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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  Ideal Mix of Style, Performance & Price - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Hawaiian Heat - August 22 - 2:46 pm

  If you are vain like I am and would appreciate people coming up to you and saying how nice of a car you have, the G35 Coupe is the answer. On a more serious note, 7 Months & 5,500 miles of ownership. Happy to report no service issues or problems, only maintenance required so far has been an oil change. Please do not let the stylish looks fool you, the G35 Coupe is a sports car in almost every sense of the word. Acceleration and handling are superb, feedback to the driver, excellent. Before purchaing the G35 I test drove the Audi TT & BMW 325. They were nice cars but could not match the G35 in acceleration & overall driving performance. An unexpected bonus, the G35 costed less.

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  buy one! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By bill - August 21 - 9:56 am

  $29,000.00 out the door. Drives like its on rails. Faster than my corvette was and handles better too at half the price. Also has a great warranty and comfort to boot, with the fuel economy of a Honda accord. Whats not too like!

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  Fun Car - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Jim - August 19 - 7:06 pm

  I have had my G35 for 3 months and the fun of driving hasnt decreased even a fraction. In fact, the more I drive it, the more fun it has become. It handles great and has incredible power and acceleration. As expected, the only draw back is the fuel economy. Depending on how I drive it ranges from 13 mpg to 24 mpg. Generally, I get about 15 to 17 mpg, so no real complaints. Overall a great car well worth the price!

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By NKLitt - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for a month now. After doing extensive research and attending a car show, I made the decision to go with the G35. It is clearly the best car for the money. The engine is incredible and has the handling to go along with it. I love the AWD feature as well as the design. Plenty of room for 4, which you dont realize by looking at it from the outside. The only down side is the fuel economy in the city is nowhere near what its supposed to be. I have gotten 16mi/gl. Also they could have had more wood paneling on the dash area. Overall I would highly recommend the G35 sedan.

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  G35 to Great - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By tootsie - August 14 - 8:43 pm

  I love it! It is a sharp vehicle. I have the sport suspension package in Garnet Fire. I feel like I own the roads I travel. People have asked me what kind a car is it. Drives like it was made especially for me.

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  Thumbs up - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By murfdog - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive only owned the car for just over a month, but couldnt be happier. I got the all-wheel drive. I took it out one night on a winding back road in a heavy thunderstorm and put it through the paces. It corners like its on rails. No looseness in the rear whatsoever. Impressive performance.

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  Customer No Service - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By oak - August 13 - 8:43 pm

  My G35 has only 47,000 on it and is using 1 1/2 quarts of oil every 1000 miles. My dealer states that this is acceptable and that it is normal to have to add oil between changes. ( I change oil every 3000 miles). This is unacceptable for a car that is this expensive. They have refused to address this problem even though warranty is still in effect. Oil light never comes on. The rack and pinion steering has had a leak and is having to be replaced.

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  Eh - Not So Much - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By caustexx - August 13 - 3:20 am

  This car should not be compared in the same class as a BMW 3-Series, Acura TL, Audi A4. as it is often grouped with. To me , the car sits a lot higher and does not turn or corner as well as these vehicles. City Driving is brutal on MPG...Im afraid to even measure. I own a 6MT Sedan, you have to really put the pedal down if you want to see any performance, otherwise it drives like any regular sedan.

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  My G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Mark Shuter - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have the base model and it still has a ton of options.

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  G35x - A Superb Driving Experience - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Paul Winters - August 9 - 6:06 pm

  I bought the G35x with premium and navigation package (Ponied for the xm radio and xm nav which is a must in the city). In any case, I couldnt be more pleased with this car. Rapid, smooth acceleration throughout the power curve, responsive suspension, really, really a blast to drive. I spent the whole first day with a big grin on my face. Interior and exterior, the styling is just first rate. I went with the black leather interior which against the aluminum trim is beautiful. Mileage for me the first couple of tanks is around 16 mpg, but Im driving it fairly hard. The acceleration pop of this sedan is remarkable.