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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  G35 - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By pajayhawk - July 25 - 12:36 am

  I love this car. Interior features and layout provide lots of perks: storage I didnt know I needed, plug-ins for phone charging and satelite radio, logical and appropriate settings for controls. Speed and handling are a real plus. Pep and acceleration whenever it is needed. Handles better than the RX8 and BMW 3 series. Provides simultaneous sporty and luxurious ride.

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  Great Ride - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Clark - July 23 - 12:43 am

  This car will make you feel young. Great engine, and handling. Nice purr from exhaust. FUN to drive, comfortable, great sound system. Interior trim is perfect for a sports sedan. Large enough for 5 adults on short drives great for 4 adults on longer trips.

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  Its a great car! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Mike_M - July 17 - 6:33 pm

  I researched cars for a long time. I did own a Passat, and it was fine, but I was tired of the Euro quirks and expensive repairs. I wanted an all-wheel drive car with good technological features, as well as something that I could DRIVE. I looked at another Passat, but the V6 4-Motion was as much as this car. Easy decision there. This has been a great car so far. Love the acceleration and the handling. The interior is first rate. When compared to the BMW 3**xi, or the A4, it hands down the best value. More horsepower, more features, less money.

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  Outstanding Machine - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Joseph Colabello - July 17 - 1:26 am

  This car is incredible, it doesnt have V8 power however it is very quick out of the hole and is really fast for a V6. If it only had more horsepower it would be scary and even more fun! The VDC on this vehicle is something I honestly feel should be mandatory to have on every vehicle built! I have driven this vehicle in the snow and it just will not lose control with the VDC on! You dont hear enough about the safety of this car.

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  AIR BAG ISSUES-EXPENSIVE to REPAIR - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By alexa321 - July 13 - 7:59 am

  I have a 2006 Infiniti G35 that has 53k miles on it. All services have been performed though not through the dealer. My supplemental airbag light came on at just under 53k miles.The dealership quoted $2700.00 to repair. I almost fainted! Come to find out that ONLY the dealership can fix this as they do not sell the parts. RIP OFF! The car has never been in an accident and air bag has never deployed. Shame on Infiniti!

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  Great Car Great Price - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By nepats555 - July 12 - 11:36 am

  I looked at Audi, Lexus, no comparison when you factor in everything.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By tallone777 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Never wanted a manual transmission before but this car is so fun to drive it makes you want to shift too! Very comfortable and useful sports car. Two sets of golf clubs plus some small luggage. Rear seats are useful if you are 59" or shorter or have a short torso. Dealer experience is unlike any I have ever had hands down the BEST! 0 to 30 could be faster, but 30 to 80 it is a screamer.........awesome!

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  2003 MT Car of the year - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By tk11 - July 10 - 10:30 pm

  Test drove this car looking for an Acura TL. Was instantly impressed with the G over the TL. This car is very fun to drive. It is smooth around town but can really go when you want it to. Feels like a V8. Only issues are they eat up tires and brakes too quick. Definitely get the Bose system if you have the choice. Overall a great car for the money.

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  G35 at BMWs Heels - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By G35 Dallas - July 10 - 2:53 pm

  Not as refined of an engine/transmission nor as surgical in handling as a BMW 3 Series, but the new G35 sedan is the only Japanese sport sedan that comes pretty darn close. The sport level edges the gap even closer, which gives you rear wheel assisted turning. With superior integration of technology and a much improved interior from its predecessor it is difficult to find fault in this car. In comparison, the IS350 has a stuffier interior and a softer ride, much less sportier. The BMW 3 Series is much pricier and has questionable long term reliability. This car is the perfect median when it comes to Japanese value and reliability vs German performance and refinement.

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  Infiniti Booster - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By tomcass - July 9 - 7:00 am

  This is my second G35 (I had an03 coupe) Both cars have been absolutely trouble free. Even though Im 70, I still want to have fun going from A to B.and the Infiniti fills that need. I seriously considered the 330ix but the additional cost along with the fact that it seems to be the favorite car of a lot of yuppie executives gives me a certain amount of exclusivity.The only area of complaint that I have is the gas mileage, but I guess thats part of the price I pay for "having fun".