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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  Slow decider bought w/1 test drive - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By gotigers1 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Read the literature, researched others in the class. This car has everything a $40K+ car has for about $10K less. Handles curves, excellent braking, very classy. Wouldnt touch the 330i again after one drive.

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  Still Loving My G35 - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By ecollinsii - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive been living with my 2007 G35 Sport sedan for several years and never tire of it. Its built like a rock and its fast, capable, and just plain fun. The shift algorithm has figured out my driving style, and now does it all by itself in DS mode. Its the kind of car that you are happy to see every morning, and that you occasionally look back at just to enjoy how good it looks. Tires are always an issue with cars like this. I replaced the OEM Potenzas (which lasted 12000 miles) with Michelin Pilot Sport AS+ 235/45R18 fronts, 245/45R18 rears. Vastly improved ride, great handling, better wet performance and a 45000 mile tread wear warranty. I wouldnt give up this car for anything.

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  The BMW 3 Series for sensible people - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Nate S - May 3 - 7:13 am

  Great car with a great value. A few minor issues as expected with a new model like rattles and stereo failing, but excellent warranty coverage made up for it. Great blend of performance and luxury at a good price without all the snob factor baggage.

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  Wants to be let loose - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Jason - May 2 - 10:40 am

  Tons of research of the usual culprits, just couldnt justify the extra $15k for BMW cachet. I got the Premium package. Excellent value. Great torque and HP. Need to be light on the pedal because she really wants to run. Beautiful interior with loads of great features standard (bluetooth, sun roof, incredible sound system, etc.). I have long airport commutes on a two lane highway - the ability to blow around slower moving vehicles is incredibly refreshing. Love the power and handling.

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  Problems at 200 miles - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By alarict6mt - May 1 - 1:53 pm

  Dont accept one without testing it thoroughly first - even a brand new one. Bad clutch judder in first and reverse especially on hills (evident at 100 miles then getting progressively worse). Gets worse as clutch warms. Infiniti garage says its the same on all new 06MTs, if I had known this, I would not have bought the car. The other two I drove did not make a banging noise when I release the clutch. Excellent car spoiled by poor customer support - denial by mechanics and a poor clutch design or faulty components.

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  BMW Beater - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By FzyLgic - May 1 - 2:00 am

  What a car!! Ive owned 4 BMWs previous to this purchase and had never considered anything else - until Bangle Bungled the design and ruined a great car. This vehicle is awesome - will blow the doors off my E39 and has tons of aftermarket performance support. It just keeps getting better. More interior room and more usable truck space than the Bimmer. My only desires would be for a few more features: outside mirror tilt on reverse, telescoping wheel and mirror/steering wheel memory integrated with the seat memory.

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  Great car for the money - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Ben - April 30 - 11:53 am

  Great value, very reliable, and fun to drive. My only complaint is the low gas mileage.

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  Golly G! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Chazman4601 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Unbelievable car! The performance to luxury ratio is right on. At the price, I dont think you can do better. Infiniti got the whole package right with this car. The ride is firm, but when you can carve up a road like the G35, all is forgiven. Very impressed with interior space/ergonomics. I dont recall any other car even considered a worthy competitor to the BMW 3 series by the auto press.

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  age is but a number - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By MARYANN RANDISI - April 26 - 7:03 am

  This g-35 coupe is my second in one year. I was involved in a serious accident where i was broad sided on the passenger side. The door was completely sheared off. I was saved by the heavy steel bars installed by their manufacturer. They had to be sawed off. Air bags to the side of me went off, along with above the door where glass shattered. Officers were so amazed of this vehicles safety feature, they were asking my son, what make of car was is? The car was totalled.

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  Love My Car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Trooper - April 22 - 12:46 pm

  My G35x is a blast to drive. It handles great and is very fast. I love the rear, reclining seats for back-seat comfort. The interior is not that gaudy shiny plastic wood stuff everywhere, in fact, since the car is sporty, I opted to skip any wood interior. I find everything within reach and very accessible. I opted for the aero package. Cruising down the road at 85 is like a dream. I love this car.