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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  My silver bullet - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Edward Hwang - July 6 - 12:40 pm

  From the moment I took delivery of the G35x, Ive been quite a happy camper. There are a slew of conveniences that the car brings, such as keyless entry, memory seat settings, MP3 playback, reclining rear seats, and so much more. I am especially looking forward to its AWD capabilities once the Vermont winter creeps in. There is a great feeling when I drive through busy street intersections, and people stop what theyre doing to take notice of this fine car. You get so much car for your money.

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  G35 COUPE - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35FAN - July 6 - 2:00 am

  great car and fun to drive. Seats are extremely comfortable and the exhaust sounds awesome. IMPROVEMENTS- the low fuel light comes on with about 3 gallons left in the tank and you can not seem to fill the tank because it cuts off the pump early (fuel economy 19-21 MPG could be better) The tires are not very good with the 17 wheels. I would recommend some MICH PILOT SPORTS. Also, the darn passenger seatbelt is constantly banging into the B pillar when no one is in the seat causing an annoying rattle. AND-when shifting the automatic manually from first to second there is an annoying delay/hestitation.

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  All-Around Great Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Its a great car - July 6 - 2:00 am

  It has been a pleasure to own. No problems. Although the front wheels are constantly in need of cleaning due excessive brake dust.

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  "G-Coupe Not Your Fathers Z" - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By acbeech - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Aside from some first-year rattles, this car has been fabulous. Most fun to drive car Ive ever had. An exceptional value for all this sportiness, luxury, and head-turning appeal. Infiniti service has been great.

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  Best Sports Sedan ever driven - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By millionaire - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car about 2 weeks ago and I have never had so much fun in my life. The car handles like a BMW or Porsche and I didnt even get the sport package. The acceleration and torque on this car is massive and the braking is excellent. I got the Navigation System and it is one of the coolest gadgets I have ever seen. I recommend this car to anyone.

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  Great Sport/Lux Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By dareeka - July 4 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased our black on black G35 and love it. We test drove the Audi A4(cheap interior), the Volvo S60(cheap interior and the engine sounded like a chainsaw), the Lexus ES(very good car, but it looks just like a Camry), the Lexus IS(small and looks like it came out of the movie The Fast and The Furious) and the Lincoln LS(good car but it was rough riding and it sat low,it was hard to get in and out of), and none of them had the horsepower. The G35 had the best of both (Sport and Luxury).

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  G35 is the best!!!!!!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35 Lover - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Have been buying new cars since 1949 and have never had a car that has excited me so much. Mine is a beautiful garnet red which is close to a candy apple, gets many compliments!!Has the luxury package, xenon lights and the wonderful navigation unit which is such fun to use. This car goes like a rocket and has beautiful handling. A friend just bought a new $60,000. Corvette convertable and as nice as it is I would rather have Gi Gi as we call her. Paul Near San Diego

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  Look out BMW! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By CharlieCat - July 4 - 2:00 am

  There are two 3-series BMWs in my family. I like my G35 better. The G35 is a HOT car thats FUN to drive. 260 HP and lots of pick up. Among other things, you get 90 more HP than the A4 1.8T, and 76 more than the BMW 325i. AND it costs less too. I upgraded my G20 to the G35. It took no time to fall in love. You get all of the reliability of a Japanese car, combined with the performance of the German competitors (and none of the time-or cost-in the shop). And it costs less with options. Zippy around town and fun on the highway, its got power to spare to merge, pass, and have some fun on a windy road or a long drive. Try it before you buy an A4 or a BMW...youll be surprised.

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  Best Entry-Level Sedan For The Money - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By 008 - July 3 - 10:26 am

  Leased a 07 G35 Auto Journey w/sunroof & wheels/tires package. Great car for the $$. Fun, classy & just enough room for us & our 2 yr. old... Didnt want to pay for Premium package since I didnt care for fancy Bose, homelink, MP3 player, memory seats + steering & mirrors, auto-lumber support, dimming mirror or bluetooth. But wished it had heated seats, so I opted for the stand alone sunroof + wheels/tires since the G35 Sports rode a little harsh & Journey more suited for us w/the toddler. This car is very very fast (I came from a Subaru Forester XT which was a total sleeper) and wants to go all the time. Handles extremely well and interior is comfy.

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  happy camper - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By himaintang - July 3 - 2:53 am

  We have had this vehicle for a little over a month now and thoroughly enjoy it. Powerful, quick, fun to drive, a joy to be seen in. The Discover Infiniti dealership in San Diego was fantastic to work with - we drove away with a peace of mind which allowed us to immediately enjoy our purchase. We have owned several sports cars in the past and feel for the money this is the best move we have made. We knew we had a winner when we pulled into our driveway and our friendly neighbor called us bastards with a smile on his face.