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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  Luxury hot rod - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By wine guy - September 2 - 12:46 am

  I just traded a 2006 accord ex v-6 for the G 35x. What a difference in ride, quality, and performance. The g is really fun to drive. The swell acceleration is awesome, smooth.. smooth... smooth.

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  Proud owner - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Gig - August 26 - 2:33 pm

  Ive owned my 2005 G35 sedan 6 speed manual since January 2005, currently have just over 11,500 miles on it. I have had no problems of any type. Car handles and performs as advertised, highway driving is a real pleasure - plenty of power and quite nimble for a sedan. Its the most comfortable car Ive ever owned, leather interior is great. Gas mileage could be better but with 298HP, Im satisfied. I would rate it a 9.0 and thats only because I dont believe in 10s; you have to leave room for some improvement. The trunk would be a bit small if you plan on hauling around a family of four of five though.

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  2006 G35x, fun to drive - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By rvanderaa - August 26 - 2:31 am

  I bought my G35x with 68K miles on it in May of 2011. It is a fun car to drive and is extremely stable in rain and snow. My wife drove it on her vacation and hit a lot of rain. When she got back she did not want to give the car back to me. I had to have a tie rod replaced ($165) and scheduled maintenance required that fluid for the transmission, transfer case, and both differentials be replaced along with a radiator flush which cost me $650. Also the Bose CD changer died and I had to replace it with an aftermarket system ($400 which I installed myself). The aftermarket Pioneer actually sounds better. I will need to replace the Dunlop tires after 30K miles partially due to the AWD.

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  Can someone say Fun! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Wally Floyd - August 22 - 7:16 am

  Having the chance to wake up every morning and open the gargage door to see the beautiful sight of a metal machine. Not just any machine but one of the best coupes out there under 35k. The power, sound, and enjoyment of driving it makes the g35 the best coupe hands down. Being able to hit those corners with percise turns and the growl of the exhaust as it passes you is amazing. INfiniti ROcks!

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  BMW Beater - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Kirbyb - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Truly a thrill to drive. Terrific suspension and extraordinary engine. Very comfortable for 4 but not 5.

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  Problem w. center console - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By GN Cho - August 13 - 3:03 pm

  I am stuck with "luxury" car that I cant operate the temperature or have any music because the whole center console is OUT. No button works! Didnt know there was a recall but as with Mike A, even though 2003 model, for some horrible reason, my VIN number doesnt "qualify" which beats me!

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  Tossable 6MT! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By August Ong - August 12 - 2:20 pm

  Break-in miles finally past, now Im able to use the full RPM range and push handling limits! So far, flawless. The G35S feels light and nimble. Steering is very direct and engine flexibility (low rev pull) is great. Interior noise level is low, what I expect for a luxury sports sedan. Only quibble is a noisier than normal clutch, or just needs a bit more insulation. Stock RE050A tires grip very well, although wont last with that 140 treadwear. Interior materials seem durable and well designed. Comprehensive options nav, prem, tech, esp liked the superb drivers seat bolster adjustments. Fuel economy could improve though.

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  Exactly what I wanted and more - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By av125009 - August 6 - 10:45 pm

  Got this car to replace a totalled 02 bmw 325xi. Shopping for cars was a real disappointment, everything was either too underpowered or too expensive. Infinitis value blew me away; I test drove a 2008 g35 and bought it later that day. Sure, the Germans make a smoother ride, but the g35 is quicker. The 306HP V6 is a blast to drive and its interior is feature rich and well designed. The nav system is very intuitive and well designed, especially the steering wheel controls. Rear wheel drive gives it a great sporty feel but is useless in the snow without proper tires. The gas mileage is terrible, I get about 13 mpg in the city. oh well, its worth it.

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  G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By giglio - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Excellent combination of handling, power and comfort. Rivals the BMW at thousands less.

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  seats AWFUL! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By tt35 - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I test drove this car. It was last on my list to try and the one I most wanted to like. Performance is outstanding, powerful. Almost everything about this car is perfect for me, ALMOST. The decision to put the power seat buttons on the actual seat has is the worst design ever in power seats. The seat control buttons and the casing will dig into your thigh if you are a larger person. Awful. I will have to pass on a wonderful car because the buttons dig into my right thigh and caused pain during the test drive. It IS a great car and too bad it has poorly designed seat controls.