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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  The best 2-door in the world - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jason W. - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is simply the best. Everything a car should be....and most of all, it doesnt cost a house. Driving the G35 coupe is heaven.

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  Very fun ride!!! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By radardodger - June 8 - 2:10 am

  This vehicle replaced my 2005 Lexus IS 300. Most of my review is directly comparing the G35 to the Lexus, since its in the same class. The G35 seems to be a class winner in my eyes. More power and interior room than the IS 300, and Audi A4, and possibly more of both than a BMW 330i. What ever trivial gripes I have about the vehicle are forgot when I get on a back road and get to play with the 6 speed manual trans. Body roll is very minimal for its size, steering is respectively quick, and the manual gear box is simple to use, and fun to really bang through the gears :). Very nice howl of the 3.5 v-6, fairly quiet inside, but still louder than most of its class competitors

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  great car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By John Miller - June 5 - 12:03 am

  I have owned mostly german made cars and after buying the G35 I do not think I will ever go back. This car provides you with the same things you would get in a Mercedes for about $20,000 less. Plus it will eat a BMW and spit it out on the road.

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  wow - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By jerry - June 4 - 3:53 am

  moved from an suv to this g35.great looks, super interior,i like every thing about this vehicle.throaty exhust tone ,tight on the curves,seat adjusts auto. when entering or leaving the vehicle.i think thelexus is quieter, but love this cars performance

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  The total package - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Brnrbr - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is all I hope it would be. Fast. Comfortable, and cheap for the thrills. It handles like its on rails (even with the relatively small tires.....howd they do that??). Nobody should be allowed to have this much fun in a four door car. The interior is a bit underdone, but not too bad. Im just glad they put the money in the drivetrain and exterior styling.

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By car46guy - May 27 - 2:10 pm

  I have only owned this car for a few days. I came across a used, 2007, with 35k miles. All I can say is this is the best car I have ever owned...Great looks, insanely fast, built like a tank and handles like a race car. Driving at night I feel like Im flying a plane - the interior lighting is great. This car is rock solid and feels like its on rails. Im still getting used to all of the techno gear and will report back.

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  Love the Car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Irvine - May 25 - 7:43 am

  After 6 months of investigating coupes in the 30,000-40,000 range I decided on the G35. From the first moment I drove away from the dealer I know I had made the right choice. I love this car. It is a blast to drive. The sports suspension and 19 inch wheels make the handling a dream as it hugs the road on curves. The 280 horses under the hood are plenty allowing the car to accelerate to 60 in less than 6 seconds. Its ability to accelerate from 50 to passing speed is even more impressive. It is also much better looking than BMW 3 series. Gas mileage is only around 15 in town but I did not buy the car for gas economy. Great car especially for the price!!

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  Flawless Fun! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Nate Denman - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have taken this car up and down the east coast, across the country, and up and down nearly every tight turning road in California. This car has been exhilirating to say the least. It is a blast to drive and I constantly have people taking a "double take" of my car and complimenting the vehicle. I have 28000 miles on this vehicle thus far and I have had no problems. The dealerships in both Virginia and California have treated me like royalty. Customer service at these dealerships has been stupendous. I have no complaints whatsoever!

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  do not buy this car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By h8tinfi - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car in for service items 4 times, (1)window off track, (2)clutch slipping, (3)drivers seat broken, (4) interior falling apart, first off the warranty is horrible, I have been asked to pay for parts, and it seeems as if the drivers seat falling apart was my fault,(still waiting for parts from Japan 4 weeks, have you ever tried to drive a manual trans. with a seat that slides 4 inches front to back with a press of the gas petal) Although service department is world class (third world), I would not recomend a G35 or Infiniti to anyone! Save your money!!

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  Performance + Reliable - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By BlownVQ - May 24 - 12:40 am

  Very Reliable, never had to use the warranty. You will eventually get used to the stock 298hp. Add a turbo or Supercharger and these cars are the best bang for the buck reliable luxury sports car available for under 30k! Getting in and out of the back seat is not really intended for adults, but thats not why your reading this review is it? My Vortech supercharged G35 gets 18mpg city 23mpg highway, really good for 400+hp and its just about stock mpg! (Depends on how you drive)