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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close to perfect - 2003 Infiniti G35
By greased lightning - August 6 - 10:00 amI love this car. Havent had this much fun driving since my sweet 69 SS/RS Camaro. Great acceleration, great handling, nice interior, and one of the most beautiful exteriors Ive seen. Incredible lines. Black exterior with graphite interior makes a great color combination. My only regret is that its my wifes car and I only get "weekend custody"!!!
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Killer Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Steve Wilson - July 31 - 2:00 amIve only had the car for a few weeks, but its been tremendous thus far. Im still getting used to the seats, but the thing handles like a dream.
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Great price verses performance - 2004 Infiniti G35
By matman - July 31 - 2:00 amThe perfect match of luxury and sport. If you cant make up your mind, search no longer. Available power at your command, the comfort is also there. The entire design is very impressive. The interior is very well laid out. The exterior is very sharp. For me, this may be the perfect car in the entire world.
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Watch me on - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Speedy - July 31 - 2:00 amLove this car. Performance is outstanding. Go for the performance package with the Bose speakers . Crank THE WHO. Was a toss up between the G35 and the 350Z, made the right choice due to the back seat. (wife just old me she was pregnant, she wanted the 4 door)
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G35 - fun to drive - 2007 Infiniti G35
By 07newowner - July 30 - 10:20 pmI love driving again. I was a prev. Infiniti owner. I like the reliability, quality & style that the brand carries. I wasnÂ’t that thrilled with the seats & dash on the 06 model, but the 07 is different. The Â’07 G35 is stylish, powerful & well proportioned. The cockpit holds you like a pilot: steering wheel is powered & telescoping; seats move back to let you out; push button start; LED screen nicely controls navigation, radio and more. The nav. shows bodies of water, airports, restaurants & gas stations. the steering is tight & it has good shocks. The car does jump a little when stepping on the gas which kills gas mileage but its worth it
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Great Car For My Wife! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By kuoyc - July 30 - 10:00 amVery reasonably priced. Wife needed a new car, looked at 325i(only one we can afford in the price range), A4 1.8T (same here), Passat, Altima 3.5SE and finally G35. She loves the look, the build quality, the performance(actually she dosnt care, only I care) and finally the price(Germans dont even come close). Surprised at how quiet it is, you find yourself wondering if the engine is on. One gripe from her, she doesnt like the clock, wishes for a digital one that is easier to read at night. I have several minor compliants, ugly rear, econo way to prop up the hood for a $34K car, and the sport seat is cramped for guys.
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I LOVE this car!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By cindyz - July 30 - 10:00 amIve been happily driving my G35 for 3 weeks now and I still cannot contain my excitement. This car is a real head turner coupled with great speed and performance. Im a speed demon and this car definitely complements my style. It was down to the wire between this car and the A4. Ultimately, my love of Japanese cars took over and I couldnt be more pleased.
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Wed buy one again . . . - 2004 Infiniti G35
By C. D. Moore - July 28 - 3:33 amCons: The ergonomics of the interior are awful. Even after having the car for over six months, I still find myself searching through the buttons to find the right one to operate the climate or radio. Some of the buttons are difficult to read in dim light, others are in awkward places. The lit gauges reflect in the windshield at night and are in an ugly orange color thats hard on my eyes. Pros: This is a rock solid performer in horrible weather with the AWD. Its fun to drive even with the automatic. Great feel from the steering. It has more room in back than a TSX or a 3-Series, and is adequate as our primary baby-transportation unit. The best sport sedan under $35,000.
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Definitely a Love/Hate Relationship! - 2004 Infiniti G35
By princ3ss - July 26 - 8:38 amI purchased my a 2004 G35 back in 2008 from Carmax with 39K Miles on it. Because it was a "luxury" car I decided to put the warranty on it and thank GOD I did. The car had to go in the shop every three months for something and no matter what I took it to the shop for, Infiniti charged $500 to get it back. The brakes are a nightmare, along with the rotors and pistons! I really loved this car but the maintenance was just too much, I feel like the car was in the shop more than I was able to actually drive it, though when it wasnt in the shop and running smoothly, it was quite a sweet ride.
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Excellent Machine! - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Chico - July 26 - 2:00 amI just love this car!