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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  Paint issues - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Dale Bilthouse - October 1 - 8:06 pm

  As soon as I started driving this car I noticed chip marks on the front end. As I continued to drive there were more chip marks. The car is red with a white primer so the chips are very noticeable. I contacted the dealer who stated that because the nose of the car is very low to the ground it will pick up lots of road debris. I have owned many cars previous to this one and have never experienced this much damage is such a short period of time. With less than 10K on the car there are over 26 chips on the front end-some very noticeable. Its almost like the paint flecks off.

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  Great car - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Dave - September 30 - 6:43 pm

  Love the car. Great performance and handling. With the weather in OR I got the X model and am very happy with it. I drove all the rest and the G was the best car. This is my 3rd Infiniti and I have been spoiled by them. I had a problem a couple of weeks ago, the car overheated. Long story short, the dealer replaced the radiator and the air cond. pump in one day. No charge of course.

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  silver G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By t7823 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Looked at BMW, Lexus, Sab, and Benz. None could hold a candle to the G. Its quick, good looking, and a great value for the dollar when comparing to the other cars. Ive had the car for 6 months and have not had any sort of problem. Always had an American car but couldnt go back after driving the Infinity. Since then turned some friend on to the G from cars like Audi. My parents always had a Caddy but this time they went Infinity (Q45). Try one youll like it

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  Best Purchase of my life - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Jay007 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  WOW! This is a fun vehicle. Handles like it is on rails. I drive very aggressively and there is a VDC- (vehicle dynamic control) that can help you out if the computer senses that there is a traction problem and adjusts accordingly. You can also turn this off with a touch of a button. Great for long trips as the front seating is very comfortable and has great ergonomics. Drove 8 hours with girlfriend and neither of us had that "I need to get out this car" feeling.

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  poor gas milage - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By pisciotta - September 24 - 11:30 pm

  car is great in every way, just really really bad on gas

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  You see this big smile on my face. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Locksley Haynes - September 24 - 2:00 am

  in one word wow.............

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  2005 G35 Coupe (A) - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Chris - September 20 - 9:30 pm

  I traded my 2002 325i BMW in for a 2005 G35 coupe. The BMW is a great car, but I found it getting boring and kind of stodgy feeling. The G35 offers a sleek, modern style and wiht tons of power. I must say power is very addictive, coupled with great handling makes it fun to drive. It takes turns with much less body roll as compared to the Beemer with the sports package. The G35 is not as light or tossable as the 325i, so it takes a little of the fun away. I find the rear to slide out at times. I dont know if its the design or inadequate Dynamic control system. I like the Bose stereo, no problems and it sounds great. The seat belt is annoying as stated, but one gets used to it.

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  Big Bang For The Buck - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Jerr Harp - September 20 - 6:53 am

  Ive had the car for three months now and so far so good.Great engine,great trans,handles awesome.I got the 19 inch wheel package which is great in dry weather so so in wet weather park it in the snow.The seats really hug the driver but can be a litte uncomfortable at times.I was suprised at how functional the trunk and back seats are for a coupe.The back seats fit two average size adults fairly comfortably and the trunk holds two suitcases.The one downside is at the pumps but you kind of know that going in.

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  Excellent... I love it! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35Driver - September 19 - 10:00 am

  This has been an amazing, fun sedan to drive. I highly recommend this car. I have had no reliability issues, Infinitis service has been top-notch and the balance between performance and luxury is perfect. This car is also priced great because I feel as Im getting a BMW 330 with the space of a 5-series for much less than the price of both.

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  Sweet Ride - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By turbo1 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car! Lots of Torque. Fantastic Bose sound system. Nice short throw shifter. Sport package a must have -Brembos stop on a dime. Winter tires a must for driving in anything over 2 inches of snow. Corners with little roll...and the looks you get!