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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  AWESOME CAR--JUST LOVE IT!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By GOLFNUTSTAN - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car, just love the way it handles!! Bose systems rocks!! Best car I ever purchased. Looked at over priced BMW...Made the correct choice, in the G35. Too bad I only get to drive it on the weekends...Its the wifes car!!

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  Good Value - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By plamonster - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Decision came down to a Beemer, Acura 3.5TL, Audi A6, Volvo S60 or the G35. After driving both the sedan and coupe, had to go with the coupe. Solid, responsive, and cost effective. Upgraded sound system very disappointing.

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  Very good cars! (but not quite perfect) - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By aaron87 - October 17 - 5:51 pm

  I own two G35s. A 2003 sedan and a 2004 coupe - both automatics. Review is for the coupe. Overall great cars. Im constantly finding excuses to drive it because its so fun. I prefer the couple over the sedan - the sedan is more roomy and a bit more comfortable, but the coupe is more sexy, sporty, and youthful looking. Styling wise, its hard for the average person to tell its 7-8 years old. Looks modern and sporty. Biggest difference performance-wise between the two models is the coupe is lower to the ground, and there seems to be less body roll when turning aggressively. When you sit in the couple it feels more like a race car. Not any faster than the sedan, though.

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  The Germans will NOT be pleased! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bigwavedave - October 17 - 10:00 am

  My G35 just gets better and better. I was considering purchasing a 2003 Audi A4 3.0 Quattro, BMW 330i, Lexus IS 300 and the G35. After walking to each and every dealership, sitting inside vehicles and test driving, by the time I arrived at Infiniti, the choice was clear. The G35 is the hands down winner in the Sport Sedan market. Every aspect is exceptional: its sleek interior, sporty exterior, Skyline handling, braking and acceleration numbers, and rock bottom price. This is a deadly combination. I have let friends (Audi/BMW owners) drive the car, and they all get a grin on their face. This is a performance car wrapped with 4 doors and leather.

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  This car is very smooth - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Turner - October 16 - 11:33 pm

  From the first time I saw this car at the dealership, it caught my eye. This sedan is well built and provides a classy but yet sporty look while delivering performance with a modern interior. The performance is awesome and so much fun to drive but what makes this car is the interior in my mind. Its not as luxury as the Lexus but its 10K less too. It makes the BMW interior look childish. I would definitely suggest going with the Navigation and Premium Package. If you want a smoother/softer ride, dont get the sport package. But the sport package is nice and delivers in a great way. I guess its all about what you want. All I can say is, go test drive one. Infiniti is here and with a great car.

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  Well priced luxury - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Frank Saulnier - October 16 - 10:23 pm

  This vehicle is the best on the market when considering the entire package of all inckuded features. It is a saving to able to get a well built car at no extra cost for the 280 hp, the leather seats, and many other features. The ride is extraordinary on long distance, very comfortable for the front and rear passengers. It is overall a nice practical luxury car at an affordable price. Tgis is the best of the three Infinitis that I have owned.

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  Wow - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By zugisland - October 14 - 5:06 am

  Unbelievable value and performance..just bought my g35x and all my friends and family thought i paid well over 50 k for this car...

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  never an infinti again - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By dcowboys - October 10 - 3:23 am

  I was previously a Lexus owner for the past 7 years. Decided to go with the sleek body of an Infiniti G35. Within two months, began experiencing ignition problems - would sputter and die on cold starts. Dealer worked on it for two weeks before it replaced ECM. Problems are back a month later. Infiniti refuses to replace vehicle.

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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By rynkshermy - October 8 - 7:33 pm

  Finaly found a great car. If you are thinking of buying one of these babys you wont be unhappy:) My wife and I both love it, FUN, comfortable, and has all the bells and whistles. Other than kicking it down with a lead foot, the car gets pretty good gas mileage, sometimes thats hard to do while driving;-)

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  Nice car - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By 757baby - October 8 - 12:36 am

  This car is quite agile for a large sedan. I found that this car was quite fun to drive due to the all wheel drive. You can enter a turn and just load on the power. The front wheels will just pull you around like you are on rails.