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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  Puts a smile on my face - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Cozzmo - February 8 - 12:33 am

  I just purchased a 2003 with 29,000 miles about a month ago. What a thrill to drive! My last 2 cars were an Acura CL and VW Passat, and the G35 is by far the best of the bunch due to the engine. I love driving it, and there is tons of power on hand regardless of speed. If the first month is any indication, I look forward to buying another in about five years.

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  Nice vehicle - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Edward K - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Overall, excellent vehicle for money. I am a Nissan fan, but Nissan dealerships may be the worst. Infiniti of Raleigh has been great.

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  AWD car just in time for the 2011 snow storm - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By thabg007 - February 2 - 5:55 pm

  I got this car on a sat in Jan in place of my 2000 Nissan maxima, 4 days later a big storm hit while I was at work, when I got off a pile of snow was in front of my car from the snow plow, in my old car I would have to dig out first, but in this I just pressed snow mode and drove right through it like it was nothing then got up the hill again old car would have struggled, on the back road that I have to use to get to work a small tree was down drove over it slowly, felt like a speed bump, then a neighborhood that was unplowed I drove in it like it was nothing, my first AWD car and I love it, the main reason for getting this car other then it has the look and feel like its cousin Nissan

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  Best Bang for your Buck - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By J B - February 2 - 1:30 am

  While researching mid-size sedans under $35,000, I found that the 2005 G35 sedan is "hands down" the best value. While in all honesty I would rather be driving the BMW 3 series, by the time you add on all the features that come standard on the G35 (such as leather) to the 3 series, youre looking at at least a $5,000 difference. The G35s handling, while not as tight as the BMWs, is quite capable of almost anything you can throw at it. All in all, if youre looking to stay under $35k, the G35 is your best bet. I am very happy with the G35s handling, acceleration, and appearance.

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  Regret 0% of my buy - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By usmc186 - February 1 - 6:23 pm

  Oh my gosh, is this an awesome vehicle or what. I bought it today, and have been looking at Lexus IS350, and ACURA TL. Hands Down, this vehicle performs better than both on its worse day. The staff at Infiniti of Austin is Bar None Top Notch. I have been in the Car business for 5 years, and have never had such an amazing experience. Will def. buy a new Infiniti Next Time.

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  Excellent - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By sher - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car and fun to drive. The comfort, style and performance are great. enjoyable to drive

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  Right Foot says THANK YOU!!! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Vincent - January 27 - 5:20 pm

  Being in the car industry, ive seen pretty much every make and model, and its tough to be impressed by anything under $75,000. That is until i came across the 07 G35x. The interior is fantastic, matched by its exterior appeal. The engine is smooth and powerful, and the Nissan 3.5 is backed by award winning quality. Tried and true, mechanically these cars are bullet proof. The AWD keeps you where youre going, and 0-60 in 5.2 is no joke. Amazing technology, Fantastic audio system, beautiful NAV screen... this car is a tremendous value, and a pleasure to drive.

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  The Perfect Japanese BMW - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By MMM3ike - January 25 - 7:53 pm

  I got my brand new G35 a few months ago and I love my new car. This car is so fast and stable that you will go 100 mph without knowing it. I ordered it in black on black straight from Japan, so I had to wait a month, but it was all worth it.

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  Best car on road for the money!!! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Dr Woz - January 20 - 10:03 pm

  This car is very attractive (twilight blue), extremely quick, excellent handling and braking. I have filled the tank three times and I am averaging 23 miles/gallon. The trunk is deceptively large and easily stores several luggage bags. I took one 3 hour drive in the car and it is a very comfortable highway car. The standard stereo is excellent (Bose would be unnecessary with this car).

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  2004 G35x One year review - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By paradigmslug - January 20 - 8:50 am

  I just took my car in for my 15K (13.3K actual)maintenance. Overall I still love the vehicle after one full year. More than enough power for my needs and it is still a very comfortable ride. For those following the brake issues, my front and rear brakes were at 8 mil( the delearship was very forthcoming of their 36000 mile extended warranty if the brakes needed replacement). They stated they will replace the brakes at around 2 to 3 mil left. My only significant complaint is that my car (black) is showing many paint chips. Supposedly this was caused by EPA reformulation of paint requirements but I havent found those requirements, any help would be greatly appreciated on this one.