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:

• 

  Best bang for my buck! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By T-C-B - February 16 - 9:20 pm

  After owning this car for 11 months, every time I get in it Im reminded that this car is amazing. The handling is superb, the exterior of the lines gives it that sexy look, the interior is purely impressive. I have three complaints, the trunk is pretty small, Im the only driver but when traveling one large suitcase and duffel bag and your packed. Gas mileage is definitely not impressive and I think it should have at least been an option to have integrated driving lights in the bottom grille. Other than those three I would buy this car all over again!

• 

  extremely excellent car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By nancy - February 12 - 6:46 pm

  I love this car! Its sleek outside and inside design make it an eyecatcher. I love my 2005 G35x. Over all I think it is a pleassure to drive & to look at!

• 

  noisey in Seattle - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By tom hert - February 12 - 8:26 am

  Lots of fun to drive on smooth roads. Road noise is awful, like driving a drum. Styling is fantanstic. Acceleration not much better than my acura legend coupe. Surprisingly good on ice.

• 

  G35x - Close to perfect - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Duke - February 10 - 6:36 pm

  This car with a few tweaks could be the top sports sedan, some changes have been made in the 05 model such as interior materials. Overall great value and the best of both worlds with the AWD option that still offers excellent performance. Great car to avoid front wheel drive cars that have 250+HP and resulting torque steer.

• 

  **Update** one month in! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By JRealtor - February 10 - 2:33 am

  This car gets better the longer you are with it! Operating the navigation system is a snap and RWD/AWD is a blast to drive! This car hauls around turns and the engine has power to spare so you never have to floor it (unless you want to :D)! The seats are super comfortable, heated seats work very well and interior is durable. Ive dropped my phone, pens and books on the center console and dash area and it still looks flawless. The ride is a lot better once you get used to it but is far from punishing. The BOSE sound system can definitely hold its own. No regrets about picking the G35x over TL and ES330. Ultra reliable car, still no problems. Noise in last review was paper clip in cup holder!

• 

  Fun drive, bad times - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Brandon - February 5 - 8:00 am

  Alright 1st of all mine is loaded to the hilt. I have it all, and I love it all. Car is perfect to drive. Car is fun, but you would expect a bit better gas mileage. Car is fast, it takes turns like a champ, and navigating traffic is incredibly easy. Now the bad stuff. The interior is cool at first, but then it gets boring especially seeing new stuff. After 45,000 miles needed a new tranny, and boy was that exciting when it went out. Now at 48,000 the A/C is out and dealer wont cover it. Whats next at 51,000 is my question??? Man am I upset because from what I hear, these cars are almost as reliable as Lexus and BMWs. Still would get another one, especially the coupe, boy those look sweet

• 

  No Brainer - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By RacerX - February 5 - 12:33 am

  The lease on my 2005 Audi A4 was coming due in a couple of months, so I decided to get an early start on car shopping. Looked at the 2007 Audi A4 3.2 but also stopped at Infiniti to check out the new G35 because I liked the new body style. As soon as I got behind the wheel. It was a no brainer. More power than the Audi and a plusher interior. Couldnt wait until my lease on the Audi was over, so worked out a great deal to get into the G35x. Opted for the Premium package and so far so good. Cant get enough!

• 

  Great car with a couple of exceptions - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By tienbo2000 - February 3 - 10:00 am

  While this car is not as silky handling or timeless looking as my 98 BMW 540, its still a great car for the money. Some problems: It seems like the mileage sucks once I turn on the A/C getting like 19 mpg on highway. Second the interior parts were not fitted well as there is rattling noise coming from the doors and backseat when I turn the stereo on even moderate levels. Third, the integrated six CD changer is totally retarded-- it is slow... and it doesnt look like itll be easy to swap out with an aftermarket. Fourth, the analog clock is totally useless... I could go blind trying to make out the time with the dim backlight. Otherwise I love the car.

• 

  Entertaining, smooth and powerful - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By lpk - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I would buy this car again in a heartbeat and would gladly pay more (seems Infinti just hasnt figured that out yet). Acceleration at speed will put a smile on your face. Precision handling inspires confidence. Has a sound system you will love to feel (and can rock the neighborhood). The styling remains fresh and eyecatching. Thoughtful ergonomics.

• 

  They should compare BMW to this car - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By AtlNate - January 31 - 9:06 am

  Everyone that is "in the know" about cars says this is the car to give the BMW 3 series "a run for the money". Rubbish. This car is quicker, sexier, and cheaper than its German counterpart. Plus, I havent even got to the interior. Driving a BMW is like driving something an engineer built to a specification. Driving the G35 is like something a engineer designed and then an interior designer architect and artist redesigned. Its performance characteristics are superb, but more importantly, the car engages you. Its beautiful curves and attention to design and detail creates an experience. Remember, we (as humans) like things that look like us. The car looks like a supermodel.