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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  A good Q car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By anders7 - June 17 - 8:07 pm

  Ive had my G35 for 4 years now and I used to change cars regularly. Previous cars were BMWs and Mercedes but I got tired of the exorbitant costs involved in just keeping them going. This last time I looked at the little BMWs and Mercedes and thought why not try something different? So I looked at the Infiniti G35 and the Lexus GS300. There was not much of a cost difference and the Infiniti seemed like so much more car for the money. People complain about the mileage. I get a solid 21 mpg with 80% hwy driving. Thats excellent for a heavy car with a powerful engine. Sadly it does drink premium only.

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  Impressive Machine! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By MplsG35C - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive just reached the end of the manufacturer break-in period and I cant wait to stretch it out! This car is very impressive...great performance for the $$.

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  G-35 coupe worth every penny - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By T. Sanger - June 12 - 9:50 pm

  The G-35 coupe has been great,the cars acceleration is strong,handling is very responsive and predictable. The ride is very good considering the suspension and tires and the interior is well laid out.

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  new car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By mike - June 10 - 9:06 pm

  Well built and tight. Powerful and responsive, sleek new look and very well built. Bose stereo is awesome.

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  I Expected More - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Patrick Lucas - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car. Average interior materials. Poor initial quality. 7 repeat visits to repair a dangerous pull to the right. (Was told it was in spec) AC faulty but factory had a repair for it. Gas tank will not fill up. Factory does not have a repair for it.

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  off the charts -- especially for the $$$ - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By kostas - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my g-35 for 6 months. I thought it was fast when I bought it but now that the engine is broken in -- it really flies. We have taken a number of trips with 2 kids, wife, grandma and myself. I am a former owner of 525-touring and it is apparent that the g-35s rear seats offer more room and comfort than the touring did. It also boasts an ample trunk. I have owned BMWs for over 15 years and I am more than pleased with the g-35s rear wheel platform, handling characteristics and most impressed with its power. It blows the doors off all the entry level BMWs and gives the 540 ($54,000) more than a run for its money.

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  g35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By ryan jalim - June 7 - 10:00 am

  car lovers ultimate ride

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  Very happy with purchase - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By NDFI - June 3 - 3:50 pm

  I love this car, its just a joy to drive.

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  Best overall car for the money - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Mike - June 1 - 6:13 am

  The G is the most powerful sedan in its class, once you get over the overpriced BMW and over-rated IS, you will find the best performance, handling, and the most advanced Nav system on any vehicle at any price. For those of you who whine about fuel economy go buy a civic.

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  Great Value - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By esutter - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car, plenty of pep, fun to drive and has all the creature comforts. I love the car, a couple of small things, I find the seat controlls irritating, they poke into your leg until you adjust the way you sit. The car is poor in the snow, sand bags in the trunk and snow tires help. The awd version should make a big difference. Overall I am very happy with the car, after researching the segment and test driving many of the competitors I am convinced that this is the best car for the $, if not the best car in the segment.