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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  Good car but.............. - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Brian - June 30 - 4:03 am

  I drove all of the competition (BMW, Acura, etc) and to be completely honest, I would rather be driving a 3- series. However, there is no denying the fact that this car presents incredible value for the money. This car is literally 7 to 8 grand less than a comparable BMW. But some days I like it and others I dont. I have had the car for 3 to 4 months and there are squeaks and rattles creeping up which is simply unacceptable for a car like this. The car does have great features, exterior styling is very nice, and it is very comfortable. Gas mileage isnt great but I wouldnt really expect it with nearly 300hp.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Dave Christante - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, great design, and awesome power.

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  Great car at a great price - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By RichNY - June 30 - 2:00 am

  So far Ive been very happy with my G35x, which says a lot considering Im coming from a 1999 BMW 328i that I loved. The G35x is an almost perfect balance of luxury, performance, and safety. Its spacious, but not too big, its powerful and handles VERY well, it rides beautifully, and it comes with AWD and Infiniti reliability. My car has been trouble-free since driving it off the lot and I like it more every day. I find myself looking for opportunities to spend more time driving, and to me, thats the ultimate compliment for the car.

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  Newly Found Treasure - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By sky_mopper - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for 2 days, and the initial impression is nothing but spectacular. Safety is emphasized with features such as LATCH system, front, side, curtain airbags, TCS, VDC. The handling is precisely responsive with neglectible body roll; the engine has almost endless instantly available power; the interior is clean and roomy with well placed primary controls, a very effective A/C unit, and theater like audio system; the sleek exterior design is purposefully built; the ride is firm yet comfortable. Despites the absence of a few useful features, this newly found treasure serves its purposes extremely well.

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  Amazing Automobile - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Bob asd - June 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. A true definition of the "sport sedan." My friend recently bought a 3.30i and after a test drive of my G35 he wanted to switch.

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  05 G35 Sedan - Drive one! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By RICK - June 28 - 4:43 am

  My wife wanted a TL. Drove one, loved it. Then, she drove a G35. Its hard to beat a rear wheel drive when it comes to performance.

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  Poor brake life - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Rich Trupp - June 25 - 10:26 pm

  My brakes needed to be replaced at 12,500 miles and Infiniti would not stand behind their product even though prior years models had a similar problem and they extended the warranty to cover these owners. According to my dealer, Infiniti feels they have resolved this problem to their satisfaction. I will not lease or puchase another Infiniti ever again.

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  Craigs Blue Car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Craig - June 24 - 2:50 pm

  Ive had my Athens Blue 6MT coupe with aero kit for 3 months now and couldnt be happier. The performance is all you could expect with the 298 horses that just keep pushing the fairly small car wherever and however fast you want it. The ride is firm (you do feel the road) but not harsh. I bought the car, so I obviously like the styling. However, this is the first car Ive owned where other people comment on how much the like it. I think the rear spoiler and front dam really set it off. Also the 19" wheels on the sports coupe look great and show off the huge brakes. I got a very good price armed with my edmunds report. Would have had to spend thousands more to get the BMW I looked at.

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  2004 INFINITI G35 COUPE - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Jupiter FL. - June 23 - 12:46 pm

  this is my second G35-- the first was 2003 sedan -traded it for the new coupe -have had lexus GS300 great car but boring also own OVERPRICED 2005 Audi A4 3.0 cabriolet (please tell me why they designed a dash with a lighted panel that cant be seen with polarized sun glasses ???) I am very pleased with my G35 coupe will recommend this car to anyone who likes to drive a car with excellent performance and fantastic body styling.

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  Sik as ride - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By stg - June 21 - 4:06 pm

  I think that the new g356 is much better than leading competetior acura t. I like the increase in hp and torque.