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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  You Cant Touch This Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By PRINGLE - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I looked at Lexus, Mercedes, BMW and the Toyota Avalon for my selection. They all seemed DATED. The G35 rides better, has a cooler look, and has reclining rear seats. I love this car. This will give Infinity the edge it needs to compete with the rest.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By dz9err - May 30 - 7:40 am

  After looking at all the reviews and what you get for your money, this vehicle is hands down the best deal out there. A similarly equipped BMW 335 would have cost me 10-12K more. I love this car for the awesome mix of luxury and high performance. Cant beat it for the price.

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  Awesome G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By GeorgeE - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I recently took delivery of my 2003 Inifiniti G35 and Im already in love with it. The feel from the drivers seat is unbelievable and very comfortable. Handling and performance cant be beat at the price. The 260 Horsepower 3.5L V6 "eats" the road with smooth, effortless acceleration. I enjoy that the car doesnt "lurch" forward when slightly touching the accelerator from a standing start (like many cars with a larger engine). The closest competitor was the BMW 3 series (330i). While driving experience was close to the BMW it could not compete on price (the G35 MSRP was lower than the BMW 325i invoice....the 330i was thousands more).

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  Great choice over Lexus ES330 - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By kbar68 - May 29 - 2:20 am

  I did extensive research beween the G35 and Lexus ES330. I originally went to Lexus b/c of the brand name, but was told to also check out the G35. Im sure glad I did! The performance is outstanding, and the interior quality gives up nothing to Lexus. The ride is not quite as smooth or quiet, but the higher performance and sportier look more than make up for it. I highly recommend you check this vehicle out when shopping the entry-luxury category.

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  Infinity top dog - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By frank - May 28 - 6:13 pm

  This car is a gas to drive. Its a high tech muscle car with great looks. The bose sounds great and the car handles and stops better than the lexus and cost less. Infinity really out did themselves this time. How do they do it?

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  updated review - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By kiddough - May 27 - 7:02 am

  I still like this car, but after a few years it has its pros & cons. Avg MPG is 21.4 (city/highway) A lot of tiny things brings this car down. Be sure to visit a dealership if your car burns a lot of oil! Infiniti will perform a oil change & document your levels & have you return after 1,000 miles to see if you need a new engine. I will be getting a 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 6 M/T more reliability & about the same performance.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Donna - May 27 - 12:53 am

  I simply love it! Its so much fun to drive and it looks great too!

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By megs_81 - May 26 - 2:50 pm

  Ive been driving my 08 G35 Journey with Sport Package for 6 months and am still as happy as the first time I stepped inside. This car is so fun to drive. I constantly get compliments. The navigation is easy to use and accurate. I love the backup camera. Its great not having to dig in my purse to find my keys. I now have 10K miles and am averaging 23-24 mpg. I dont think this is bad considering the 300+ hp.

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  Better than the BMW - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By ebrewer - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I had my mind set on the BMW (test drove a few) and this car blows it away in price, options, and power. I bought this car for my wife and she absolutely loves it.

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  This car rocks! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By g35rocks - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car, and it is awesome! By far the best in its class. Just drive it and youll see!!