 - 11:56 pm

  Traded in an 06 BMW 325i for the G35 Sedan Sport w/Premium, Nav, & Tech pkg. Test drove Lexus IS 250 and BMW 5 series before. My wife loved the G35 coupe for quite a while so our last stop was Infiniti. Got sold on the sedan right away. More bang and ammenities for the buck. Brawn and beauty in one tight package! Great value and truly picture perfect, ivory pearl w/black interior, with power to match!

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Woody - September 26 - 9:53 pm

  Unbelievable the amount of car you get for the money. The G35 Coupe has surpassed my expectations. The interior is clean and well laid out and very roomy for a sport coupe seating 4. Drivers seat is very comfortable. The Bose stereo system is crystal clear and also works as an MP3 6 disc player to hold a ton of tunes. The exterior design is terrific. Sophisticated yet sporty. The G35 has the look of a car that should cost at least 10-20K more. Finally, step on the gas and feel the force of your body pushed back into the seat by the the 280 hp engine. Slip in and out of traffic or around sharp turns with ease. This car is the complete package.

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  Nice! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Pollux22 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  It is still new. I have less than 6000 miles on it and it runs great!

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  A True Drivers Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By fgpme - September 26 - 10:00 am

  After lusting for a German car since high school, Infiniti won me over. The G35 has more power than any rear-driver in its class. The interior is luxurious and the 6-speed makes it a missle on wheels. Its a great looking design that will age well and its drivetrain makes it the best in its class. It was Car and Drivers 2003 Car of the Year for a reason--nothing else in this price range comes close. Auf Wiedersehen, BMW!

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  my new 2007 G35 Sedan Sport - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By greenbones - September 22 - 4:43 pm

  have had the car for about 2 weeks and have only put on 300 miles but they have been a hard paddle shifting, high speeds, hard cornering and LOUD MUSIC and it has been GREAT! I just got out of a 2002 Camaro SS and it aint no SS but I have not been missing much in performance.

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  Its a sports car, 2dr 6MT - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By smumustang - September 21 - 6:06 pm

  Very fast and affordable, still has held its resale value if thats important to you. Almost got Acura TL / BMW 328i when I decided on the infiniti. Out-drives, out-corners, and out-performs the competition. Make no mistake, this is a sports car, dont expect it to be anything else. Excellent suspension (STIFF) and power that rivals a Porsche cayman which I just recently drove. Car turns into a different beast at 100+mph and drives as well/if not better than MB E or C class sedan. Clutch is touchy and difficult at first with the electric throttle, but anyone who likes to glide through the gears will love it eventually. Good car, if it fits your mission.

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  A Driving Need - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Wegs G35 - September 21 - 2:43 pm

  When it was time to buy a new car to replace my used Lexus GS300 I wanted the same luxury sport sedan qualities, but with the fun to drive aspect of a manual transmission. I looked at all the available cars in this class, Lexus, BMW, Cadillac and found that the G35 had the most to offer for the best value. And its a kick to drive! I decided to get the 6MT with all the sport options (ground effects, tuned suspension, spoiler etc.) and Im very happy with the car. Weve taken 2000 mile trips and enjoy every minute. The car looks great from every angle and has performed flawlessly over two years.

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  Best of the Bunch - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By JSAMD - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Prior to picking up my G35X, I looked at several other AWD vehicles, including BMW, Volvo, Mercedes, and Audi. The bang for the buck value was overwhelmingly in favor of the Infiniti. I drove the G35X in blizzards, rainstorms, and all kinds of nasty weather. The AWD performed flawlessly. This car handles like a dream on curvy mountain roads, and can out accelerate most cars on the road, as well as outbrake them. My only minor complaint is the gas mileage, which has been under 20 mpg in mixed driving conditions. Overall, this is a great car.

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  Enjoy It! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Cydnee - September 18 - 2:00 am

  This car rides very smoothly and comfortably. I love the look and feel of this car!