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:

• 

  Hate to go to Iraq - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Soldier - January 9 - 6:13 pm

  Planned to buy a mustang, till I saw this vehicle. Fun to test drive with the choice of driving in Manual or Automatic (rev is only auto). 0-60 is fast and it redlines at 6400rpm. Have had the vehicle to 130mph and they say it is faster. I had only driven it about 1100 miles before I went to Iraq, but my only complaint is that it does not like to go slow. It seems to have too high of rpms in "city" driving. Very fast pick-up and excellent mpg for this type of car. I averaged 21 mpg (and that was with a lot of playing around). The Bose system is a must. Corners very well, and the seats seem to hold you in place. Safety wise there are airbags everywhere. Overall a GREAT car for the money!!

• 

  2nd Skyline - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By T-Spoon - January 6 - 10:00 am

  This is our second G-35 (aka Skyline 350GT)My wife has the sedan and I have a 6-spd coupe. The coupe is totally a different car. The comparisons to the 330Ci are fine but this car outperforms the Bimmer. The value and looks are amazing.

• 

  infiniti has the answer to bmw/lexus - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By RAJ - January 6 - 10:00 am

  after owning 95-M3 and 90 300zx twin-T my G35 is faster then either one and out handles the M3 and pulls more Gs then my 300zx

• 

  Happy G35 owner - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By AF Sgt - January 6 - 9:03 am

  I bought this G35 used from an Infiniti dealer in Dec 06. Now four months later I love the car. There are a few items that should be fixed that could add to comfort (below). Overall very fun to drive. Be ready to go through a lot of rear tires :)

• 

  Read before you buy saftey problem - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By M COLE - January 4 - 12:50 pm

  I love the car BUT< while driving in the rain at 55 mph, the rear end started to spin out of control. I was on the highway in the left lane, the rear end lost control and spun out hitting the rear then the front, could have killed me and my wife. when We came to a stop, the stability control on the dash,by itself went to OFF, called Infiniti they told me not to drive it they would come see it, two months later after no visit, they met me at dealer, they drove it and said they could not get it to do it again. denied responsibilty. Read consumers report they made a good call. Please be careful infiniti wont help you

• 

  Rocket Ship - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By funksoulbrother - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Coupe auto w/ leather is a nice blend of luxury and performance. Mash the throttle and it launches - quick read of traffic as one moves into warp speed. The exhaust notes are sweet. The car continues to turn heads, but I imagine this will fade as more hit the road.

• 

  g35 best buy - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By mike - December 28 - 9:26 pm

  got my g35 in july love the way it handles.I get in it and i find myself just going extra places,just to get more driving time in it.Great power all around fun to drive

• 

  WOW - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By amspychalski - December 25 - 2:43 am

  I have had this car over a year and am still in that "new car love" with it. The 306 HP engine puts out TONS of power, so much it has turned me in to one of those people who speeds anywhere and everywhere. I have driven tons and tons of cars, and have never driven one this fast. As the dealer said, it is a sports car with a sedan body. The interior of the car is equally as stunning as the performance. All of the functions, including the navigation, are extremely easy to use. We love the iPod dock in the center console, as well as the ability to use an external flash drive to import music into the cars memory for playback. The seats are overly comfortable and roomy all around.

• 

  Read What I have Too Say - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Rob170 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Paint comes off with fingernails and wash cloth Pant scratches while putting on BRA I saw one with teflon coating and they went over dust and lint, it looks dirty when its clean. Excessive Brake dust on my 20" wheels. Driver window squells moving up or down Hesistant start when showing off. 17 MPG Cheap Navigation makes it dificult

• 

  I love this car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By newcarowner - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I just got my new pimpin black G35 and I love it. I have got nothing but "wows" and looks of amazement from people about this car. From the exterior design to the interior design, this car is definitely a show-stopper. It picks up speed so quickly and flys with no wind noise. It is by far the best in its class.