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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  Drive Drive Drive me please! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By eddie - April 9 - 3:43 am

  This car is just begging for more action everytime I drive it. For the money best value out there, I find reasons to have to drive this thing. Test drove everything in the class... BMW325xi, A4quattro, 9-3, TL... nothing came close to this one... so much fun to drive... handles curves like a champ... many car magazine reviews say its a bit off from the BMW when it comes to handling... but a BMW does not give you thrills like this machine does when you enter a curve at a high speed... love it so far!

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  A Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Doctor C - April 8 - 11:36 pm

  This 2005 G35 is absolutely beautiful and fast. I use it daily to commute and I also drive it every chance I get. I got the sport and the aero package with ivory white (ext) and wheat (int). The car is extremely classy and an ultimate threat to anything in its class. The thing I like the best is that every Tom, Dick, and Harry doesnt have this car, unlike the BMW 3 series. A woman pulled up to me in a C-Class and told me that she was on her way to Infiniti to trade it in for a G after driving behind me for about 5 miles. If you like your own identity Get A G35, you will not regret it.

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  Everything I hoped for. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mbednorz - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Researched every car for 8 months, and jumped all over this one. (Also-rans: G35 sedan, BMW 325i coupe, Lexus IS300, MB C320, and Acura CL-S) Its been everything Id hoped for. All the fun of a sports car, but I can pile my family of four into it. What a drivetrain! Fun to drive under any circumstances, including cruising down the boulevard. This car is never jarring, just firm. I could list a hundred things that Im impressed with. Absolutely no regrets on my choice. More in a few months!

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  Yes!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By paulregan - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I have driven every luxury sports car you can name and this is by far the best buy for the dollar. It combines reasonable power,(not 911 power), luxury and handling unlike anything in this price range. The plastic trim interior is the only weak spot in this car.

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  Better than my 325i - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By speedymike - April 4 - 11:36 am

  I had once thought that my 325i coupe that I bought in Germany was the greatest car ever. 140 mph on the autobahn without the slightest groaning. My G35 coupe makes my beemer feel like a go kart. I love the german cars but Nissan has just surpassed the benchmark in the sport coupe market. The M3 is faster and handles better, but you can buy 2 G35s for the price of 1 M3. That makes the G35 the best value for the dollar.

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  G35XS - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Dan - March 29 - 5:36 pm

  I test drove a lot of cars when i was shopping and this was by far the best car for the price. The Lexus or BMW didnt even come close to this car. I recommend the premium and navigation package. I got the sport package because I liked the look better of the vehicle, but I dont like the sport seats theyre a little stiff and tight for me and Im an average size guy. Over all this is a great vehicle. The handling and speed is what makes this car fun to drive. Make sure you test drive this vehicle before you decide on a new car.

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  Had to Share - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Omahan - March 24 - 12:53 am

  I thought I needed to share just how good this car is. From build quality, to reliability and performance, I cant really think of one thing I dislike about this car. It is absolutely fantastic. Since I own the X-model, I dont know how I lived though the midwest snow storms without it before this car. Even after two storms of 10+ inches of snow this last month, I get around with absolutely zero problems! Handling is crisp and performance from the 306 hp engine is great! Just an all around fun car to drive that looks and rides great. The back seat is actually big enough for two adults to comfortably get in and out of, unlike the 3-series BMW which Ive also owned. Great car!

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  And it fits child seats in the back! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By wompem - March 23 - 10:53 pm

  Had a 2000 Eclipse but needed room for child seats. Wife required 4 doors and auto, I said 250+ hp and RWD. Previous owner had put Stillen sway bars and a NISMO intake on it. I liked the stiffer handling than the other stock suspension ones Id test driven. Nav is a little odd to use. I got 27 mpg on an all hwy trip once (normally more like 25). Get 22-23 mpg with my normal commute (25/75 city/hwy). I did notice my wife gets about 3-4 mpg lower, so it is definitely driving style dependent. Love the power and the ride! My friends love the comfy reclining rear seats and fight to ride in the back on the way to lunch! One friend is now looking at buying one for himself.

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  "Love it" - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By kenbob12 - March 21 - 11:30 pm

  Friend of mine called who works at a dealership, the car belonged to his wifes cousin who returned it off of lease, wow was I blown away by the quality of this car. Yes it took me about a week of getting whiplash to adjust to the acceleration. Powerful car, handles well in all types of weather, I have the AWD X version and it went thru the snow better than my 4WD did. Sound system is incredible. Superb breaking and cornering. When U want speed it rocks, when youre cruising its very smooth.

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  2004 G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Jim 100 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, excellent power. Had a Lexus SC 400 and the G35 is a much nicer vehicle in all catagories.