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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  "G" is for Grin! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Jeffrey Miller - September 16 - 4:30 am

  This car continues to exceed all my expectations. To begin with, its just such a beautiful thing to behold. I cant remember a car with such great lines, balance, and sheer presence. The driving experience is lustful. The engine howls and eagerly accelerates toward redline. The AT is silky smooth, and the manumatic is easy to use and works flawlessly. Handling is another superlative. I have the performance wheel package (18 inch rims), and the thing seems to be stuck to the pavement. The rims are exquisite in their appearance and quality. One detractor: When you close the door with the window down, it sounds like the door of a 78 Camaro! O.K. with the window up.

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  G35 with 19" performance pkg gets a C- - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Brian33625 - September 16 - 3:56 am

  A good car if youre looking for exterior styling and power - but the love will end there. The quality is poor (especially for this class), the ride is harsh and loud - especially for the mediocre handling this car provides. Infinity could have had a great car with this one, but unfortunately its only a fair car. After owing it for 12 months, Im eager to get rid of it.

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  Finicky G35 - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By blkG - September 14 - 8:36 pm

  Have had G since 10/07, a lot of little problems and some not so little. Speaker makes a "pop" noise when car engine turned on from battery on position; sunroof wouldnt stay closed, needed to have motor replaced; one of my windows wound not roll up via "one touch". Now the throttle when first started in the morning sounds as if car is going to die out. Apparently Infiniti has no fix for this yet, but theres a bulletin out on it. I also have performance tires & theyre wearing out way to quick. Great looking & performing car but come close to warranty - trade in likely considered.

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  There is No Substitute! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By droptop34 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is pound for pound the best luxury sport sedan on the market for the best price, and the best deal between the sedan and the coupe. Mainly b/c if you buy the 6-speed, sport suspension/wheels/tires are included. This is the best feeling, best handling car Ive ever driven. Perfect combination of comfortable yet truly sportscar ride. Every creature comfort you could think of, and some you wouldnt, is included. Plenty of cupholders, leg room/headroom, storage compartments, 2 glove boxes, huge trunk, plenty of airbags. Infiniti outdid themselves all the way around. If I were an exec at BMW Id be firing some design and marketing people.

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  Love it - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Malafis - September 10 - 6:00 am

  I bought my 2005 g35x in August of 2008. I loved this car since the day I bought it. The only thing that I dont like is the brake wear on the car. I learned that this car comes stock with a softer brake pad which results in greater braking power but also results in shorter brake life.

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  Over a year and LOVE my G35S - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Michael - September 8 - 7:43 am

  I have had my G35S for over a year now and I can honestly say that I still love this car. Great brakes, great performance, great style, great radio, just an all around great car!!! My only complaint is the gas mileage, it is not good at all. I know this car is a performance car, but I never expected 16 mpg or less for highway/local road travel.

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  Smokes them all - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Nick r - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for about 3 weeks and it has already improved my sex life it is that hot. Women love it and so do I, it is as fun to drive as my BMW but cost 5,000 less.

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  Amazing car - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By M.E. - September 6 - 8:03 am

  just bought the car about 4 days ago and i wake up just to drive this car. the car is beautiful in black and the black interior is amazing. premium package is great intelegent key is a good convienience. the car looks nice with or without the spoiler so it doesnt matter and the BOSE sound system is worth every penny. One thing im surprised no one talked about is the exhaust. deep strong sound just loud enough to hear but not annoyingly loud the ride is extremely smooth no complaints other then the fuel economy

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  Great Looks, Fun to drive, Still a car for its age - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By eiji81 - September 4 - 11:16 pm

  I bought my 05 G35 Coupe 6spd in Oct 2014 with 116k miles. Before buying this car I looked at a 05 BMW 3series, Honda S2000, and Nissan 350z. For the price range, the G35 has the best value and features. It has usable back seats, 19" rims with TPMS (tire sensors), all power options, and Navigation. Overall its a nice luxury sports car, but at this age and mileage but at this age is expected to have some issues and be a little outdated. I repaired a few things: front brakes, 6cd changer/nav, front control arms, clutch master cyclinder, and drive belts. Maintenance costs can be expensive if you dont have warranty. It only uses Premium gas but I get 19-20mpg city and around 25mpg hwy. Update: During hot weather e.g. summer, the clutch pedal will only return half-way up after being released when youre driving in traffic. So youll have to pop the clutch pedal back to its original position with your left foot. From my research, this is a fault of the design of the clutch pedal and also the clutch fluid line location. I try not to drive my car when its very hot or in heavy traffic (night time driving and highway is fine though). During the winter when outside temp is 75F or below, the clutch pedal is not an issue. On the plus side, the A/C system on the G35 is excellent and always keeps the inside very cool in the summer. The heated front seats are great during winter as well. The car looks great and the exhaust sound is very sporty. The engine has plenty of power and torque for daily driving.

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  05 Auto Coupe - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Romo - September 3 - 11:36 pm

  Looks great, feels great, handles great... Sexy car for the money. Outperform most BMWs and Mercedes for a fraction of the price. Great car!