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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  great car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By joey14 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  satisfied with every aspect of this vehicle.

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  Awsome - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By BobP - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I can only say that this is one truly awsome automobile. Super styling, performance, and features. The nav system and Bose stereo put the icing on the cake. And for those that dont like the power seat controls in the side of the seat, try moving the passenger seat each time your child or figety passenger changes it all around. I can change it easily without bending over and pulling a muscle. This car has everything one could want in a 45K car but for around 35K

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  The BMW Killer - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Bill Anderson - October 2 - 8:30 am

  A real fun car to drive. In snow it feels like its glued to the road. The interior design just feels comfortable and controls are well placed.

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  Road Rocket - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By somewhere in ohio - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Had mine a week so far. Ive driven bimmers in europe on autobahn and love them. Friends have BMWs and they are great cars but... For $9000 less you get close to the same experience with more room. Fast, elegant, real head turner. Only gripe so far is having a hard time finding good seat settings. My old Volvo had great seats. Dont get dark interior, makes it look cheap. Step up to premium with wood and adds class.

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  A Keeper - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Hearne - September 30 - 9:26 am

  This is a great automobile. It is the sport sedan with auto tranny and many other features. The handling is great and the power is zoooom! I use regular fuel (personal choice) & get 22 mpg around town - even more on highway. The required maintenance, or lack of, is fantastic, also. Changing oil is the most frequent maintenance item. One brake change in 133,000 miles. I had rims replaced because brake dust stuck to factory rims. Now it is no problem. Had to have some modules replaced 4 years after purchase. The Michelin tires I purchased have lasted over 80k miles. Still get frequent compliments on styling. I plan to keep it for many years.

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  Nothing touches it within $5K... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By sts - September 27 - 4:53 pm

  True joy to drive. Have driven all of the competitions cars in this price range/market niche and this has them hands down beat. More room, better handling, accelleration, and braking than any of them. However, it is a real sleeper in the handling department. It isnt until you PUSH it hard that you appreciate how refined it is. It just keeps asking for more!

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  Love it - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Truth - September 24 - 9:06 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Sedan Dec. 2006 when the new models were about to be released. I got a really good deal. I came from a Honda accord so the extra power has been GREAT. The car looks great. When it first came out I know many people did not like the design of the sedan, but now it has grown into the current times and does not look dated. In fact I think it has sharper lines and looks more sporty than the current 2007/2008 Sedans. Yes not as fast and the interior is not as nice as the newer ones but it looks just as good IMO. I have a Pioneer AVIC Z2 Navigation system in the dash and im all set. Black on Black.

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  A Fun Vehicle - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By trkpts - September 23 - 4:40 am

  Great car for the price and great performance. Other reviews complain about gas mileage but thats the trade off for the performance. Ive only had the car four months, but no complains so far. If I could change anything on the car it would be only two things. A little more interior storage space, it has several compartments but they are small. The other would be another few inches of leg room for the rear passengers, if the front seats are all the way back tere isnt a lot of leg room back there. I have people in my office that have bought BMWs and Acuras and they seem to like the futures on the Infiniti more than there own cars

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  Safety Comes First - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Safety Comes First - September 20 - 11:56 am

  I have had this car for over a year i have the 2005 g35x. It is the best car when it comes to performance, looks and price min was 37k with package c. Recently i got into an accident where a drunk driver swiped the front bumper. Well thanks to nissans design developers that is all he did the damage is a new plate, holder and infiniti plate frame. Even though it was a small thing i once read a review saying that he was hit from bumper to bumper and was the only surviver. I believe it!!!!!

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  Great car! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Cee Cee - September 17 - 1:40 pm

  I traded in my Mercedes 340 CLK after experiencing one Chicago winter with it. I researched carefully and chose the G35X. I have never been disappointed! Great drive, handling, security in the snow and great sound system. I had one service problem with the Drivers seat being stuck in a lowered position when I was vacuuming, but they promptly took care of that. You would think there would be a big difference going from a Mercedes to this as far as comfort, handling, but NO! Infinity has "nailed it" and I am extremely happy even after 2 years despite some brake squealing noise and paint chipping easily. LOVE IT.