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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  Accept no less - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By cryac - December 13 - 10:00 am

  There is no way to truely describe how great this car is. I am a very level headed person, but I just lose it everytime I get in and drive. It is my dream car. I looked at everything, I wanted something fast (giddy up!), fun, and sporty. I wanted luxury... but darn it I wanted value too! I looked at BMW, Lexus, the Crossfire, Mercedes... in the theme of fun I test drove an Audi TT. I started my hunt for a car over a year ago. I didnt want ANY regrets, and not a drop of buyers remorse. There was no question in the end... this car has more of everything and the price is great. I am in heaven!!! Black with willow interior (Oh baby watch out!).

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Jim - December 9 - 10:43 pm

  I love everything about the G35 6MT except driving in the snow. The G35 handles the curves and has great acceleration. The car looks great and is a ton of fun to drive. Great BOSE sound system and love the tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

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  wish u had 1 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By nagrom - December 6 - 10:10 pm

  Brembo brakes ROCK! Fun to drive with traction control off. Great Nav sysytem, wouldnt be without it. Ordered it new plan to keep it until dies...

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  Cant help yourself not to drive it. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Slik1321 - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding work done by inifinti to get the coupe out to the market. Interior desing cant be touched, exterior desing is something to drool about.

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  really stauff - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By respet - December 5 - 2:00 am

  overall is the best in the class design, handling and perfomance

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  Better Z - Sans chest hair & Gold Chains - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By shreddr - December 5 - 2:00 am

  Elegant refined lines contrasted with aggressive curves yield the perfect GT car profile. Powerful but not harsh - comfortable but not too staid. An effective compromise for those of us who value substance, style and attitude Love the Brembos and the Nav system.

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  My best car ever - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By TOPSNIPE - December 3 - 8:43 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It is worth every cent and more. Love the way it looks, handles, and sounds. Get one you will love it.

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  G35 Coupe Fan - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By supra - November 29 - 9:50 pm

  Never a problem and very few cars get the looks this car gets. The rear wheel drive is no problem in winter and I do drive it in bad weather. Just a great great auto for the money.

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  Love the car, but... - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By jg88 - November 28 - 2:21 am

  Overall this has been a great car. However, we are experiencing a big problem with the front, side airbags. Just replaced the drivers side a few months ago to the tune of $1,700; now the drivers side bag has failed and Infiniti wants even more. I believe this is a serious safety problem and extremely pricey. Further, Inifiniti will not give any leeway to me even though this is a problem that should not be occurring in any car. They appear to not want to stand behind safety issues. BTW, whats worse, they turned this over to Nissan so even though you may think youre buying a premium car, they treat this as a Nissan problem. (Acura completey stood behind a seatbelt issue.)

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  untitled - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bluesaab - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Most enjoyable car I have driven. Great handling, excellent braking and plenty of power when you need it. The car instills a sense of security when driving. A bit bland in exterior styling (I tend to prefer styles that are a bit quirkier) but does possess an understated combination of sportiness and elegance.