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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  Overall Review in my Opinion - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Eddie W - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Ordered this car today (aka Japans Nissan Skyline 350GT). Quite impressed with the test drive for its performance. Those of you have hard time deciding this car and the 3-Series should considered this. Same class, cheaper with more powerful engine and you can fully equiped this car for a 4000-6000 less compairing to the 3 Series.

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  g35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By duncanidaho - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Best car of its class

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  Great Value for the Money - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Maxheadroom - August 31 - 10:00 am

  After years of driving BMWs and Audis, the G35 is a refreshing change of pace. The product is priced right and the dealer actually seems to understand the term "customer service". I traded in a 330ci (needed a back seat) for the G35, and what the Infiniti lacks (slightly!) in road handling prowess, it makes up with the monster engine and the nearly $10k price difference.

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  No regrets - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By LSterling - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 01 BWM 330 for the G35 after having to take the BMW to the dealership quarterly for various problems. The interior of the G35 is somewhat cheap. Additionally, I had an interior rattle on delivery that took three trips to the dealership for service to settle. The exterior of the G35 coupe is beautiful. I have had multiple compliments on the car (silver w/18" wheels)at the gas station, grocery store, etc. I must admit I loved my BWM but was disappointed with it...in fact...the G35 came out the year I bought the BMW...but I wanted to wait until the bugs were worked out the system. So far...wish I had bought the G35 in the first place!

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  LOVE my G35 Coupe - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By terlis1221 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The Infiniti Coupe is awesome to drive! I love the dual auto/shift option and the 0-60 take off. WOW. The car gets lots of looks, mine is silver with dark gray interior, beautiful!! Fun to drive and comfortable to sit back in.

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  Cardiomans Response - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Joel Davidson - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. I especiallly like the way it turns and accelerates coming out of a turn. Really gives you an exhilirating feeling. The 5-sp. automatic gives the feel of a manual when youre in the shift mode, instead of just keeping it in drive. You can feel and hear the power of this car--it growls without being a muscle car. Instead, youve got a big, strong beast just waiting to be unleashed when youre ready. I love the looks of this car--reminds me of the Audi TT but with more rear seat room. My wife loves the heated front seats and dual temperature controls.

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  Fast, agile, heavy, rickety - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Ed - July 18 - 2:23 pm

  Ive had the car for about 1 year+ and my impression is mixed at best. Coming from a BMW 328i, I was lured by the lower price and 298 HP in the 6MT. The power is excellent, and really there. The ride is a bit firm, but the handling is not up to BMW par. Car feels much less confident than the 3 series. Also lots of rattles in the interior point to a less than careful build. Where I normally got 22-23 MPG in my 5 speed BMW, I get 19-20 MPG in the 6 speed Infiniti.

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  Better overall than 335xi - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By piredon - July 17 - 12:10 am

  Test drove the 335xi as a benchmark. Its a great driving car, but the inputs are all touchy and the interior made me feel claustrophobic, and its pretty barren. G35 wasnt on the top of my list, simply because Ive never cared for Nissan products in the past. But I told myself to give it a try, and boy am I glad I did. This car has a far nicer interior than the Bimmer, more features for less money, and achieves 95% of the performance without a turbo. Handling is spot on, although steering could use some work. Ride is firm, but body motions are well controlled and bumps are noticeable rather than jarring. This thing wants to be driven hard. I just wish we had no speed limit.

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  ok, but should trade in for a TL - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By stan lee - July 15 - 2:00 am

  the dealer/service at serramonte is the worst. no one knows what is going on with your car. the car itself drives well, but the navi is extremely annoying to use, especially when you have to get somewhere quick. interior quality and non-intuitive controls need rethinking. the exterior and driving capabilities are the cars strongpoints.

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  Hard to Resist - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Terry - June 29 - 7:30 pm

  We test drove a lexus IS 250, 2009 Maxima and the Infiniti G35 with AWD. Could not believe the feeling you get from driving this car. While gas mileage is subpar, my feeling is that I did not buy this car with the gas mileage as the primary concern. Love the Nav system, AWD, as we live in the Northeast and the looks I get when I pull into a parking space. Highway driving is fun as the car has a tight feel to it and is very responsive. By far the best car and value in its class.