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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  Excellent Car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Joe - May 20 - 12:03 am

  We all have different expectations on what the G35 Coupe should be like. No matter what those are we all agree that this car for its class is almost perfect. I had two Infinity QX4 before buying the G35 Coupe. This car continue to impress me in all driving conditions (city/highway). I am looking forward to the natural evolution of this model in 2008.

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  "Wow" - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Miss Dot - May 17 - 6:13 am

  I just love my new Infinity. It looks so sleek and eveyone I tell what I drive says, "WOW, nice car".

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  Da Bomb - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By DynastyRocks - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This car has excellent handling. Much cheaper than the BMW 330 and more power....260hp baby. Recommendation for future buyers. If anyone is buy the G35 Sedean....I highly recommend the Premium Package.

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  Eat your Heart out BMW - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Rovhol - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up mine today. Any indecision I had between this car and the BMW 330ci melted away the second I turned the key on the test drive and heard this engine roar to life. I drove the BMW last night, and it felt like a Honda Civic in comparison. Although the G35 may not hold the resale value as well, I guarantee this car will be a lot more fun and turn a lot more heads (I have been driving it all night and it already has).

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  Whoa! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By G enthusiast - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Weve never had anything remotely like this car. The performance and handling are unbelievable, and shes a for real head turner in our red w/black leather and the spoiler. It is a true pleasure and feels like something special every time we take her out. The car is completely reliable, and considering the power the gas mileage is reasonably good. When you are in the drivers seat, you get that chic sports car feel with the instrumentation and controls all extremely well thought out.

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  My Twilight Blue G35 Coupe - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By irvsteroni - May 13 - 10:00 am

  My final choices were the BMW 325Ci or the G35c. The question I asked myself was whether I wanted a $35-36k coupe with only 190 HP (BMW 325Ci-$40k for the 330Ci)or a wallet saving $30k coupe with 280HP, muscular looks,outstanding service, and a design that is outstanding and modern in its curves and lines. Sure the Beamer handles well beyond the G35 (it is the ultimate driving experience) and the acceleration is more linear, but for the price, engine, value, and service, the G has no other competitor. With the base model, this sports car is a bargain.

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  G Force! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Tip Toe - May 12 - 4:43 pm

  All in all I love the car. Fun to drive and is very good on gas. I will be honest I do not use premium fuel as the manual suggest but I wont tell if you wont tell.

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  Loads of Fun - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By loads of fun! - May 11 - 4:33 am

  I really enjoy driving this car. Being in sales and on the road alot the Sirius radio is a god send. The fast pick up getting on and off highways is great. As far as styling this car is a looker this is a sexy car even with 4 doors.

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  Awesome! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Neal M. - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Having ordered the car in September - sight unseen - I was a little aprehensive. Boy, was I foolish! The 6sp manual with luxury option package is just plain awesome. Not only does it fly, stick to the road and feel like Im wearing it on my back, it looks and sounds like a car costing tens of thousands more. The rear seats are more than usable - Ive had 57" adults say its "fine back here." My 10 and 7 year old just sit back there and say "SWEET!" I cant even think of a negative - other than the fact that 90 mph feels the same as 60 mph and Im sure theres a trooper in my future! In

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  Performance over Comfort - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By infinitissues - May 9 - 5:41 pm

  Noisy vehicle for both tires and engine versus BMW smooth competitors. Very powerful and fast, and strong value for the money. Big tradeoffs of comfort versus noise - also expensive to fuel based on MPG + requirement of premium fuel. Interior build had issues, well known threads on interior door pull "peel" issues for finish that Infiniti dealer & corporate customer service refused to cover during warrenty period. Leather also wore poorly. Came in a fan to this vehicle, but its all power over comfort / quality. Trunk, compartments, and passenger area all feel cramped for space. Very rough ride on sport model