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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  I would stay with Infiniti! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Martin - December 16 - 7:30 am

  This is my first "luxury" car, and I couldnt be happier with my choice. The Infiniti G35X is comfortable, handles splendidly, and has the acceleration needed to deal with everyday traffic. Of course, a weekend drive in the mountains is not much of a challenge for my G. Count me as one very satisfied Infiniti driver.

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  Amazing Machine - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By xosder - December 16 - 6:33 am

  This is a fantastic car. I enjoy every minute driving it. It has plenty of power, it handles better than any car that I have ever owned and comes with plenty of luxury. Bluetooth is a great feature (never have to take the phone out of my pocket). The exhaust note is awesome, very deep. Heated seats, dual climate, etc. All the features they put in are very useful. Hands down the best bang for your buck in its class.

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  4 door sports car - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By grnone - December 14 - 4:20 pm

  I had an M35 prior to this and believe it or not I like the G35 much more. Great power, handling and braking; it feels like a 4-door sports car. Looked at BMWs and the other usual suspects but there is no comparison when it comes down to price.

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  Best in Class - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By wildginger - December 12 - 12:56 pm

  On top 10 list for 2007 by Car & Driver and Consumer Reports for a reason. You must test drive to believe the power, handling, and sound of engine. Only car with hard drive for downloading whole CD collection and categorizing songs by mood. A 21st century car, with unbelievable nav graphics, adaptive front lighting for driving around curves at night, intelligent cruise control, rear view camera with guidance for back up into parking places, blue tooth phone, XM satellite radio. Fully loaded car is $5K less than loaded Lexus IS350 and $8-9K less than BMW. This car jumped way ahead of Acura TL in value. Excellent reliability record makes it hard to beat.

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  Dont buy a used G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Calvin - December 12 - 8:56 am

  I like the G35 overall but this car is not your usual reliable Japanese sedan. It has weird reliability issues: eg. the suspension lower arm link broken @ 35000miles, the brake squeak @ 38000miles, the dashboard light went out @ 44000miles...all those little things that drive you nuts because you would expect better from Infiniti. I wish I wouldve gotten an Acura instead (owned 3 of them in the past and had no problem whatsoever at least till 100,000 miles!).

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  Coupe is Marvelous! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Freda Falatko - December 10 - 4:13 am

  Only had it for 5 weeks, and already know this will be a lasting relationship! Responsive, classy, and sooo fun to drive! Tight, solid, and purrs.

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  Great car. Had a few warranty repairs - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By viper077 - December 8 - 2:11 pm

  2 major repairs that dealerships could never duplicate. Repaired by Infiniti of Marietta, Ga Repair @85k miles (Noticeable around 54k miles): Problem: Transmission jerked after shifting into 3rd gear [Between 25-30 mph]. Solution: Value body assembly inside transmission replaced. Failure in valve body pressures caused shutter. Parts: Value Assy Control (31705-jk60e); Gasket Oil Pan (31397-90X00); Matic S Auto Transmi (999MP-MTS00P) Repair @ 96k miles (Noticeable around 85k miles) Problem: While in drive & sitting @ a red light, the idle would drop & raise. Solution: Throttle body. Parts: Chamber Assy Throttl (16119-JK20C), Chamber Assy Throttl (16119-JK20D), Gasket Adapter (16175-jk21A)

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  3 years still like new - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By chebella82 - December 8 - 9:43 am

  Had my G35 for almost 3 years and its still the same as when I drove it home new - absolutely no problems of any kind, but then it only has 30k miles on it. Just got new tires after 27k miles. I have every available package and option except navigation. Love the 19 inch wheels and sunroof, and tiptronic transmission is fun, but glad to change back to regular automatic mode once I get in traffic. 22-23 mpg consistently, and I drive like a bat outta hell!

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  Unimpressed - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By jcc2007 - December 5 - 11:23 pm

  My G35 RWD has auto tranny, premium pkg, but not the sport pkg. The car has been quite reliable. I like the supple ride, Bose stereo and Bluetooth feature. The keyless feature is a gimmick. If you drive it like a luxury car, it performs pretty well. However, if you want to drive it like the sports sedan as it claims to be, you may be disappointed like I am. The engine is loud and severely lacks low end torque, and the auto tranny is slow and jerky (among the worst Ive experienced). Combined with slow (yet heavy) steering, soft suspension and crappy tires, the car is very unsatisfying to drive. On top of that, the gas mileage has been consistently worse than that of our mid-size SUV.

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  I am so happy with my G-35!!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By GolferNate72 - December 5 - 10:00 am

  After almost settling for a G-35 that didnt have my options on it, sticking with it and finally finding my Silver with prem, wood, sunroof, willow interior, winter, and xenon lights I am so happy with it! It is an awesome car and look forward to tuns of fun.