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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Search No More! - 2004 Infiniti G35
By B a G35 owner - April 13 - 2:00 amI looked for months for a sporty, four seater vehicle. 95% of my driving is ~20 miles to work, but on weekend I have to take children around. My Q45 looked to staid. I decided on the G35 coupe, and have never looked back I love the handling - and the ability to leave the other drivers in the dust. Its the best!
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A nice alternative to SUVs - 2004 Infiniti G35
By St. Louis - April 13 - 2:00 amWe bought our G35 with AWD in December, 03. Winter has brought our area a fair amount of ice and snow. In addition, we have quite a steep driveway. This G35 AWD sedan has exceeded my expectations in the handling with the winter snow/ice conditions of this area. I drove a Lexus LX470 prior to this sedan and I can say that this little sedan holds its own against our SUV. Besides the winter handling, it is a fun car to drive and very attractive. We love this car. I also like the radio controls that are on the steering wheel also, this is a great safety feature.
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One more thing to make this car solid - 2006 Infiniti G35
By earny - April 12 - 11:00 pmI had the tough decision to choose between a TL and G35 sedan. Hands down the G35 is a performance oriented car and is much more fun to drive than the TL. The sport shift in the G35 is more quick to respond while the TL is basically an automatic even with the sport shift. Sound system is great when listening to CDs. Only thing I ask is better gas mileage and maybe a 6th gear to achieve the better gas mileage.
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Awesome Car - 2007 Infiniti G35
By Chris from Toronto - April 12 - 10:10 pmThis is a comfortable, powerful sedan. It is great in all driving conditions. Unbelievable Bose stereo system with super base response. Great exhaust note. Super fun to drive. Great air conditioning system with dual zone. Great heated seats. Nice layout, comfortable seats. The entire control panel moves with the steering wheel adjustment - cool! Two negatives would be the poor mpg as already mentioned and less than stellar brake and tire life. Also the rubberized paint on the interior arm rests tends to scratch a bit. Could also use a bit more interior storage cubbyholes. Exterior paint is a bit soft. Car also requires Premium Gas so get ready to pay up for the privilege of driving this car.
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OK for a second car - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Don Paluh - April 12 - 2:20 pmI got played by the dealer, so I started with a negative attitude. I had several intermittent electrical problems which were never fixed despite several trips to the dealer. For the exceptionally stiff ride and cramped quarters, it doesnt handle any better than my VW Passat. Roll down the window in the rain and get soaked, and the wipers seem to leave a constant puddle on the windshield right in front of my field of view. Fuel economy is well below claims, even if you dont get into it. Cow-catcher front end scrapes most speed bumps and driveway aprons. The rating number is actually going to come out high because of the actual rating questions do not cover any of the problem areas.
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One fast sedan! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By 1FastSedan - April 6 - 12:40 pmIt is an absolute pleasure to drive this car. The handling is top notch, giving both stability when pushed to its limits and comfort when driving on the highways. The VQ35DE is one of the best engines ever produced, providing huge amounts of low-end power. You will rarely take the engine above 4500 rpm as there is little need to (unless an unsuspecting German car decides to get pushy on the on-ramp). The brakes are great, however sometimes they are a bit touchy. The stability control is a necessity and works flawlessly. Often times I catch myself grinning when the VCD kicks in and flashes the "Slip" light. The interior is well designed, however those of us 6+ may have some difficulty.
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I would not buy a G-35 2003 - 2003 Infiniti G35
By mrnew - April 5 - 1:46 pmHard to turn, uncomfortable ride, high noise level, 14.9 to 15.1 gass milage in town. 21.7 open road. Electric Window and wiper motors have gone out, read center brake light out. **Oil dip stick design and location**[violative content deleted] Pananger seat is a pain in the ass and back. Hard to get out of. I am an ergonomic engineer MIT and mechanical engineer INIA, I can speek with some athority. The car was given to me, thank god I did not pay for it. Ergonomic design for interior does not match my Honda 2002 4 dr. The Honda is a better car.
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Happy Honeymooner - 2008 Infiniti G35
By FromTheRock - April 3 - 11:03 pmIm happily in the honeymoon stage with my Journey edition. I came from an Acura TSX, and find that the G35 has less trunk and interior space. The gas mileage is bad, but I knew that up front; Im also concerned about the summer tires and their longevity. Otherwise, I cant extol enough the rocketship engine and handling of this vehicle! The ride is amazingly smooth on the highway, but nice and firm at slower speeds and on twisty roads. Fit and finish is outstanding, and get lots of compliments on the look. I searched far and wide for wood trim (surprisingly hard to find!), and think it makes the cabin seem much more open and inviting. I look forward to driving to work every single day.
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Just Poor Quality - 2005 Infiniti G35
By Lemon - April 1 - 11:26 pmFirst, I love my infiniti but not sure why given the poor quality of the build. Problem 1. Cant fill it with gas. Fuel tank issues - took about a 1/2 dozen trips to the dealer to sort it out. Problem 2. Creaking from the front end. Dealer still troubleshooting but looks like its the suspension rods. Currently 5 sets on backorder and thats just 1 dealer! Problem 3. At 25000 miles my brakes are completely shot. $1,000 repair bill for new front rotors & pads, plus remachined rears and new rear pads. Thats $700 per year!!!
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Whats with the nay sayers??? - 2007 Infiniti G35
By rebrth - April 1 - 9:30 amI really dont understand some of you peoples gripes about this car. Tires and brakes worn out in less than a yr? Averaging 14mpg? Well how about you slow it down. Thats whats you can expect when your flooring it every time your behind the wheel. Even one person that complained about everything in regards to how the car looked inside. Well then why did you buy it. The appearance didnt change after you made your purchase did it? Quality on this car is top notch, its a nissan made vehicle of course. The ride feels extremely stable in all maneuvers. Yeah the average of about 18 to 20 mpg is a bit on the low side but when your pushing out 306hp what do you expect?