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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  Great all around luxury performer - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Dmitriy G. - April 26 - 7:50 am

  I absolutely love this car. Very powerful and smooth, comfy ride. Great handling. I get tons of compliments on the looks. I actually like the design of this model better than the g37 coupe thats out now. I really feel that they took away the aggressiveness out of the exterior design and made it more docile looking like the Lexus sc. The exhaust tone puts a smile on my face each time I start the car. The seats are very comfortable and hold you in place well in the twisties (and you will love the twisties) this car really is in a league of its own as far as price goes and what you get for your money.

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  Fastmobile - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Rocky P. - April 26 - 4:03 am

  Excellent, legend in the range. You can feel the power of engine. The ride is so great, you wont mind spending more time on steering. You can get all performance, technology, comfort those 50k and 70k cars offer here in G-35 under 35k

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  Excellent - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Mike - April 25 - 11:06 pm

  I have been driving the G35x for almost a year now and I cannot get enough of it. I have not had the good fortune of a snow storm (to test the AWD) yet but winter is just starting here in the Washington DC metro area. I recommend this car to anyone considering a BMW 3 series.

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  great value - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By fireflyjsn - April 25 - 10:00 am

  the G35 is a great value. Superb performance from a wonderful engine & transmission. holds 4 large adults comfortably and is very quiet at highway speeds. our only complaint is the slightly rough ride on bumpy roads, they could improve the suspension.

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  Worth the wait - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By coupenewbie - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Once in a very long while a car company gets it all just right. Such is the case with Infiniti and the G35 Coupe. This car is pure magic. It drives like a dream, full of power, road-hugging grip, perfect driver ergonomics (at least for me, a 6 male). The styling is timeless, it will look great 25, 35 years from now just as a 50s t-bird does today. It is impossible to park your G and not walk away from it backwards, admiring its blend of masculine muscle and feminine grace and style. What a winner, place your order today!

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  Great value - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By abckk - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Compared with BMW 3 & 5 series, this car is as big and fast for thousands less. You cant go wrong with the styling and features.

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  BUY IT! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By hivpozbud - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Smooth, powerful, V6, gorgeous design, spacious for the driver/passenger (not so much for the backseat passengers), Definite eye catcher and can keep up with anything in its class and even out of its class. Great feeling shifting and comfy seats.

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  Fast Sexy Ride - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Drivin Fast - April 22 - 9:10 am

  I purchased this car after extensive research and Im glad I did. My baby handles like a dream. I LOVE the power she has and I love the look on peoples faces when they see a women driving this powerful, sleek fantasy on wheels. Please, dont be jealous!

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  Easy decision - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Howard - April 19 - 5:43 am

  I did my due diligence before buying my G. I have had a couple of 5 series 5 speeds and just felt that BMW was living of their name more than advancing their car. Test drove the TL 6 speed and did not like the handling or the stereo. Lexus has nothing to offer in the 6 speed (is250?). I test drove the G35 and it was an easy decision. This car has it all - luxury, power, handling, looks, reliability, power, GREAT sound from the premium package and did I say power. I have an I30 5 speed going on 150K miles that I have only put brakes on once. These cars are really made well. This is a no brainer.

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  Cant stop driving - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35HappyOwner - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I could not justify getting A4 1.8, 325 or c230 because of cheap interior, small engines and quality concerns (c230). The price for well equipped A4 3.0, 330i and c320 felt too high and the interior space is still tight. With G35 I found the perfect combination of style, internal space, contemporary interior and stunning performance for reasonable price. Did I mention stunning performance? This car is avesome. I have two concerns right now: 1 - inventing reasons to go places, and 2 - I can lose my drivers licence. I dont mind 1, but I am afraid from 2. If you are in the market for sporty car between 27-45K you own yourself a test drive.