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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  Dont Believe the Hype - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Kendu - July 9 - 10:00 am

  The just took a test drive of the New Infiniti G35 and I had a fun time speeding on a straight away, but as I was driving back it began to rain. Once that happened the handling of the car went down the tubes. With all the hype about stopping faster than any German car and high-speed handling this car is the worse in rain. I can only imagine it in the snow. If you live in the desert with straight away roads with no precipation then this is the car for you. Interior is very uncomfortable for any one under 6 feet tall. DONT BELIEVE THE HYPE!!!

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  g35 in action - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By ryan depakakibo - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I have my g35 for a year now and everyday Im so eager to drive it. Ive added some aftermarket parts from Stillen racing and Its gone wild on the road, more fun and more aggresive I should say this is the best car Ive ever had.

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  Awesome Performance Coupe/Cheap Interior - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Bachfire - July 6 - 10:00 am

  This is the best high performance coupe on the market today. Overall performance is excellent. The 280 HP engine is superb. Car hugs the road in curves and is very fast off the line. Overall driving experience cant be beat. Manual shifting with the automatic is a real thrill. Exterior styling turns heads everywhere I go. Many many compliments. Neighbors are envious!!!! Desert Platinum color is gorgeous. Have a problem when arriving home as I dont want to get out of the car!

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  Best price/performance in its class. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G-boy - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my G35 for about 2 months now Out of all the cars Ive ever owned, the G has delivered the best bang for the buck by far. Performance-wise, the closest thing to it is a BMW 330. I have driven both, and in my opinion, the BMW has the edge entering a curve and through the apex...but I would give the Infiniti the edge coming out of the turn (combo of great torque, balance, and a wonderful suspension). The manu-matic transmission has a little bit of confusing lag in it. Im sure the six-speed will enhance performance. Overall, a huge home run for Nissan/Infiniti. Highly recommended.

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  Would recommend this car - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By G35x fan - July 4 - 9:53 am

  Had this car about 1 year now and I love this car! I compared with BMW, Lexus, and VW and dont regret my choice. Fun to drive, smooth ride, well built, reliable, comfortable, solid drive in various road & weather conditions. Beautiful car inside & out. Opt for the wood trim interior. Gas mileage not great but I knew this before I bought. Previously drove an SUV/4WD and the G35x drives comparable in the snow (as long as not deep snow because G35x is low to the ground). Bose speakers great with radio but sound quality decreases when listening to XM. Changed battery of key fob once but I was told this is because I carried it directly next to cell phones. Overall, this car does not disappoint.

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  Bring it 325i - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By calmme - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Super, refreshing and satisfying and agile

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  8 months of ownership - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By dareeka - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Iwrote back in March about how much I liked this car,boy how that has changed.After 8 months and 8,000 miles of ownership this has to be the worst car Ive ever owned.Both doors rattle like crazy,dealer cant duplicate?, seat belt clasps rattle,recall on the way,the car has been in for 1 recall already(fuel hose may become disconnected from gas tank),doors lock automatically,dealer cant duplicate?,"check engine soon light" has come on,dealer had to reprogram computer?.You cant see dash lights when there is bright sunlight,You cant see the clock at night and the car sucks gas,18mpg.

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  Hit the Road Jake... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jkooy - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The ultimate in sports sedan driving. This is my first truly sports vehicle and I am totally enthused with my new found love of driving. The G35s response and handling have out performed the previous 12 cars that I have owned. Eight were North American made and four were Japanese. The response from total strangers to its appearance and questions as to how I like my car are a testiment of its overall appeal. Ive always enjoyed driving but now I love it.

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  Circuite board - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Joe - June 26 - 4:03 pm

  We have had 3 infinitis and have been very happy until this G35. The circuit board controlling the AC, heater Stereo, CD etc.will not work. It has been stuck with no stereo CD and AC has been at 64 degrees for the Last 8 months. We have been told it will cost $1500-$2000 to fix it if we are lucky. This seems so outrageous to us. We feel infinite has let us down totally. This should be a recall as the mechanic said many cars of this model have come in for the same problem. We are VERY disappointed in infiniti and would never buy another if this is the way they stand behind their clients. So sorry.

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  Why didnt I do it sooner ! ! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Kay - June 25 - 10:13 am

  I finally gave myself permission to go for the car of my dreams. It almost makes me want to go to work in the morning just so I can drive my new car.