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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  3 months later... - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Jay from BK - January 14 - 1:16 am

  I wrote a review for this car after I first purchased it in December 2005. The car continues to perform well but I find myself wanting for more power! I feel that for the money this car is still excellent, however, it should be quicker and faster. There are a lot of cars coming out now that are almost as quick, if not quicker than the G35 coupe for a lot less money and with 4-cylinder engines! Namely the new VW GTI, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Audi A3 S-line, etc. Even Honda Accord coupes with the 6 sp are faster to 60...with 40 less hp and 30 less torque? Doesnt seem right...

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  Not your fathers Infiniti - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By HollyK - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 6 speed manual trans G35 coupe for a little over two months and its GREAT. If you are looking for something practical or sensible do NOT get this car, but if you want something that makes your driving experience a joy this is the car for you. I was ready to get a BMW 325i until I test drove this car.. just pulling out of the dealers lot for the test drive made me laugh out loud. What a rush!

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  fun to drive - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By JAIME ORDONEZ - January 11 - 12:46 am

  the major problem i find with it is the limited cargo space, you cannot fit a golf bag in there, or a big piece of luggage. As far as looks, performance and fun to drive, it has no comparison.

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  infiniti-hard to deal with - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By michelle - January 10 - 4:53 am

  things keep breaking on this car and infiniti does nothing to help. I have had to buy brakes and rotors every 20,000 miles..first there was a recall and they paid for it. 2nd time there was no recall anymore, and somehow there never was one, and i had to pay. actually they told me i was lucky that i was going 20,000 miles cause most people only go 15,000. Infiniti is terrible to deal with when a there is a problem.

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  Has lived up to billing - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By garyd - January 9 - 2:30 am

  This is a 28 month review of my 03 Ivory G35 Sdn which I bought as a new leftover. As such, it was 6k under sticker with 1.9% - a deal which made ownership possible for an average guy. It has been totally reliable in its 52k history. One small electronic problem-frozen audio board, which dealer replaced under warranty. Brakes and tires replaced at 45k by independent shop which saved 50%of cost. Had regular brakes put in, which I like the feel of, cost half, and did away with excessive brake dust issue. Had some trouble in one bad snowstorm last year, but generally handles weather well (RWD), as I go skiing with it and ski tunnel is appreciated. I average about 21-22mpg with mostly hwy.

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  Love to drive - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jay Dog - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I would recomend nyone looking for a fun fast affordable car to testdrive the G35 Coupe. It has been about 20 years since I had a car that turned heads....man have I been missing the boat! This machine drives like a video game race car, but has the luxury of a fine import. Check it out!!!

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  G35X Major Front Brake Problems - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By sarahcuse - December 27 - 2:16 pm

  I recently took Infiniti to arbitration concerning faulty front brakes. I had terrible screaching. Six attempts to fix it. The case came down to a shim issue. They insisted that original shim would fix problem but that was not the case. They truly do not know what is wrong with front braking system. If they do they sure led the arbitrator and myself down a dead end street. In which case I won. They had to buy back vehicle and return ALL my money. ALL OF IT...Might not be all cars.

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  MaximumGs - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By MaximumG - December 25 - 10:00 am

  From the first moment I saw the spy shots I loved it.It is, in my opinion, a four door Porsche Carrera. The reviews dont do it justice. This car is simply amazing, and it can outhandle any other four door ( the M5s and RS6s have a lot more add-ons and cost twice as much)and most coupes. This is a grand slam of a car. The sport package is insane, though it isnt a soft ride, it is smooth and roll free. The few troubles are maybe with the tightness of the door panels and the placement of the power seat controls. The foot brake takes getting used to but it is really more convenient. This car will stay with me for a very,very long time.

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  G-35 is AOK - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By J Needham - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Greatcar - lots of power, great style, no problems!

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  Replaced Transmission with less than 40k miles. Manufacturer has no influence over dealership - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By yogiowner - December 19 - 8:05 am

  My car is almost five years old. I tried to keep it in tip top condition. It has less than 50k miles, I changed oil regularly, changed tires, fluids, etc. Went through FOUR dealerships. NONE of them did what I asked. Three of them tried to fleece me. One drove my car for eleven miles, when i brought it in for a manufacturers recall item. Then they came back with some nonsense repairs they wanted to make, that werent needed. After replacing the transmission, the starter is malfunctioning. Instead of doing the thorough check I asked for, they want me to bring it in for a scheduled maintenance next month. Can you say FRAUD! Dont know what to do next, but I will do something