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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  Undercover Power - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Vungee02 - December 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is worth 45,000 if it is worth a dime. I cannot believe that they are selling for 30,000. It is a monster on the road, but yet the styling is such that you would never know to look at it what it was capable of. It is understated yet crisp and strong looking. This is the funnest car to drive that I have ever been in, the power is incredible (especially when in manual mode), the handling superb. Buy this car now.

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  Infiniti G35 - great car! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By richiesmata - December 3 - 10:56 am

  Great looking vehicle. Plenty of uumphh, got the 18" wheels for the look to be complete. Modified the interior with genuine wood kit. Wow what a difference that added value and class to interior! Love the "roar" that Infiniti has for the engine. Only 1800 miles on it and cant wait to open it up after 2500 mi or so. Infiniti did a good job with quality and craftsmanship. NIce solid "thud" when doors are closed just like German cars. BMW watch out. I am sure the later models will be even more retro to compete with BMWs new look. Happy with the G35 for less money.

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  Glorious G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jetlanta - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Great car overall. Fun to drive, comfortable on long trips and nice exhaust note. Very disappointing fuel economy (16.5 overall) and interior material and build quality sub-par and aging faster than its 18k miles suggest. Exterior holds up very well, even in Northeast, where traction control does a great job in most conditions.

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  Fuel Consumption Lie - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By l;arry - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this is a great little machine. It really cooks. Great Drivetrain This car uses up a lot of fuel for a six cylinder. Sticker says low of 18 (combinded city and highway). I barely got over 15 1/2 mph with alot of highway driving.

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  The Beemer Beater - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Pauld - December 2 - 10:00 am

  What can I say - This is one great machine. I test drove extensively the following cars to be sure I got the right one for me. BMW 325i, 330i, Acura TL Type S, Mazda 6s, Honda Accord exlV6, Lexus GS300, IS300, Volvo s40 and a bunch more. Bottom line came down to a 330i or a G35. and for 11K more the beemer wasnt even close. Ive checked out all the lelectronic control devices and they work as advertised. The beemer trac ctrl was too invasive and the Acuras was absolutely horrible. For me the G35 is an experience that I havent had since my 75 Saab 99LE. What a blast it is to drive again after 20+ years of family mobiles.

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  Better Engineering than Comfort - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By bbqbrisket - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I hope they implement this AWD in the larger vehicles in the future. Tranny slips a little in auto-mode on low gears. Engine is a little on the noisy side. No power outlet in back seat area for kids to plugs games into. Power seats need to have a designated switch for "up" & "down" only. Ergonomically and awakard difficulty in closing trunk. Handle on the inside right. Most people have their keys in their right hand and would be pulling down with their left, if they could. But one still needs two hands to close it. Too much feel of road bumps.

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  Reliable AWD performance - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By carwhitton - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Very powerful but not as fast as the 2WD. Great exterior and great list of features. Interior is OK, could be improved with a little better quality of plastic/surface. Seats are really comfortable. NAV system is definitely a plus but hard to get, no idea why.

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  G35..its no BMW - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By robv16 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I had my previous car for 10 years, so I took my time before investing in my next one. After investigating several makes/models, I narrowed my search to Audi, BMW, and the Infiniti G35. While all three score high points in styling, the G35 quickly left the others in the dust...literally. Dont let the luxurious styling fool you, the G35 is unequivocally a sports car. If youre looking for a smooth ride for gramma and grandpa, look somewhere else (Lexus?). If you desire exhilaration when you get behind the wheel, save some time and go to your Infiniti dealer. If you want an incredible car and not worry about parking next to ten just like it, buy the G35.

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  ITS A BLAST !!!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By G35COUPE - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Infinti has finally hit the Jackpot with this new G35 coupe. It has beauty and brawn..... The acceleration and handling is fantastic and the look of the car just sitting still, looks like itready to tear up the road. I couldnt have picked a better car for the mid $30k price range.

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  Best car ever?? - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By KevinG35 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Of all the cars in this segment, the G35 coupe is the best of the best. Styling, performance, handling, this car has it all. It can corner with the vette, has the styling of a ferrari, and the power of a porsche. All this for 35K?? BARGAIN!!