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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300Z Reincarnated - 2004 Infiniti G35
By H. W. Rhodes - July 3 - 10:00 amWhat a thrill to drive. It is truly a sports car with excellent handling and road hugging beyond belief. It doesnt provide the comfort of my previous Q45 but since it is a sports car, I didnt really think that it would. Be careful because if is really quiet and has pick up beyond belief. No wonder they like this engine in the IRL.
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Great Ride! - 2004 Infiniti G35
By greenwater - July 3 - 1:10 amVery comfortable, fast, easy to drive, quiet inside, nice throaty sound outside, great sound system. Terrific car for the money and it has a backseat unlike the 350Z.
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Lovin it - 2005 Infiniti G35
By Blake - July 2 - 11:13 pmI got my G35 for my college graduation present and I LOVE IT! Its just beautiful to look at. I like driving it too! Mine is silver/ grey interior w/ sport package. The sport package is a plus because the 18 wheels are nice. I like how the car hugs the road around corners and is definitely a head turner. Ive had my car for 3.5 months and I already have 4,000 miles. Had a small problem with the cup holder but my Infiniti dealer got me a new one. Troncalli Infiniti in Atlanta where I got my car was great but I recently visited Infiniti of Nashville and the service was horrible. Plus they charged me $50 for just an oil change. Other then that, Im lovin my car.
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Muy Excellente - 2008 Infiniti G35
By t ham - June 25 - 11:13 amAMAZING engine with immediately ready torque and speed. With this comes less than average fuel economy and that is ok, you cant have both. I think its doing around 18 overall, and for those of you who ride about 5-8 mph over the speed limit, youll be at 3200rpm at 75 mph. Like I said, its the trade off you get for such a hungry engine. Im not sure if a 6th gear would fix this, but I think that may make this car perfect. The tan leather with real wood trim is very rich looking. Easy to use nav & controls. Simply put, its the most fun car Ive ever driven and its not even close - add Japanese reliability for icing on the cake. Bravo Infiniti.
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Poor Mans Lexus - 2008 Infiniti G35
By Mike from Tempe - June 25 - 4:20 amSuper impressed with this car (so far)! Weve owned Mercedes (S, CLK, & E - Class), Jaguars, and Audis in the past and are tired of paying $200+ for a key-fob!! Switched to Japanese for the reliability factor...and...theres not many of these on the road (vs. 3- series BMW! Quicker 0-60 than my 99 CLK 430!! Would have paid another 20K for a similar model Lexus!
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G35: From mine to hers, no getting back! - 2005 Infiniti G35
By Jarais - June 24 - 3:20 amI bought it "for me," my wife drove it that same evening, I have not gotten it back since. I have never heard her talk about loving a car, but, she LOVES "her 2003 G35 Coup." Truly a great car; Fun, stylish, eye catching, powerful, smooth ride, excellent transmission using either automatic or optional manual. I will now make excuses to go to the store, taking "her" car,then logging 20 miles for a 3 mile round trip. Although I loved my 94 "40" Anniversary Corvette, the speed and handling of the G35 is (I truly believe)better than the Corvette. Having owned many fun, stylish or powerful cars, the G35 combines all three characteristics into one HOT CAR. We("SHE")LOVES our(HER) G35 Coup.
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coup - 2003 Infiniti G35
By hs - June 24 - 2:00 amG35 is, bar none, the best car I have ever owned. Its shape is low and curvy and sensuous to the eyes, yet is also all business when it comes to rocketing off the light. Everybody looks at my car when I drive by or sit next to them at the light. I even get admiring glances from people in that supposed front runner (330i). I cant wait for the Infiniti sanctioned aftermarket parts to really make this baby move!
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A blast to drive - 2006 Infiniti G35
By Jason Hearn - June 21 - 12:23 amAcceleration is nice but could use a little more in gears 1-3. Passing is no problem and taking corners is fun as the car just sticks to the road. The shifting is a little unrefined and you really feel it in both the stick and the clutch. Overall comfort is nice and you sit nice and low to the ground. Drink holders on the manual are not in the easiest place to reach and drinks can get in the way when your shifting.
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Finally found the right car - 2006 Infiniti G35
By love my g35 - June 20 - 6:30 pmWe looked at the Acura TL, very sporty, not a smooth ride for the price, same with Honda Accord. New camry, to funky looking, Lexus ES 330--smooth ride, not sporty enough. Infiniti G 35--280 hp, awesome power and comfort, love the sportiness and smooth ride, we fight over who gets to drive it, the long commuter or short traveler! Weve had it a week and have NO buyers remorse, and you can get some GREAT deals on the 06 right now! I read these reviews on all the cars we test drove, dont buy another car before you test drive this one. Infiniti also has a great warranty and typically great customer service. We are repeat Infiniti buyers!
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Finally found the right car - 2006 Infiniti G35
By love my g35 - June 20 - 2:36 pmWe looked at the Acura TL, very sporty, not a smooth ride for the price, same with Honda Accord. New camry, to funky looking, Lexus ES 330--smooth ride, not sporty enough. Infiniti G 35--280 hp, awesome power and comfort, love the sportiness and smooth ride, we fight over who gets to drive it, the long commuter or short traveler! Weve had it a week and have NO buyers remorse, and you can get some GREAT deals on the 06 right now! I read these reviews on all the cars we test drove, dont buy another car before you test drive this one. Infiniti also has a great warranty and typically great customer service. We are repeat Infiniti buyers!
