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:

• 

  Fun Finally!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By TxDudeman - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Over the past 18 months I have been looking for a sporty, luxurious, dependable, performance car and found it in the G35 Sport Coupe. I studied, tested and read about the Audi A6, BMW 5, Crossfire, Mercedes C320 Sport and Porsche Boxster. Im extremely pleased with my purchase and feel that I got alot of car for the value. I get looks, compliments and questions about this vehicle everywhere I go. And did I mention that its a blast to drive. I have had my 6MT/Ivory Pearl/Willow/Bose/Premium Package/Aero Package for about three weeks. The G35 handles great even on the street in downtown Houston. Finally I dont have to reach for knobs to adjust things.

• 

  BEST CAR IVE OWNED - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Billy Law - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I have finally arrived! This is the sixth Nissan that I have owned. Over the years I have always enjoyed most of what I was buying from them, although each vehicle seemed to have qualities that I did not like. This car makes me feels like I have arrived because it seems to bring together all of the things that I have enjoyed in the others, other than the lack of yard ape storage that my pathfinder had.

• 

  Journey G35S - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Matt - August 5 - 2:40 am

  Overall a great car! The value you get buying this car over the Lexus IS350, BMW 335I, and Mercedes C350 is awesome. We got it fully loaded with the Tech, Nav, Prem, and Sports pkg. If you are looking for a fast car that has a lot of luxury for a better price than the others in this segment you cant go wrong. Cornering with the sports suspensions is amazing! You will feel all the imperfections of a bad road. Back seat has plenty of room for 2 teenage skinny girls, and car seat for my little boy. Be prepared for some envious people!

• 

  2005 G35 - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By ffball21 - August 2 - 4:23 pm

  The Infiniti G35 is one of the 1st luxury sports cars made. The G35 is stock with enough horses for hours of driving fun. With navigation and a set of rims, your infiniti g35 is unlike any other car made.

• 

  Spaceship - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Allen - August 2 - 8:40 am

  I was looking for an AWD care that is sporty and fun to drive and not over $40,000(purchased right after the test drive). I own the auto xG35 with the prem package. This car is by far the fastest car I have ever driven. It also handles very well. If you want a car that is good in snow, fun to drive, with lots of nice features, and faster than 99% of the cars on the road, then this is the car for you. The prem package is a must. The keyless entry & start is worth it alone. You walk up to the car (with keys in your pocket), hit a button, open the door, turn the ignition, while the seats, mirrors, and steering wheel adjusts to your settings, then put it in drive and put the hammer down.

• 

  54,000 Miles No Problems - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By BeaterBMW - August 2 - 1:33 am

  I now have 54,000 miles. Other than routine Mobil 1 oil changes, 1 set of tires [35,000], brakes at 50,000. I have only been to the dealer for recalls. Just recently a squeak showed up that I will take it in for the first time with a problem. This is still remarkable tight and is a pleasure to drive on long high speed trips. It is the most reliable car of the 38 that I have owned. I love it!

• 

  WOW - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By rsel16 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I think I test drove every single sport sedan in the market, and I kept coming back to the infiniti and the Lexus is300. However, as I am not 18 years old the Lexus just did not fit. I have never been more happy with a car. It accelerates like a dream and you never lose one once of control! The steering is tight and comfortable, the seats feel like your sitting in a Lay-Z-Boy. and the instruments and toys are very accessable. This car rides as well going 10mph in traffic ( I live in Chicago, so I get this a lot ) as it does going 80 down the Edens. All in all, I would be very suprised if some one test drove this car and bought another.

• 

  An Awesome Sports Sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Mach5871 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Everything about the car was well thought out and put together.

• 

  G35x fun! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By rich - July 30 - 12:36 am

  I on my second G35X. When my lease was expiring on my 2006 G35x, I started experiencing seperation anxiety. I looked in the marketplace, but could not find any other alternative that made me feel as good. There is no better feeling than walking towards my car, knowing how much fun Im about to experience when the seats adjust to my preset position and I hit the ignition button. Handling on the X is as good as any sports car Ive ever driven in. Its scary-fast, particularly when clearer with Bose technology

• 

  G35 w navi - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By aqflipino - July 27 - 10:16 am

  I got the 2008 G35 Journey with the tire and wheel package, premium package and navigation package. It is a great looking car inside and out. Acceleration and handling are impressive. The exhaust sounds great. Fuel economy could be better. The navigation is fairly easy to use and comes with all sorts of added technological goodies. A lot of bang for the buck.