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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  Style, Power, Buzz? - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Boone - September 2 - 5:00 am

  No question, the body style is elegant yet understated. This is a good for unassuming people who like quality things. (The Infiniti design team is clearly outperforming their competitors by serving products that are visually distinctive.) As far as engine power, it is a nice feeling knowing you can safely get around just about anybody or anything before they know it. Overall, I feel I am getting great value for what I paid.

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  Better Car than my previous BMW - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By quidycat - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2000 BMW and liked it a lot. When I saw the Infiniti G35 coupe and test drove it, I was surprised that it was more fun to drive than my BMW with more horse power. Handling is precise. The car is very responsive. The interior is more comtemporary and well equipped compared to BMWs more traditional minimalist feel. It really is a fun car. A simliar midsize BMW or Audi with similar options and specifications would cost about $10,000 more than G35. I love my new G35 am glad I didnt get another BMW.

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  Great Car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Nanaimo Driver - August 30 - 11:33 pm

  Wonderful vehicle to drive, great performance and amazing power above 2500 rpm. This car does, however, need good rubber and have found the factory tires totally inadequate, especially on wet surfaces. Have also found the car a tad light in the rear when cornering, which could again be a result of the tires. Would not hesitate to buy another Infiniti.

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  Unbeatable - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By G35 PWR - August 27 - 11:13 pm

  About 4 months in to my G35 coupe and I love it. Absolutely stunning from all angles with class. Very fast and very aggressive. Makes ya feel like a kid when you need and makes ya feel classy and well established when pulling up to any valley parking.

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  Move over 330 - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Rizza - August 27 - 6:06 am

  Just picked it up today in liquid platinum. Wasnt looking into all the different packages. The journey comes with everything a person can need and despite not having moonroof, a 6-disc in dash changer with mp3 capability along with a roaring 306hp was all I needed and wanted. Fell in love with back in april and finally made a great deal on it. Hoping for it to be a great car for a while to come!

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  Couldnt Be Happier - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By dukestudent - August 26 - 4:43 am

  I just recently bought the G35 while the 330 has been my dream car since I can remember. Giving up a childhood dream was difficult, but I do not regret my decision. The short shifter on the 6 speed manual transmission is phenomenal. The premium package gives all luxury desired, the sports package gives all sleekness needed (without being to showy or pretentious), and the aero package provides for a much more aerodynamic and stable ride, particularly when cruising down the highway at higher speeds. My vehicle comes with all these packages and has brought me nothing but turning heads. I LOVE IT!

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  Great Coupe - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Big Al - August 26 - 1:23 am

  This car is very underrated. My car has every possible option and I will put its performance and reliability up against ant MB or BMW.

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  A great car, it saved our lives. - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By ALAN - August 25 - 12:30 am

  We owned the infinity g35 for 6 months. It was a pleasure to drive.The gas mileage was good and the car gave a stable ride and was very reactive to road conditions. It had more than enough power and at higher speeds cornered very well. The best feature however was the safety factor! The car was involved in an accident where a car in the opposing lane crossed a median and basically tore apart the entire drivers side from front headlight to the rear panel. The front and side airbags deployed and probably saved our lives! We were the only ones that walked away from that multi car accident. The car was totaled by the insurance company..We are buying another (identical) one to replace it.

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  parking brake pedal ??? - Ill pass - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By carforme - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent performance and brakes, very good handling. A couple of annoying interior details which prevented me from buying it. First and ugliest is the parking brake pedal. Who puts those things in a sport sedan? In the cars cockpit like cabin the pedal really sticks out and can hit you leg when you move it. or during an even minor accident (so much for eight airbags). The second is the placement for drivers seat controls. They are right next to the cup holders, I think its similar to putting your coffee mug on your keyboard. The cars trunk is big but badly shaped, I dont think you can fit more then two mid size suitcases there. Those bugs aside its an excellent car.

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  140 mph Sport Sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By 140 mph Sport Sedan - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This car really turns heads! I cant believe how many people I have caught just staring at this car when it is driving down the road as well as when it is parked. This car is great in the twisted canyon roads that I frequently travel on. It is also very easy to allow yourself to cruise well above the posted speed limits if you are not careful, ( i.e. an open hwy with no traffic , 140mph , very stable and surprisingly quiet ) The Infiniti G35 is an excellent balance of performance, beautiful design and more importantly the cost for what you are getting overall.