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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  G35 Coupe-2004 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By lbadalucco - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Design and lines are very esthetic and sporty. Does turn heads from many pedesterians as well as other drivers. Pick up and throaty exaust sound make a pleasing experience & fun to drive especially in the mountains around Denver.

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  G35 Wisconsin - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By ashmansr - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Excellent over vehicle. The traction and stability controls works well in Wisconsin snow and ice and compares well to front wheel drive autos. A fast crisp handling car that is neutral in tight fast turns right up to the limit of the car. Recommend to anyone that has previous performance sedan experience and compares favorably to BMW for thousands less money. Would definitely buy again. Less favorable traits, stiff suspension makes for a more choppy ride. Rear Seat comfort is adequate but not great for anyone approaching 6 ft. Truck space is smallish for a sedan of this size due to the suspension and rear wheel drive.

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  Enjoying the ride - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By AZ Driver - January 19 - 10:46 pm

  Hit the 2 year/30K mile mark and thought a review was in order. Journey model with sport, premium, Nav, and technology package. Fun to drive, handles well, accelerates without difficulty, beautiful to look at especially the interior. Negatives are the tires wear quickly (not unexpected), small blind spot on driver side, the front exterior dings easily from rock chips (as does the grill), and the 6 disc changer decreases the opening in the trunk to get things in/out. No problems with the dealership but havent had any issues to deal with.

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  The G35x "Black Beauty"- 6 Months Later - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Almatti - January 18 - 11:36 am

  After 6 months of use, the cars pros and cons become more obvious. Love the power, handling and braking with an excellent turning circle. Driving over wet leaves, the 4WD system is flawless and solid. The ride comfort is excellent for a sporty sedan of this size. Acceleration is too touchy at standing start and the manual mode auto does have quirks: 3rd gear is abrupt up and down; cant seem to figure out how the speed sensing wipers work (maybe they dont); the non-navi LCD screen could have been put to even better more extensive use for driver info.

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  X35GX - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By zdwg - January 17 - 5:30 pm

  wikid grippy ride got my silverstone with charcoal inside spoiler and premium with nav... any others out there? i chose this over the coupe.... in auto/tiptron.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Midstates - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Great fun to drive, lots of power and handles curves like a dream. It put the fun back into driving for me

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  Great drivers Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By HankC - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Car drives great has ample horse power transmission response is vey good, Comfort is excellent even on long drives

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  first 60 days - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By whan-ton - January 16 - 2:00 am

  The car at times will not allow you to take cornors as hard as you want unless you take off the VDC and when it does kick in you really know it. Feel the car out first before you really run it hard or you can lose it.I was more then impressed with the power it felt it delivered like cars that have 350horses.and this car always get reviews about the interior quility but leather willow is much nicer then my friends BMW 520is leather interior

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  Short and to the point - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By romeroh - January 13 - 9:20 pm

  Just traded in a 99 M3, and I have no regards at all.

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  GREAT RIDE - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By tripod - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had two BMWs and two Lexus ES300s and this is by far the best overall ride. The power and accelleration is quick and very responsive...much better than my 2000 Lexus Although the interior is not quite as plush it still is much more sporty and really fits the car. I considered the TLS but it didnt handle the way this car does.