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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  Love this car!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Patty Brook - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I shopped for a year before purchasing the G35. I looked at the Nissian 350Z, and the BMW. I am a former owner of 2 Lexus GS 300s. I am so impresssed with the G35! It is a lot of car for the money. The performance is wonderful! I love the sporty feel of the car. So far Im sold!

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  Go for it!!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Bagpiper - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Im not an automotive genius, but, I love this car. Excellent acceleration. Most importantly, as a physician, I needed reliability in the snow. We got hit hard this winter and it didnt stop the car. Wasnt sliding like my last car which was FWD. It has a smart looking exterior and interior. If you wanted that 350Z, but have a family, well......LOL. People here have complained about the interior materials.The interior looks fine to me--its not Mercedes, so I didnt expect titanium and mahogany.

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  SUMMERTIME Fun - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Schwinn - June 12 - 2:00 am

  the handling is great; but a tough commute in the snow. other than snow the car is great

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  Look elsewhere. This care needs help! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Steve6754 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car, and within a week I already had problems and had to take it back 3 times within the first month of ownership. (Electrical and brake problesm) I dont recomend this car!

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  My Coupe - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By bun84067 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  As soon as I saw the car I knew I wanted it. I loved the look of the 350Z but needed a backseat. The G35 gives me a nice look with a decent- sized interior. The car has plenty of power. I got the automatic, for convenience, and now wish Id chosen the manual. The car lags a little when you "romp" on the gas, as it down-shifts. The steering responds nicely, but theres a fair amount of body roll when turning with speed. The interior is OK. I find the seats very comfortable.

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  Fun automobile - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By JohnNC - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a number of sports cars, and this the most fun, best handling, and has exceptional all around perfomance. This without sacrificing comfort as with most sports cars.

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  Not bad but lacking - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Henryd - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Im surprised reading all the good reviews for this car. Sure, the car looks great but there are some things one should consider before buying. First, let me say I have not driven the car, went to the dealership to check it out and thats where it ended. The dashboard is just not nice, its small and not revealing a pricey car. The front seats are nice, and thats all. The back seats are a disaster waiting to happen. Im 5.11 feet tall and I could not use the back seat without hitting the rear window ! I wouldnt put anyone on the back seat from fear of getting them hurt on any little bump on the road.

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  Reliable Performance Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jeff S. - May 25 - 5:43 pm

  I have to say overall this has been a very reliable car. After 182,000 miles, it still runs strong and has very little problems. However, over the life of my ownership, I have had to replace the wiper motor, rear axle bearings, radio/climate control electronics and driver seat slide mechanism. It also, as others have noted, has a weak design of the front wheel struts which continually creak when making hard turns. This is especially noticeable during cold winters. I have averaged 28 miles on the highway which is 90% of my yearly miles so it is respectable. All in all Im sold on Infiniti and have just purchased an 08 M35 as a replacement.

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  Great Car for the money - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Strongskills - May 25 - 3:40 pm

  This car is a blast to drive. When you push its limits, it doesnt fade like a regular stock vehicle. The brakes and engine dont overheat. This car likes to get it and go. I have no complaints except for the gas mileage which started out at about 16mpg in mixed driving, and 17 on pure hwy. I used a Slick 50 type lube at my first oil change, and within a 2000 miles was getting 18/22. I will try synthetic oil next, and see how that goes. Worth buying in case you are on the fence.

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  The Infinity Smile - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By alrose1 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  While styling initially drew me to this sport coupe, it was the performance that led me to buy it. With crisp handling, 280 horsepower, and a 6 pseed transmission, its the most fun car to drive since -- well since a 1969 Olds 442. Of course the Infinity has more luxury, features and superior handling. Driving this car brings a smile to my face.