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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  Best thing ever happened to me.... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By RacingManiac - December 23 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Camry for 3 years, its quite a change to move into a G35. First impression while on the road is that people are looking at you! This car is striking, sleek and nicely designed. Plus all that power is really nice on the road. The handling is tidy and the one I have does not have that touchy of a brake pedal like many have reported. Interior is excellent with great layout and nice material. Overall very good car, and very good price too.

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  G-35 W/Leather and Sport PG - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By gorva - December 23 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun car that I have drove in a long time. Looked at BMW 3s. Audi A4 , Jag X-type, and CTS. This is the best of them all, has looks, power, and stick to the road performance. The only this close to this car was the CTS, but G-35 has the best warrenty, best price and best performance.

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  everyone should own one once - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By gary funari - December 20 - 5:30 am

  sporty, easy to handle, seating is perfect for all 4 passengers, great leg room, navagation is easy to operate. this car is reliably unstopable. in a group of other autos, it stands out. the body style is over the top. i have black and all the lines of the car blend with one another and it truly looks like a mean sleek steet machine. gman

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  All wheel drive a great car. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By tcarris - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car in the winter. We had a lot of snow, and this car was fantastic. snow mode is a nice feature. Great car in bad weather. On dry pavement, turn off the vdc and slam the accelerator at corners and you are in for a ride. I use to have a 3 series BMW. This car outperforms it and is about 10k less than a 330 with all wheel drive. Great value. I wish I didnt need four doors or I would have gotten the coupe with more horses.

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  solid - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By mike - December 18 - 6:06 am

  I traded in a 2004 acura tl (dynamic 6sp.) the ras (rear active steering) system really enhances your driving experience on this car, it begs to be pushed thru the corners. for a coupe i think the seating is ample( not for too long in the back) the sound of the exhaust on this car is sweet, around 4000 rpm it really sounds like its ready to tear up the road. the subtle change to the rear spoiler is what made this car more attractive to me. for the money this is one hell of a car. ive had this car for less than 2 weeks so far. a follow up to this will be neccesary. as then i may be bored with 300 horse.

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  immaculate - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By aka... - December 16 - 10:00 am

  One word to describe the car...IMMACULATE. The car is both luxurious and sporty at the same time. Infinity really out did themselves this time. The car handles incredible and the acceleration is impressive. I drove the cadillac CTS, the Acura TL type S, but none come close to the new G35 especially if you are considering price.

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  A great value compared to the 3 series - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By tbski - December 15 - 4:26 am

  The G35X is the perfect blend of luxury and performance. I had resigned myself to the 3 series until I discovered the G35. What was lacking in the BMW I found in the Infiniti. When considering price, reliability, size and style the G35X has it all over the 3 series. This car screams and is a blast to drive. I hope the AWD proves to be a worthwhile investment this winter.

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  DG review - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Dougg - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Shopped against BMW and 350Z. It is quicker and handles better than my 95 325i. Bought partially because BMW service is a rip-off. More comfortable seats than BMW. Wife and I can go away for a weekend with golf clubs, tennis rackets,etc. I love driving to work!

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  What can I say, I Love it - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By HollywoodLL4 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, but it didnt hold its value very well. Droping $10,000 in 12 months is pathetic. Its not the worst ive seen. I sure hope it holds better over the next year or 2.

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  The cheaper fun factor! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By panagiotis - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Owned 1999 BMW 323 sport and 2002 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro. Ever since AWD Ive been addicted... The car is fun to drive! This blows away may my previous vehicles for fun to drive (acceleration) though the 323 did handle tighter. Highway experience is much more enjoyable than the others. Unfortunately it will be to the dealers the third time in the first month of ownership - thus confirming JD powers low score - I wish it came out earlier as I may have paused to buy the 2005 version instead (assuming that they learned from the past). Issues after 1 month: XM receiver will be replaced twice. Doors rattles (speaker loose and cables rubbing) 3 times in s