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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  TOTAL BLAST - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Tcruz246 - April 20 - 10:00 am

  For starters, what sold me the first time I saw the car was the bodystyle, and of course the extra space available for the back seat. The trunk space is great also. Its the kind of car that catches the human eye. Unlike the BMW that has become somewhat mainstream, this one seems to be in a class all of its own. People just cant help but look when it drives by them.

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  Very Nice - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By James - April 19 - 11:10 am

  Love it. Comfortable and very fun to drive. The 306 HP really makes this car move. Nav package is a must.

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  Good car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Judy - April 17 - 12:33 pm

  This car is beautiful, fast and fun to drive with all the bells and whistles. But it is lighter in weight than an Acura or a Lexus. That is the only set back.Its too light and seems not as solid a car for the money that it is priced at.

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  Silky Smooth V6 Engine - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By gkearns56 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I had owned many different makes of cars. This car surpasses BMWs engine performance easily (Also includes Infinitis reliability). The length of the car is perfect. I wanted more then what the cramped A4 offers and 3 series too; but not too large to take away from its sportiness. People talk about their BMW, Ive had one of those and you get nickled and dimed to death with them. This is a reliable car with performance.

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  10,000 less than GS300 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By smorrislfp - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Most people are comparing the G35 to the 330i--and it is flattering that the Infiniti is even compared to that benchmark car. However, it is more like the Lexus GS300 in its characteristics--and when MSRP is compared between THOSE two the Infiniti is $10,000 less and has 25 more h.p. My Sedan is fun to drive has a nice balance of handling and ride quality. Its clearly the best car for the money.

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  New G35 Beats all the Competition - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Hammam - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Superior Automobile.....no complaints

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  Fun Drive - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Pauls G - April 15 - 9:20 am

  This car has been great...fun to drive...sporty....great resale value...

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  Small rocket! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Marcelo in Miami - April 14 - 3:46 am

  Bought my 07 G35 w/17,000 miles in June 2010 and after MONTHS of researching, reading and test-driving other vehicles. Simply put: Im putting miles on the car JUST BECAUSE I CANT STOP DRIVING IT! Ill find any excuse to jump on and drive it. Superior handling, A MONSTER torque, quality and clean interior, nice leather, excellent dashboard displays, classy style, great exterior, upscale front face, fun, fun, fun to drive! The engine needs a soft right foot or youll spin the rear wheels. AC is gelid cold, xenon headlights gives you clean vision, power seat and driving wheel gives you endless positions, max support from driver seat. Great, great car.

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  Too good... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By pufti - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car a few weeks ago... The stick shift ie.. Its probably the best car Ive ever driven.. With a Power to weight ratio of 174 horses per metric tonne and a stick shift, this is one blast... the car doesnt seem to have limits when it comes to cornering... Ive reached 70mph and itll easily take more. Hugs the road like you wouldnt believe. Now about the interiors and quality. Infiniti made everything fantastic.. Love the music system, the driver seats and plush comfort

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  Infinity G35 Sedan with Prem Package - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jay W. Klug - April 12 - 2:00 am

  We love it. It is a great all around vehicle. Good value for the money.