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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  Minor Improvements Necessary - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Flemwad - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Ok, this vehicle has great performance, looks great, and handles like a dream. It has good safety features. It is wonderful competition for the BMW 3 series for thousands left. However, there are a few improvements necessary.

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  I love my G - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By PRAYZUR - November 24 - 10:00 am

  As an owner of an Infiniti J30, I can say without question my 1993 J30 is a far better car than most newer cars. While searching for a new car I was dissapointed to discover my 10 year old J30 road better, had the same or more horsepower than the Saab 93, Lexus 300i, the BMW 330 & Audi A4. The only car in the compact luxury class that compared to my 1993 J30 was my new 2003 G35. The only cars that compared in stylling, driveability and performance were the Mercedes AMG C class & the Audi S4. The problem is both cars cost $20,000 more than my G35. So if you want a great ride, plenty of power at an affordable price, get a G.

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  excellent - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jmcgow - November 24 - 10:00 am

  very happy traded in bmw 325i much better value for the money

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  a winner - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By william scheck - November 24 - 10:00 am

  love the design.people stop and stare,ask a lot of questions.

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  Eye Catcher - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Murphy - November 24 - 8:56 am

  I have owned this car for approximately 7 months and it is the best purchast I have ever made. It will pass anything but a gas station...but as my father has always said if you can afford the car you can afford the gas. You get many looks when driving this car so dont be penny foolish and flip for the chrome wheels and spoiler it makes a huge difference...It is not that quick off the start but once you get it going jumping from 70 to 100 in 5th is exhilarating just pick your moments the tickets add up...what else well it is an extremely smooth ride compared to its sister car the Z350 and it does have a back seat that is a plus and the trunk is good size for a sports car...

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  KEEP AWAY! BAD BRAKES! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By fed up - November 23 - 5:13 am

  Trust me. This car is a nightmare with the brakes. If you dont believe me, research all of the comments online. We have had the car for 5 years, and have replaced the brakes 5 times! EVERY YEAR!! The car only has 52,000 miles on it. Every time you have to replace the brakes/rotors it is $500. I want to get rid of this lemon!!!!

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  Drive it!!! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Murphy - November 20 - 3:46 pm

  The G35 has a much smoother ride then the Z but is not as quick off the line. The car handles beautifully and is allot of fun to drive. The lines on the car are awesome and the car definitely gets the attention of people. I am very happy with the purchase and look forward to many miles with this car.

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  My G35 Review - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Demeter128 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Im very pleased with everything that Inifinti has done to make the Coupe a both fun to drive and reliable car. I have loved Nissan and have owned three Maximas in the past 6 years. Infiniti has gone all out and made their version of the Z a more practical alternative for this sporty Mom.

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  Flash for < Cash - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By SpamBoy - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This is one heck of a car for the price. I love this car!

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  A real value - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By TJJr - November 18 - 10:00 am

  A great introduction to luxury vehicles; my previous car was a Maxima. In comparison to the other vehicles the G35 is compared to, its a great buy. I have actually had this car since August 2002. It doesnt have the stigma of other more expensive cars, so I can drive it without the petty jealously of others.