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:

• 

  Inspired Performance in a brilliant car! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By arok5 - October 30 - 11:13 pm

  This is my first luxury sports sedan and I decided to go with Infiniti and I couldnt be happier! The car has more power than you could possibly need. The interior is super stylish and modern. The is the most fun car to drive and the best car you could possibly buy for the money! Buy this car and you will not be disappointed!

• 

  Beautiful car, but too many problems. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By prty_prncsb - October 28 - 7:25 am

  I purchased this car used. Upon review of the Infiniti Vehicle Service I found so many problems already corrected from replacing the stereo/radio, seat heater switches, seat track, rotors brakes, tire pressure sensors, and more. Once I completed the required recall Ive had an airbag light issue now. My car is about 5,000 miles over warranty and Infiniti has refused to do anything to help. The first problem they told me the passenger side airbag and module needed replacing. So I paid the $785 to fix. Not a week after getting the car back, it comes on again. Now theyve told me they need to replace the drivers side airbag at another $785. Then they cant even guarantee this will fix it.

• 

  Awesome - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By erik - October 27 - 12:13 am

  Interior a bit snug, little back seat room if the driver is a 6 footer... Other than that, The Ultimate BMW killer, Audi who? This car rocks.... Cheaper than the big two mentioned, faster, AWD, impressive looks, I highly recommend This car.

• 

  Terrific 4 door sports car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By ckaliebe - October 25 - 7:13 pm

  Terrific vehicle. Great 4 door alternative to the 350Z. Excellent fit and finish on the exterior--paint is beautiful. Interior plastic not on par with BMW or Mercedes, but decent. Bose 6CD sounds very good. Gas mileage not great--I average about 22 mpg on a 50 mile daily commute (mostly freeway, cruise set at 74). Very fast, especially at highway speeds in higher gears. Engine sounds like a V8 under heavy throttle. Stability control is excellent. Brake function is best Ive had, but the brakes wear fast. Infiniti replaced all four brakes at no charge at 29,000 miles. Now that gas is over $2.30 / gallon Ive traded for a new Accord. I will miss the fun factor of the G.

• 

  very fun, luxurious, sporty car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By ffaattccaatt2 - October 22 - 10:56 pm

  So I bought a used 04 coupe w/optional 5AT. So far Ive loved every part of it, its very fun to drive, very easy to modify if your into those type of things, very pleasing to the eyes. A few problems I have found with the car are that I have two problems with the windows, one has a lazy motor and one has a cliping problems, sometimes when I close the passenger door the window rolls halfway down a second later (sometimes I dont notice). Other problems I have had are minor (seat height control stoped working). But over all I love this car, very fast, kinda bad on gas but thats what you get for how much power you get. I am very happy with my G!

• 

  Lots of room to improve - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By MissMyIntrepid - October 20 - 4:20 pm

  Infiniti falls short in so many areas. The controls are a foot away from the display for what youre changing (A/C, stereo), the A/C controls are non-intuitive. Bumper paint doesnt match. Dash lights dont match. Body and trim panels vary in fit. Front sport seats are too tight for an average (180 lb) adult. Bad clutch - in for recall today. Cheap floor mats are almost worn out! 14 bolts/plastic cover to replace oil filter and change oil. Front chrome grill easy to chip. Moon roof trim falls out. Redundant service disply in console and in dash. Cheap analog clock should be digital for quick read. Leather not as soft as previous year. Little storage in cabin. Stereo FM separation very poor.

• 

  LOVE MY NEW TOY! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By BARBARA - October 20 - 10:53 am

  Just purchased my 2008 Infiniti G35S Journey on 01/24/08. I dont have any cons to report except for the snug interior and narrow seats, but thats why they call it a sports sedan. This car ROCKS! It is very fast and a very attractive vehicle. I traded in a 2007 Maxima SE and havent looked back since. My G35 turns heads and at takeoff will pin your head back. I wish I could find a raceway so that I can really stretch it out. I would highly recommend this vehicle for anyone whos in the market for a car well worth the money. Its cheaper than a Lexus and the BMW. Neither one of them compares as far as price and performance are concerned.

• 

  Great driving car! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By krr - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great looking and fun to drive car that handles beautifully. It has terrific acceleration and is a joy to drive. The dealer service has been superb.

• 

  Great Car after 1st year - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jemjr - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I waited until I have owned the car for nearly a year. I must say it still is fun to drive, even though the new car feeling has faded. I love the power and even the touchy brakes. I find myself thinking about the next G35 I might buy. Overall, a great car with no problems yet.

• 

  Best sport sedan near $30,000 range - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By tsy - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, good performance.