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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  Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - Real bargain - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By JamesHH - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Many reviewers have called the G35s simple, conservative lines boring. This Clark Kent / Superman dual personality has infinite appeal to me. The G35 has clean, classic European teutonic lines with Japanese utilitarian overtones. Its appearance carries simple, understated elegance among the crowd of cars of its class. But more important is the wolf in sheeps clothing that appears when its driven. This car is just plain fun to drive, responding quickly to every demand with appropriate handling reflexes and accelerator responsive steering. It clearly outaccelerates almost every car in its class and returns to zero with alacrity.

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  my review - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By joshbaeza - November 12 - 2:00 am

  inpecable performance,best low end torque freeway capabale and thensome,will win a GT ford mustang anytime, in my book one of the best coupes and best buy , im a proud owner...

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  2005 Infinity G35 Sedan - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Dean - November 10 - 5:30 pm

  The G35 has great styling, excellent build quality and stunning performance. I am very pleased to have purchased this vehicle nearly two years after the fact. Compared to the equivalent cars made by Lexus and Acura it remains a real bargain. The only temptation to trade my 2005 G35 would be to buy the 2007 G35 Sedan.

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  Simply Awesome - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35 Forever - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Lookout BMW, here comes Infiniti. This car is simply awesome. The Germans will have a very hard time justifying their absurd pricices going forward. The car drives like a dream, handles like it is on rails and comes with Infinti service -- a difficult combination to beat.

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  Twilight Blue,Sport Pkg, Aero Pkg - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By JDub - November 10 - 10:00 am

  "Its a G35" is what Ive been spending the past weekend saying to people everywhere i go. I bought the G mainly for its performance...but since i picked it up, strangers have been constantly asking "what is that?" Ive never driven anything that attracted so much attention (a crowd gathered at work). I cant find anything wrong with the interiors look or materials, it not a bimmer inside but the seats a still high quality and extremely comfortable, and the gadgets are easy enough to manage. Ive already logged over 250miles over the weekend just driving around town...Drive it and you will see!

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  Guilty - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By tito - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I confess to a feeling of guilt now that I own this car, rather like "do I deserve an automobile this nice?" not to mention the excitement of pushing it. I intend to keep my shameful secret but you might recognize me by my grin. I almost want to keep this car a secret like a kid that wont share. It is a very fine CAR!

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  Great Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By ChrisC - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I spent 2 weeks shopping. I looked at offerings from BMW and Acura and after driving the G35, I bought it right away. My previous car was a WS6 Trans- Am so I felt right at home with the power of the G35.

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  Awesome value and Style for G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Neptungrll - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I just bought it and LOVE it. It just about outperforms everything I drove in my price range ($30,000 range. I drove used Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, (1998-2000 models)Toyota, Subaru, etc. This car kicks XXX! Very good value, quality, performance for the money.

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  G35 is awesome - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Rungo - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car 2 weeks ago and I cant stop driving it. It does exactly what you want it to do. Downshifting in basically any gear and punching it will allow you to accelerate like a mother. Overall a great value and feels like a car that would cost much more.

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  G35x - Great Ride - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By adelot - November 2 - 1:30 pm

  Simply put this car is a great ride. Whether its the performance of the powerful 260 HP V6 with AWD or the comforts of the Premium package and the Navigation system - this is an extremely fun car to drive!