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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  So Happy . . . - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By - June 21 - 2:00 am

  What a great little car! I love the "sour grapes" looks from the BMW and MB owners. Just about to turn 2,000 miles and it never misses a beat and its just large enough that it doesnt look sissy. (Mopar/bowtie fan here, I admit it.)

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  So Happy . . . - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Christine - June 21 - 2:00 am

  What a great little car! I love the "sour grapes" looks from the BMW and MB owners. Just about to turn 2,000 miles and it never misses a beat and its just large enough that it doesnt look sissy. (Mopar/bowtie fan here, I admit it.)

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  6 Months in a M35X - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By carcapco - June 20 - 7:00 am

  By far, this car is the most fun to drive of any in its class. Sharp, responsive and tight.

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  The New Ultimate Driving Machine - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Edward - June 20 - 2:26 am

  Move over BMW 3 series. There is a new winner in that segment that costs thousands less. I drove both the BMW 335 and 328 sedans, Audi A4, Acura TL, Lexus IS (both models) and none compared to the new G35 sedan. Although BMWs steering was more precise and Infiniti has not mastered 0 body roll when making sharp turns, the G35 kills the BMW 3 series and its competitors in every other segment, and again, its much cheaper. It offers more horsepower then the BMW and the interior is not cheesy looking at all as it is on the BMW. It offers quality and reliability as does Acura and Lexus but still has a sporty feel to it unlike Lexus. Summary: Move over BMW 3 series, there is a new winner!!!

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  EX-BMW Guy - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By J.W. - June 18 - 5:06 pm

  This car is so nice. I have had two BMW 3s and an Audi A4. This car has a nicer inside than all and faster. A win win situation. Get the spoiler, it is worth it...

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  Exceptional - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By dradford - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle after seeing one cruise past me on the highway. The G35 lives upto its looks with power and style to spare.

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  Happy With Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Happy With Car - June 14 - 11:06 pm

  I have had this car for two summers now and have logged on 9,000 miles. It only gets out on sunny days. I find the car to be a practical sports car. It is fast, handles well, quiet interior, great creature comforts, brakes excellently, excellent MPG (21 to 25), and has enough room to comfortably take the family. I thought the car was fast until I recently drove a 2005 corvette. This car does not compete in acceleration with a vet but it is very sporty and certainly is more comfortable to drive as a regular driver than the vet. I would buy this car again but I wish the paint was better!

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  Nice looking, thats about it. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Yemi - June 14 - 8:00 pm

  I like the way the car looks, but thats about it though. In the first year I have owned this vehicle, I had the driver window repaired, the heated seat go out, the $300 third brake light go out, the clear coat on the wing peel, the rear leather in the rear panel fall off, the $400 front brakes replaced and I average about 20 mpg on the highway and I dont have a lead foot. The gas mileage is about the same as a full-size pickup. We own two other Infinitis and no problems like this one. Good thing the car has a good resale value. I am buying a truck. The gas mileage is about the same and doesnt require premium fuel.

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  2004 G35 Sedan - A Two Year Perspective...It is what it is. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By yleung - June 12 - 8:30 am

  I have had my 2004 Infiniti G35 Sedan for almost a year and have not had any problems yet. The car is fun to drive and performs extremely well. I wish they did a better job with the interior though. The instrumentation is decent but the faux titanium and less than stellar plastic is very inferior to the Audi A6 I gave to my wife. I expect more from Infiniti. Good thing I spend most of my time looking at the road instead of the cockpit. That said, I think the interior is acceptable, the car itself is very comfortable given the emphasis on performance, and given the price, it is a great value if you value performance more than looks.

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  Review - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By consumer95 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I ordered this car in September of 2002 and it arrived in January of 2003. It was well worth the wait. I love the way the car handles and the feel as I shift through the gears. The pick-up is fantastic as well. The console is very nice and I the fit and finish were much nicer than the 350Z which I also test drove.