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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  An Infiniti unlike any Nissan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jdinkin - July 12 - 10:00 am

  After having owned 3 Maximas, I decided to try something with more power and luxury. I thought the Acura TL Type S would take me to the next level of performance and comfort but after test driving both the Acura and the Infiniti G35, I was hooked on the Infiniti. The sheer power of the uniquely tuned V6 engine should have been enough. But my wife was the one who first remarked that the ride was smoother and the seats more comfortable. The sales staff didnt exhibit the cocky attitude that Ive come to expect from Honda or Acura dealers. The best part was not having to wait for several months - it was available immediately.

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  Awesome Value For Your Money - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I have been in the market for a vehicle for on and off for about 3 months. Ive looked at all shapes, models and brands. This was my choice, bar none! This vehicle was the best complete package and it comfortably fit everyone that I would normally drive around both family and friends. From kids to teenages and small adults to large ones.

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  Its worth every penny - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Technoir - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Just pick up a black one, I like it!! Other car companies offer similar features and packages but man! the breaks on this thing is fantastic!!! It exactly knows what I want and does it. I havent tested engine yet but as soon as break-in period is over Ill take it out and test it. For the price this car is nice. On the way home I ran into a suped up Saab 9-3, as soon as he noticed me he accelerated, ha!! I could have smoked him easily but it was my first day so I let him get away. If I ever see him again, Ill let him know he wasted his money.

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  This car is fast! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By John - July 9 - 4:43 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Altima after walking onto a dealership. The G kept calling me Drive Me! Drive Me!!! I test drove and came home with it. I tap on the accelerator and I am off!!! I like using the manual mode because it seems to jumps off quicker. Yeah! I am a big guy and it is very comfortable. If you expect good gas mileage from sports car then you are delusional. This car is straight up Fun to drive. For the value it is great. You spend way more for a BMW and you dont get cd changer nor leather nor the power unless you get an M series or a 5. This is the ride if you want to have fun and be comfortable.

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  Best Car Lease Ever - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By JGMdriver - July 8 - 10:33 am

  I love this car. Everything works like it should, it has all the options I could want (mine is loaded - missing only the silly technology package), it is as fast as anything, it drives better than the BMW 5 series I had before.

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  Power to Burn - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By TBryant - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed driving this car. It has super torque and all around power.

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  Accelerating my future - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By danlboone - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I too looked at BMW, Caddy CTS, and owned an Acura TL. This car blows them all away in performance and looks. This is by far, the most fun Ive had with a car. The power is fantastic (I would have bought a 6 speed if avail. but the manual shift is great too). Everything about this car is top notch!

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  Not Best in Class - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Driver427 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I test drove all the cars in this class extensively, and the G35 is not the leader in my opinion. Yes its fast, but the handling isnt the greatest and it was not very fun to drive. The BMW 330 is the best overall car.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By JWendeln - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 6 months now and I have to say it is the best purchase that I have ever made. I test drove the Nissan 350Z and there is no comparison.. The G35 Infiniti is the elite of Luxury sports cars. I would recommend this vehicle to everyone.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By mkd - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Great details and great value for the money! Its fun to drive for work and pleasure!