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:

• 

  Love it! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By F1 Flagger - September 17 - 5:30 am

  I have 3,000 miles on it and cant get enough of it. Yes the gas millage is low, but that is due to gearing. I would not give up the performance. Brake pads are dirty, but GREAT stopping power! I have heard the Dealer will maintain the brakes for free up 15,000 mi. Will see. The Dealer was terrible. The purchase experiance was like a Used Car Horror story, They need to take lessons from Acura. But I would not trade the car for anything else. Enough room for my wife and I to pack for weekend get aways. That was the reason we chose over the 350z ot Audi TT. I have owned 2 Nissan Maximas before with great luck, so I hope the G35 lives up to their record!

• 

  Happy Overall - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By LawStudent10 - September 16 - 6:26 pm

  Overall, I am very happy with my G35. It is one of the most beautifully styled cars on the road, and it is really fun to drive. As a driver who spends almost all of his time in stop-and-go driving, the gas mileage is a little subpar (17-18 mpg in the city, but much better on the highway). I expected this, however, when purchasing this car. Overall, I am thrilled with my car and would recommend it to anyone who wants a laundry list of features in a reasonably-priced, luxury car.

• 

  The most fun Ive ever had driving. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By D. Berman - September 15 - 2:36 am

  I spent the past 6 months deciding between the TL, A4, A6, S80 and 330 and in the end, it came down to a 2005 TL and this, slightly used, 14k beautiful 2003 G35. After looking at the styling, both my wife and I liked the G35 better. Both test drove well, but I dont think you spend enough time on a test drive to really experience much. Well, Ive now had the car for 1000 miles and feel I have driven it enough to post a comment. This is, by far and away, the most fun Ive ever had driving a car. Ive had some fun cars over the years as well, but this car puts a smile on your face that just changes your mood. It handles like its on rails. The acceleration is a joke, its so fast.

• 

  This car has everything - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Mike - September 13 - 3:33 am

  Believe all the reviews. I traded in my 325i for this and never looked back. It has everything the BMW had plus 100 hp and a better warranty! Firm comfortable ride, tons of features, all wheel drive that stays out of the way when you dont need it, and raw power. This is a beautiful car that has evolved over the last 3 years. The interior is much better laid out and they added 20 hp to bring it up to 280. The intelligent key system that comes with the premium package is a must have. Youll never fumble for your keys again! Do not buy an entry level luxury car untill youve tried one of these. To top it off, the dealer experience was excellent.

• 

  G35 Sedan - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By 818playa - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Very fun car to drive and very fast. It has a sport side to it and a luxury side to it.

• 

  Great car. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Spyduh - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Very Responsive. Very Fun to Drive. RWD is the way to go.

• 

  Love It ! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Elaine - September 12 - 7:40 pm

  Ive owned numerous cars over the years, and this is by far the best Ive ever had. Not only is stylish, but the performance great, when you say GO it GOES. I didnt want to be just another BMW out of millions we see around here. This car stands out of the crowd. The only downside is the gas mileage, especially these days. But thats what happens when you trade economy for power :-)

• 

  Blistering acceleration, not much more - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By galluscio - September 12 - 5:30 am

  Car accelerates very well. Its a joy to get on highway on-ramps. However, the suspension is poor - too rigid - as if Infinitis trying too hard to tell us "look, its a BMW killer!" Its also unbalanced - feels like weight is 70% front, 30% rear Plenty of room in back for passengers (rear seats "recline" like airline seats). Car is too long - try backing out of a parking garage and youll see what I mean. Visibility out the back poor. Bose stereo was great. Sold this and am happy to be rid of it.

• 

  G35 w/ Leather - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By atulya - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This car, with its 260 hp, is a joy to drive. It accelerates quickly, handles turns nimbly and maintains a very quiet interior cabin. I would highly reccomend it to anyone from avid car enthusiasts to those that just want a comfortable ride.

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By henzie - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This car performs wonderfully and is priced below comparable models. It has outstanding acceleration and handling. We have had ours for a month and would definitely buy it again. My wife loves the exterior look.