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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  Buy, buy, buy - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Dustinson - August 4 - 9:26 am

  Ive researched a lot of cars and found this to be the best bang for my buck. It is a true sports car, yet a gentlemans car as well. Highway driving is very comfortable. It handles extremely well in autoCross races also, easily beating cars such as the Porche Boxter. My only regret is not buying sooner.

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  From Lexus SC 430 to this - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Jessica - August 2 - 7:43 pm

  I had purchased a Lexus SC 430 in 2002 and I only had to date (8.26.06) 32,000 miles but I was needed more room in a vehicle and leaving in Florida we have alot of rain and the traction wasnt stable enough to go over 80 on the hwy. I get a new car every so often but I loves this convertible, hence I kept it so long. I went car shopping today and drove a Lexus Es 300, Acura TL and others. I was upside down on my car and dealer gave me the best deal. I bought the G 35 Sedan Premium package and I love it! What a sturdy ride and turns great while driving fast. I am so in love with this car, not just for the money, but quality and resilience. This is a definite awesome buy!

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  The "Gee" Baby - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Jermaine Knowles - August 2 - 2:33 pm

  Traded my 04 Expedition for a G35 and boy.the car is great. Excellent power, handling, and look. I love the car. Ive put 1100 miles on it and it is a blessing to drive.

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  Poor Mans Porche 911 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Dancing Boy - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Had a Carrera 911 - too expensive to maintain - Looked at the MBZ but a dealer friend said theyve been cost cutting to compete with BMW so they took away things like good brakes! Drove the G35 with nav, bought it on the spot. Had to pay full whack tho. Only drawbacks: Doors dont auto lock when you drive and no seat memory (a real bummer at the car wash) - The engine is awesome and drives fast. Handles very well at 1/2 a Porsche price. Im happy.

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  Infiniti G35X - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By JOHN H. MILLER - August 1 - 5:06 pm

  Overall a great value, I was comparing this car to my other option purchase vehicles: BMW 5 series,Cadillac CTX, Mercedes E-class, Audi A6. The number of standard features including, horsepower, trunk space and the options: AWD, sunroof, GPS,leather, after crunching the numbers and a test drive it was not much of a contest

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  My Baby! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Michelle - July 30 - 2:26 am

  I bought this car the year it came out. I rarely do daily driving but I take many road trips. I love this car! Ive driven all across the country by myself and with 4 friends. Every time I get in this car for a road trip the passenger will hear "I love this car." The gas mileage could be better but its much better than an Audi or BMW 4-wheel drive. Honestly, no complaints. I love it. It took me 2 years to choose a car and now I know why. This car didnt exist! And the new version isnt as good... too much luxury, not enough sport.

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  Fantastic Car - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Mike Nor-Cal - July 28 - 11:06 pm

  G35-S, Wonderful auto, electronics, voice, nav, etc., take a little time to learn. Handles like a dream, stops on a dime with perfect control, superb power, impressive body lines and style. When you start adding on all the bells and whistles, nav, voice control, rear camera, great stereo, all HID lights and tracking headlights, radar cruise control, etc.Bottom line, the G price, style, dependablity is tops

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  Best Decision Ever - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By crushut07 - July 27 - 5:43 am

  I went through an exhausting research process to decide on a car. I read every review, and drove more cars than I can count. Eventually, I narrowed it down between the 08 Accord Coupe w/ Nav, Audi A4 3.2 Quattro, BMW 3 Series, and only had the G35 left to drive. After I drove the Infiniti, I realized there was no comparison. The power, handling, and comfort are incomparable, and the price is incredibly reasonable for such an awesome car. I have people compliment my car everywhere I go!

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  Spend a little more on a 3-series - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By outofca - July 26 - 11:36 pm

  Since I bought this car as a commute car only (also have an 03 M3) I decided to save a little money and get the G35 over a 330i. What a big mistake. The interior is a joke and the car rattles like an old Chevy. The handling is good but cant approach that of the 330i. I guess its a good car for the money but consider spending a little more and you get a far superior car in the 330i. I would not recommend the G35 to anyone.

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  new G35 coupe - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Rivet - July 25 - 5:36 pm

  Great handling, more than adequate power, and one of the most appealing styles out there. This one was purchased with every option except the overpriced navigation system. Not a single rattle, which is impressive here in western Pennsylvania.