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 - 2005 Infiniti G35
By imhotepsings - September 11 - 7:03 amNothing but praise for a great car, from design to performance to pricing. I strongly recommend it for someone making their first luxury sedan purchase.
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LOVE AFFAIR CONTINUES - 2003 Infiniti G35
By RICH ADAIR - September 5 - 10:00 amI HAD BEEN RESEARCHING FOR MY NEXT PURCHASE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS (TO JUSTIFY ALL OF THE AUTO MAGAZINE SUBCRIPTIONS). WAS CONVINCED MY NEXT PURCHASE WOULD BE A BMW 330i. WHEN WE DROVE ON THE LOT MY WIFE WAS NOT INTERESTED IN GETTING OUT OF THE CAR. THE LOOKS OF THE BMW DID NOT EXCITE HER IN THE LEAST. WHEN I SHOWED HER A PICTURE OF THE G35 HER EYES LIT UP. WHEN WE TEST DROVE THE G35 IT WAS SOLD! MY FAMILY CALLS LONG DISTANCE OCCASIONALLY TO SEE WHAT PART OF THE CAR IM CLEANING OR POLISHING.
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This car is great! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Heather M. Bilyeu - September 5 - 10:00 amThis car is great, all around, its fun to drive , it is safe and Im very proud to own, I get comments all the time Like "Nice car"! go get one today!
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Good Alternative to BMW, ACURA - 2003 Infiniti G35
By speals - September 4 - 12:16 pmFun Car, no problems and I just passed 50k with the car. Brakes make a lot of dust on the wheels upfront. I have every option but the nav and think the sport package(if you can find one with it) is worth the money. The car has strong, albeit touchy brakes at low speed. Gas mileage is not stellar but not bad either. Fun car on the highway as it has a big top end (mph). Paint is soft, so dont spend time in drive through car washes. Handling can be twitchy. Even with the VDC on you can throw the back end out into a powerslide without a lot of effort. It is very controllable and makes me think this would be the ideal 4dr drift car with the Limited slip my car has. Ditch the summer sport tires.
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Infiniti - 2003 Infiniti G35
By MyLaura426 - September 1 - 10:00 amI do not recommend this car. The brakes and rotors wear out every 7,000-10,000 miles. Infiniti is well aware of the issue but says that you need to "sacrifice wear for performance". Considering I am very knowledgeable about cars I find that insulting. Infiniti gives us free brakes and rotors until 36,000 miles which will stop doing me any good by next year. I have repeatedly been treated rudely and disrespectfully by Infiniti and as much as I love my car otherwise it is not possible to afford. I would never purchase an Infiniti ever again.
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Had mine for 1 month and love It! - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Biagio - August 31 - 9:10 amWe just got our 2004 G35 a month ago and so far love it. We are averaging 25 mpg highway and city combo. It handles great! The interior is flashy and very comfortable. There are way more storage areas then one needs, which is a good thing. The pick up is perfect and I can easily pass people on the hwy when needed. The rear seats recline a little and 2 cup holders in the rear center console allow the rear passengers to ride in comfort. I know it has only been a month and I will continue to update as time goes by.
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2004 G35 Experience - 2004 Infiniti G35
By SCOTTIEDOGS - August 29 - 11:36 pmThis car has been exceptional in almost all respects. I have had no problems with the mechanical or integrity aspects of this car.It stops "on a dime" in emergency stops (car in front stopped dead at a green light while going 40 mph.) The power is extraordinary when needed, but dont try "jack rabbit" starts on wet roads, it fishtails a bit. The seats adjust to the perfect position for me (a short female);handling is great and very responsive. This car is a true bargain for the price. Everyone who drives it says "Wow! This car is awesome", including diehard BMW, Lexus,and other car owners.It is the best car I have ever owned (280-300Zs, Supra, BMW etc.) No, I dont work for Infinity or Nissan.
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G35 coupe - 2005 Infiniti G35
By Andre Giddarie - August 28 - 1:56 pmThe G35 coupe can be fast or luxurious depending on your preference or driving style. The powerful V6 and sporty exhaust burble are a constant reminder that this car has high performance levels on par with that of purpose built sports cars like the 350Z, or Mazda Rx8. Midrange power is outstanding and the long wheel base and stiff chassis gives confidence during hard cornering. The car also has an elegant and ssophisticated feel or demeanor. The slow rifle bolt 6 speed shifter, weighty steering feel and slightly soft brake pedal leans more towards luxury than sport. However, this allows the powerful car to be driven very smoothly and adds grace to its movements.
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Best In Class - 2008 Infiniti G35
By Tom - August 27 - 11:20 pmI purchased the an 08xS in January of 08 and have since driven it back and forth to California. It is truly a great car. We also own a 2008 BMW 328xi and I prefer the Infiniti in daily driving, and even enthusiastic driving. Better overall performance, more comfortable, better and easier to control. The bang for the buck factor is a no brainer. Got every single option on the car for 39,500, and this is sport and AWD, with every package. Handled a snow storm in the Rocky Mountains outside Salt Lake City in January better than my old Jeep GC would have. Also is electronically limited to 130 mph (salt lake flats). Cannot recommend this vehicle more strongly.
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Last sports car for a 67 year old. - 2007 Infiniti G35
By Hank Henry - August 27 - 5:13 pmDollar for dollar, best buy out there. A real pleasure to drive if you enjoy a vehicle that will perform like a true sports car while providing the space for up to five occupants.
