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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  G35 Coupe - In a class by itself! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By bossfan7 - July 2 - 9:25 pm

  Fantastic car! Impeccable style, power, performance and value. These cars hold their own mixing with the exotics prowling South Florida. At $10-$12K current prices its a steal to get so much car for the money!

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  One Smokin G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By LQrLvR - July 1 - 10:00 am

  The G35 Coupe has a unique, and sexy styling with a lot of muscle and a lot of finesse. It handles great, and it gets a lot attention. Truly an awesome balance between luxury and performance. It easily knocks out BMW 3series, and Lexus IS.

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  valedictorian - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By t_godard - July 1 - 10:00 am

  the best car ive ever owned, buy one now!

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  Balance empitomized - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By dustinson - June 29 - 2:31 am

  Balance. This car has it in almost every aspect. I love how it balances power, control, reliability, comfort, usability and value. It isnt the same as a coupe 6MT on a summers day, but makes up for overall enjoyment, year-round. I wasnt able to find more bang for my buck. I previously had a 2007 G35 Coupe 6MT. It was Wonderful, but I needed a second AWD car for winter. Decided on the G35x for AWD, Power and 4drs (got kids!). Wife now drives it and loves it. I spend an hour in it every day and am thankful for every minute. I am a big fan of Infinitis now. They do such an excellent job with their cars. They dont make them feel overly mechanical or disconnected.

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  the unexpected - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By lesliep - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I was sort of looking for a new car to replace a 93 Miata. I also have a 86 Porche for weekend driving. When I visited the some Infiniti dealers I was shocked by the jackup in prices (Jan 03). The Glendale Infiniti dealer was a welcome change from that. Since I was not pressed to get the car I made a statement; "If you can find a G35 coupe, with an exact list of extras, but NO gps Ill buy it for MSRP". At this point 5K$ premium was usual. In two (!) days I got a call that they had the car. Was I suprized, the reason for the title. An hour or so later I was at Glendale Infiniti and buying it. There was at least two other people ready to buy it.

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  Too stiff to ride - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By chris19890101 - June 23 - 3:46 pm

  Have owned this car for almost 5 years now. Cant wait to get rid of it. Ride is too stiff to get comfortable. Driving on a bad road is a nightmare. The interior seems to fall apart every time car goes over a bump. Not to mention rattle sound made by interior plastic. Performance is ok. Other than that, this car stinks. Wouldnt buy this car ever again.

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  Performance/Luxury Sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Ken Harris - June 22 - 10:40 pm

  I have owned and test driven a number vehicles. I grew up driving a 1986 Ford Mustang GT and a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am. The G35 is a extremely solid in performance and handling. There is a tremendous amount of low end torque under 3,000 rpms. I was searching for a performance oriented vehicle without paying an exorbitant amount of money. The G35 design is quite unique and appealing to the eye. I was able to purchase the G35 with just 42k miles fully loaded except for navigation for just under 16k. I am extremely happy with the purchase and enjoy driving the vehicle. For the money, Infinti is superior to the BMW3 Series. I plan to keep the G35 for at least 5 years or more. Kudos to Infiniti!

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  Sporty and Fun - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By tonyg35 - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I thought my 2000 Maxima was fun to drive, however the G35 brings many smiles to face. I love the power and handling of this car. I was going to buy a bmw 330i this year, however I had to give the infiniti g35 a chance because of all the excitement surrounding the G. I love this car. Its fast, good handling, drop dead gorgeous and enough room to haul my kids around.

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  Real winner! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By blinker - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Traded my 98 A4 on the G35 last week. This is one great car. Solid direct handling with stock suspension. Stunning perfomance even with the automatic. Wont believe it until you drive it. Soft leather but very supportive seats. Terrific brakes. Quiet cabin. Havent had this much fun driving in years.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By rbeasley - June 13 - 11:20 pm

  I have loved every moment with this vehicle. This is my second G35 coupe. I love the looks I get in this car and for the money, you cannot find a better value in a sports car. The size of the wheels and the exterior styling really set this car off. I have had no mechanical problems with this vehicle. It runs like a champ and the navigation syatem is very accurate.