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 ever - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By cybercodge - October 14 - 8:16 pm

  Best ever auto Ive ever owned, and I have owned many. The blending of performance and luxury at slightly over 30k cant be touched by any other vehicle on the road today.

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  Great Car - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By pheonix5 - October 13 - 9:16 pm

  I have had this car 7 months and it has been a great car. It is very comfortable and can boost a persons driving confidence with its stability program. It has a lot of great things like its amazing looks and comfortable seating. warning the trunk is EXTREMLY small in the coupe (one suit bag and a couple of small bags. It has a large gas tank in that my average fill is usually 57 to 64 liters.

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  Best Buy for the Money - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Big A - October 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive. From the extremely responsive engine to the excellent handling you really feel like you are in control. Audio system is good and sterring wheel controls helpful.

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  Lovinall260horses - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Heather510AZ - October 12 - 10:00 am

  WOW!! I absolutely love this car!!! Now I did go from an Explorer to this little speed racer, but man oh man can she go!!! There isnt one thing I have found about this car that I dont like, of course I did only buy it 3 days ago. Still, I was researching this and the 325i, but there really is no comparison, this is a winner hands down!!!

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  Sports Car with Luxury!!!!!! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Tim - October 8 - 2:53 am

  I first test drove the BMW 328XI and was impressed with its driving, handling, and exterior appearance. However, the interior of the vehicle was a disappointment. For a vehicle well over 40 grand the interior should be eye catching as well. Later that day I test drove the 07 Infiniti G35x which to me handled just as well as the BMW. The exterior of the Infiniti is just as impressive as the interior. I purchased it fully loaded for just over 40k. I got it in black with beige leather which I receive compliments all the time. BMW should take a lessons from Infiniti on interior. There is no comparison between the two. The 3.5L V6 (306 hp), blows BMW(230hp) away. BMW is in my rear view mirror.

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  Great car. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By BMTJD - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Excellent alternative to the 528 I owned. This car is quicker, handles as well, and unlike the BMW, reliable. Not as smooth as my wifes G300 Lexus, it will perform rings around it.

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  Little Speed Demon - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Terry M - October 5 - 6:46 pm

  Great Car! Traded in my 04 Tahoe for this car. This is my 3rd sports car. Not as fast as my corvette, but its creature comforts are head and shoulders above the vette. A real head turner. The brakes are touchy, but you get used to them. Mine has the handling package. A little rough....its expected. Better gas mileage than my tahoe.

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  Not too good in the rain - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By george - October 3 - 7:06 am

  Just having sold my G35 sport finds me missing this car, not at all. I truly believed this was a fantastic built and designed sports sedan. Having downscaled due to $ concerns, I dont really miss it especially when it rains, for (2) reasons. The HP is enormous and fast acceleration on a rain slick surface spins you out and secondly, after you park in your garage, notice all the water falling from the wheel well and gathering around each wheel. If you have a flat surfaced garage, expect to mop up 8 towels worth of water off the floor. Apparently, the trim panels collect the road splash and slow drip when parked. Add to that a look-alike Nissan styling for $10k less.

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  Super - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By k4 - October 2 - 1:46 pm

  This car is a blast to drive and great as a daily commuter as well. Have logged 27K miles and not a single problem thus far. The reliability has been a huge factor. Plenty of room to schlep one or two of the kids around town when needed. Highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Good Power, Bad MPG - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By MLS - October 2 - 7:30 am

  I love the G35x w/ the 306HP its great, however the MPG hasnt been over 20 MPG since I got it. Infiniti advertised 19/26 its more like 13/18 and thats not good.