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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  Best sports coupe for the price - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bdunfey - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I was on the verge to buy a BMW 330 coupe when I test drove the G35 sports coupe. The car impressed me so much that I dismissed my intent to buy the BMW and began to seek a dealer who could deliver a G35 consistent to my specs.

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  One Month Review - G35x - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By gmk519 - May 20 - 2:20 pm

  Before buying my G35x, I looked at the A4, S60, 330, and Passat GLX. All of them were equipped with AWD and priced around $35k. With the exception of the BMW, none handled or responded like the G35. The BMW handled superbly, but was priced thousands more after similar options. In addition, Infiniti has made several improvements in the 05 G35. The steering wheel controls now illuminate, the wheel and telescope are now power with memory seat, hp was upped to 280. The interior was also improved in-terms of visual appeal and overall quality. This car is an excellent blend of both luxury and performance. You wont find a better sports sedan in this price range.

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  Happy Camper - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bskrtz - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive, practical and upscale for a sports car. Real rear seat space. Sounds powerful and accelarates smoothly. Exterior is truely a work of art.

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  g35coupe - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Bob Davis - May 18 - 12:36 am

  Fun to drive and a real head turner. Enough power to keep your passenger pinned back in his/her seat.

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  Beast in Disguise! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Anismofan - May 15 - 7:43 am

  Build quality is exceptional, comfort during the commute is excellent. Need to transport clients meant sedan, but the G35X is a beast in the corners with enough ponies to walk away from many of the German comparables! Auto 4 wheel power is very effective in the wet, icy PNW.

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  Poor interior quality :-( - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By K. Kimmel - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Car looks/handles great, but VERY disappointed with quality of interior const.......when delivered, the vehicle had noticeable rattling from shelf behind back seat..after 3 service visits, issue not quite resolved....merely a matter of inadequate materials for location(cheap fiberboard). Problems with power windows(twice), and overall, the 3 month-old car has more interior squeaks and rattles than a 3 yr. old Jeep Grand Cherokee that was driven around construction sites(i.e., rear qaurter window sounded like it was going to fall out!) Out of all the vehicles Ive ever owned, this is also the ONLY one that has a problem playing CD-R discs too!

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  best bang for the buck - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By bankerboy - May 7 - 7:46 am

  What an incredible vehicle: sharp styling, 298hp, 6 speed manual and 26mpg on the highway were strong selling points for me. Then I drove it and I was sold--this car is powerful and its handling is incredibly tight. The car is the best value out there and youre only paying in the low 30s for it. If youre looking at Mercedes or BMW, look to spend 50k for a comparably equipped vehicle. I love my Infiniti so far.

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  G35 Sedan 6sp - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Wesarran - May 7 - 2:00 am

  What a great car, fast, fun to drive and handles very well for a sedan. Almost bought a BMW 330ci thank god i didnt. Probably the best car ive ever driven. Seat could be a little wider and should have the same Horsepower and torque as the coupe, also the tires size is 215/55/17 should be a little wider on a car this size, looks a little of balance.

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  Good, but not a BMW Killer - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By agumabay - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I was excited about the Infiniti G35; the advertised empirical data trumped all comers including my BMW 3. The G35 did not disappoint on styling and features. I considered the BMW 5, surprisingly the G35 was larger in the back seating leg room, trunk, and front seat head room. The "Killer App" for all these near luxury sport sedans is the blend of sport, luxury, comfort, and convenience. BMW has found it, and no one knocked them off the podium. The G35s ride it tight, the acceleration is strong, the torque is tremendous, but the combination doesnt approach the BMW’s feel (it must be magic). Sorry Infinity, you still have some work to do - close but no cigar.

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  Look what theyve don to my Max(i)Ma... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By diktrikl - May 4 - 2:00 am

  My 90 Maxima was the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, hands down. A decade search for a "step up" from that vehicle is finally over. Peace, love, and rear wheel drive!