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:

• 

  Awesome Bang for Buck - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By InfinitiPhanatic - March 4 - 11:13 am

  I love this car after driving the G35x sedan (model is AWD). With 309 HP generated from a 3.5 ltr V6, it has plenty of pickup and handling. Acceleration is smooth and powerful when you need it. Steering feels tight without feeling heavy. Its a very easy car to drive. Outside, its got a very sporty look. Clean lines make this a very attractive car. Inside its all luxury considering the price. The car looks expensive, but compared to its competitors, its a real bargain. I highly suggest a look if you are in the market for a sports sedan (oh and by the way, its been named top sports sedan 4 years in a row by a national rating agency). Very pleased with it (this is my second Infiniti).

• 

  Nice looking car that can be found at a bargain price - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By 2003g35az - February 25 - 9:11 am

  I purchased the car with 82K miles and have owned it for a month. I was looking for a reasonably priced car that was sporty and still had a lot of luxury features. My list included the Acura TL, Lexus IS and BMW 3 series. I chose the Infinity mostly based on price. It does have great looks and your not likely to have to pay blue book for one. However, there is a reason for this. These cars feel really cheap. My wife has a 2004 Lexus RX 330 thats one year newer and about 8K less miles. These cars were close to the same price, but the quality is like night and day. The bose stereo system does sound very good and it is fun to drive. I get 14MPG in town driving.

• 

  Great Value - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Andrew - February 23 - 10:43 pm

  Very happy with the style and performance of the new G. Best value in its class. Handling is unbelievable as is the acceleration. A great buy when considering the competition!!

• 

  GREAT AUTOMOBILE - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By JOHNNY BOY - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I ENJOY DRIVING THIS AUTOMOBILE ALOT.

• 

  First Impressions - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By gehrig97 - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Had the car 4 days... impressions: Looks great, fast, seems to have quite a thirst for gas. Interior design is visually pleasing, though layout is a bit awkward and materials pale compared to the 3-series. Havent yet pushed the car passed 3500 rpm (break-in period). I like the fact Im not just another yahoo in a BMW.

• 

  Not BMW Quality - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By PIMPSON - February 23 - 9:03 am

  I owned a 325ci for 1 year before buying this car. To me the only things the G35 has over the BMW are the engine, the NAV system, and maintenance cost. This car is a rocket, but the road handling and ride quality are far inferior to BMW. The interior of the G35 is not luxury quality to me. I will probably sell this car within a year and look into getting an M3 or porsche 911.

• 

  G35 has opened my eyes - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Cowher - February 21 - 6:06 am

  I got this car after my 2006 Audi TT 225 Quattros transmission died 3 times in one month. I bought it because I liked the new nissan 6cyl altima coupe. This was just as nice and was a large percent cheaper. I have owned saab, Audi and many other euro cars. For the price this car gives great performance looks and reliability. I put hankook ipike snow tires on it and I have powered through some of the worst new England snow storms this winter with ease. All in all when this car is dead I will most likely get another or go to the G37. I love this car!

• 

  So far so good - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By cnatra33 - February 17 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a race car that functions as a daily driver and oozes class, check it out. While you cant please everyone, I do concur with the major negative themes regarding the interior design. If you cant live with the aluminim trim, lame cup holders or Bose radio, get another car. While all valid arguments, I feel the incredible looks and solid performance far outweigh any negatives. If I were a billionaire, then Id buy an exotic sports car. Until then, Ill zip by the masses in my G35 Coupe and just feel like one.

• 

  My Second G35 But Loaded - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By odachimaster - February 17 - 3:20 am

  We had a 2003 in 12-02 and traded it in for a 2005 Coupe because their were more and you could get a little better Price. I wanted the Sport-Suspension pkg and worth every penny. Premium pkg. Aero pkg. The splash guards look great. and it seems all of them come with the trunk carpet. I do miss the 12-volt socket on the 03 that was left of the glove box on the outside. I liked the seats when you let the back seat passenger out and you put the seat back up the seat would go back to its original place. The 05 does not do that. We do not know if everyone knows this but this car is one of the safest cars on the road the roof is like a cage it is unbelievable I have first Hand Knowledge.

• 

  Outstanding Value - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Harleydad - February 16 - 11:26 pm

  Ive got premium package, performance package and aero package-great value and performance for $40k. Positive comments all the time from strangers. Only wish would be for better gas mileage especially compared to other vehicles in its class, e.g. BMW 330ci. Exhaust note is sweet and transmission is smooth as silk. Build quality impeccable. Kudos to Infiniti.