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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  For the money you cant beat this car - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Puckfel - May 9 - 5:16 am

  4k miles, 5 mos. if you need 4 seats, fun and dont have $50k, this is a great car. I have sp pkg, 6 sp M, RAS, 19" wh, nav. couldnt find exactly what I wanted, so I searched, bought 600 miles away and drove home on the blue ridge pkwy. Awesome!!! To me: ride is great, tire noise is HORRENDOUS on cement. I have to get better tires this month. Handling with rear active steering beats out cars over $150k. A pro F driver and I have tracked this 2x and left people in Fs and track people mesmerized, probably at or possibly sub 5.3 secs 0-60. Beats out B 335, and I beat out B pro driver in handling. Imagine what good tires would mean.

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  Not a comfortable ride. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By chris19890101 - May 5 - 6:23 pm

  Everything is good about the car except for the plastic interior, hard suspension, and uncomfortable seats.

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  Great Car !!! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Steve - May 5 - 1:50 am

  I have had Lexus, MB & BMW sports cars in the last 8 years. Forget about price, but this car blows them all away by far. Handling, quickness & styling for under $40K, WHAT A STEAL. I will buy another one when I wear this one out, which I should in about 10 years !!!

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  G-35 Rocks......... - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Mark - May 4 - 7:43 pm

  I bought my G-35 on looks alone, but this car is all that and much more........

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  Replaced my Bimmers - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By GTF - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Last cars have been 325i, M3, and 328Ci. The competition is catching up at lower prices. The G35 seems to handle as well, is faster, quieter at speed. Still not the reputation of BMW, and probably not the resale, but expect better reliability. Its the closest that I have found at $9000 savings ($32.2 w/$34.1 msrp, vs.$41 for the new 330Ci).

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  WOW! Perfomance with Value - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By JNM - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The G35 is a drivers car. The engine Purrs when the car is on and encourages you to accelarate. The car is loaded with safety features. Its an adventure to drive and priced fairly for all that it offers. Ive owned the G35 for over 5 months and I still get a big smile when I start my 1 hour daily commute.

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  Beemer beater with only minor complaints - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Laurence A. - April 29 - 10:00 am

  My parents bought this car about 4 days ago and replaced our 2000 Volvo S80. Its a great car thats fun to drive and great excelleration. We got it with the Winter Package and Primuim package and the wood trim pacage which looks so much more classy than that cheep plastic looking "metal". The car is tight and fast!! The seats are firm and only complaint about them is that the automatic controlls are located on top of the cushion and cause some discomfort.The seat is no where near as comfortable as our S80 but its overlooked when your flying past BMWs on the highway.

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  Enjoy it but hate the brakes - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By CarBuff - April 20 - 1:20 pm

  G35x fully loaded w/ 22.5k miles. Overall Im very happy with my 07 G35x. However after 7k miles and again at 12k miles the rotors warped and had to be resurfaced. At 21k rear brakes were replaced. This is unacceptable for a car that has such low miles. Also the sunroof had to be completely replaced after it froze-up for no reason. The service experience has been average, greasy finger prints on headliner after being returned from sunroof install, broken license plate frame and other annoyances. On the up side the G is fun to drive and I like all bells and whistles. Cant complain about the pricing either. All that said, I would buy another Infiniti.

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  One of the best car i drove. - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Rashed - April 11 - 2:03 am

  One of the nicest and fun to drive car i drove in my whole life. I cant describe my feelings, the interior is awesome the dashboard the seats every thing every thing in this beauty is wonderful. by by Lexus. it is time to welcome the king of luxury from Japan (Infiniti).

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  In a class of its own - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By parrald - April 10 - 2:00 am

  There is simply no other car on the market that offers all that the G35 does for the same price. If this car had a German nameplate, it would be priced $10K higher than it is. Lexus and Mercedes may be a bit more luxurious, but no other car anywhere near this price range combines sportiness, luxury, and utility as well as this car does. By the way, to truly appreciate this car, the 6 speed manual transmission is a must.