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:

• 

  Great G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By dick4295 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my car for 3 months but it has preformed very well so far and I expect it to continue. I have had no problems to date. The only negative thing I can say is that the passenger seat back rattles in certain positions with no one sitting in it. The rattle can be eliminated by changing position. The mileage for a 1000 mile trip was 25.5 mpg with just 1500 miles on the odometer.

• 

  GREAT FOR COLLEGEAND JR EXECS - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By STMICHAEL - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED SPORT BENZ AND CORVETTES- 01 AND 03- THESE CARS ARE FOR THE MORE SOPHISTICATED AND HI LINE CAR ENTHUSIAST-THIS CAR IS SWEET-HOWEVER I CONSIDER IT A SPORTS CAR FOR BEGINNERS- GREAT FIRST DATE CAR-LOTS OF ATTENTION BUT IF YOUR EGO IS AS BIG AS MINE,THEN NOT ENOUGH.NOT GOOD FOR COUNTRY CLUB OR HIGH END IMPRESSIONS- EXCELLENT FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE -AS FAR AS CAR IS CONCERNED-HAS ENOUGH POWER FOR ITS SIZE-RADIO NEEDS WORK EVEN THE UPGRADE- SEATS NOT AS COMFORTABLE AS THEY SHOULD BE-LOOKS GREAT/SOUNDS GREAT-NEED MORE HIGH END TORQUE-NOT SO WONDERFUL IF ROAD GETS BUMPY-

• 

  Great Sport Sedan Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By swheeler007 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I did a lot of research b/f choosing the G35. I believe for the money and the class it is in, it is the best. The overall design of the car is very nice. The interior could have been done better. Really the only complaint I have w/ the interior is that it scratches easily, other than that I like it. The performance of the car is outstanding. I easily make 35mph curves at 60-70 and have done higher. It corners great. The engine itself seems good also. It seems to be running better now w/about 10000 miles on it. The miles per gallon have been slowly increasing also. Overall this is a great car that I enjoy immensely.

• 

  G35 - six month review - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By garyd - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I was getting to know my Lincoln Service Rep too well, so I started to look for a comfortable sedan with great reliability. I had 2 finalists in a Toyota Avalon and a G35. After one test drive, I fell in love with a leftover 03 Pearl White G35 sedan and decided that it would be a whole lot more fun at about the same price. The Toyota seemed like a car for an alte kake by comparison. At age 55 I decided that fun was a major criterion, even if I dont use it to its full potential. The performance was thrilling, the amenities were all inclusive, and its a great conversation piece as many, many people stop and ask me about it all very impressed with its looks.

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Tom In VA - October 25 - 10:43 pm

  The car is a lot of fun to drive. Hit the gas and the car moves. I love the sound of the engine as the RMPs climb. The technology is integrated very well. I have all the packages and it is going to take awhile to get up to speed on all the cars capabilities. The road feel is excellent, much better than the comparable Lexus. The back seat area could use more room but my teenage boys love riding in the car so much they dont mind the lack of foot space. This car replaced by Audi A6 and is much more fun to drive. I liked the all wheel drive of the Audi so much I go it on the G35 as well. Need to wait for some snow to see how it does.

• 

  What happens when you floor it?! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By A.J.sG35 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Since Im a bit paranoid about disobeying the rules regarding redlining the car before the "breaking- in" period has finished, Ive forced myself to settle with far greater speed than the BMW 325, Audi A4, and countless others. The interior acts as if it has grown around the driver. Also, the seat... its like an old baseball glove; it just fits.

• 

  Acura/BMW/MBenz Crusher - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Mad-Dawg - October 20 - 5:13 pm

  Take it from me, do not waste your valuable time (unless you absolutely must) with test driving the BMW, the Acura or the Benz. You will be instantly sold on the G35. I drove them all none of the others could even come close to the class-dominating performance, head-turning styling, amenities, and best overall value for your dollar. Ive had my G for 5 months now and have LOVED every second of it. I know you will too!!! This car is at its best when cruising long highway miles - just set the cruise and go.

• 

  I love my G-35sedan! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By DCC - October 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is a real hoot to drive. Power is instant, handling is superb, price is right for those of us who cant afford the bmws. Very roomy for a sports sedan. Brakes are a bit sensitive but ok once you get the feel for them. This car absolutely flies off the line. The growl of the engine brings a smile to my face. You cant go wrong with this car.

• 

  Dream car - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Bruce Lieurance - October 16 - 9:13 pm

  I test drove BMW, Lexus and other cars before buying the G35. For handling, feel, options, and pleasure, the G35 came out on top. For the price with all options, the G35 came out on top. A minor trade off is that the gas mileage is not as good as a BMW or a Lexus. For quality of workmanship, warranty and pure pleasure to drive, I do not think that any other car can compete with the G35 for the same price. It is a true sports car disguised as a family car. It does take a while to learn how to operate the technology, but I find that to be a welcome challenge that keeps me from getting bored on long drives. The navigation system is very user friendly and accurate. This is the ultimate car

• 

  Infiniti G35x - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By DR - October 15 - 4:13 am

  This is a great car that is fun to drive. Does great in the snow. Great value.