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 review - 2004 Infiniti G35
By sedented - June 19 - 10:00 amI recieved a G35 as a loaner car last summer and it was a blast to drive. I have driven the acura TL, TSX and recent Bimmers, but none compare to the G35.
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Radio Off Windows Open - 2004 Infiniti G35
By goldenears - June 19 - 10:00 amThis car has one good feature, acceleration. Suspension has you bouncing off the ceiling, the brakes off the front window, the steering is touchy and you sway back and forth. Fun to drive but rotten to be a passenger.
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Fun Behind the Wheel Again - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Fun is back - June 17 - 2:00 amThe G35 hit the mark with its interior and exterior design. The engine and transmission truly performs and brings the fun back into mundane trips around town. Acceleration is very strong. Steering gives good feedback of road conditions. Performs effortlessly. The only negative I could find was the right edge of the drivers seat wasnt cushioned well enough due to seat controls located there. To be fair though, Im 6 235lbs so I take up more space in the seat than most people.
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Simply Outstanding - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Suds - June 17 - 2:00 amLuxury and performance rolled into one... what a great driving vehicle. Constantly stopped in parking lots and asked about what car it is ... real head turner.
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Bang for the buck - 2007 Infiniti G35
By james - June 16 - 10:13 pmThis car is beautiful to look at but not beautiful to drive! Overall it is a fun car with very high performance limits. However it has a slightly unsophisticated feel to it - in the clutch and suspension feel and the acceleration is not linear. The brakes are awesome. The rear axle tends to hop with wheel spin which is a letdown. If you dont spin the tires acceleration is top notch. Anything above 8/10s level the car feels flawless. It is in normal day to day driving, particularly the daily work slog, that it can be tedious to drive. Again, for the money this car in pretty much in its own league. Just be prepared for a rough around the edges experience.
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Great car at 140,000! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By BKT - June 13 - 4:40 pmPurchased my one owner 2003, silver on black, 6-speed, with sport suspension in December 08. Flew to Ohio to check it out and was sold. Had 113,000 when purchased and now 138,000 1 1/2 years later. Only maintenance performed are oil changes/brakes,rotors,tires. Most needed replacing when purchased for 8,300 and valued around 10,500 at the time. The acceleration is much stronger than my mothers 03 Acura TL. Also the RWD makes for better handling in dry conditions, and in rain is not bad compared to the Acura. Dont bother taking out in snow. The clutch is original and still feels sporty as if it were new. However, when it rains the moisture causes the clutch to make unpleasant squeeks.
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Check your paint/Poor Client Experience - 2007 Infiniti G35
By sfarris7 - June 11 - 3:30 pmThe good: Drives awesome and the stereo rocks. Very comfortable seats and well put together. The bad: 6 days after taking delivery discovered a paint flaw in three doors (looks like someone ran their fingers under the clear coat and left a "wax residue" the size of a hand). Manufacturer acknowledges it was a factory defect but is only willing to re-paint all doors, plus part of the front and rear quarter will need to be repainted. BBB says I have no case under Lemon Laws. The car is silver which is a difficult color to match. The manufacturer may be following the law by only offering to re-paint but is it really fair to force a client to accept a repainted new car? In my opinion no.
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Ive been waiting for this......... - 2003 Infiniti G35
By B00MERS00NER70 - June 11 - 2:00 amI just picked up my 2003 Infiniti G35 Sedan, and I love it. Ive been waiting for the dealerships to relax a little on the cost. In fact, I had to drive about 200 miles to save myself about $1500. This thing is LOADED!! Every option in the book. Black on black, and SWEET. Much more pick-up than my 2000 Chrysler 300M, which I gladly will be turning in on a lease in about a month. I know Ive only had my new baby for about six hours, but Im looking forward to many, many hours of zipping in and out of traffic, and probably many speeding tickets. Well worth it.....for now!
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Performance+Reliabillty/Cost=Value - 2003 Infiniti G35
By WazDatCar - June 11 - 2:00 amFor about the same price as a stodgy Acura 3.2CL Type S you could own the least expensive supercar ever. 280 HP/270 ft/lb. of torque across the entire RPM band and you got your self a compressed bladder yearning to relieve itself. For you neophites out there DONT DEFEAT THE TRACTION CONTROL, YOU WILL BUY THE FARM!!!
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BMWs nighmare has arrived - 2006 Infiniti G35
By Wayne Wright - June 9 - 5:43 amWhen I was 2 months shy of turning my leased BMW I didnt even think about looking elsewhere, since it was my 3rd 3-series in a row and I loved it. However, the neighboor of mine had just purchased the G35 asked if Id like to test drive a real muscle car... Yeah, right ??? Boy, was I surprised to admit it seemed at least twice as powerful as my BMW was. Well, I figured the all new 330 will prove me wrong. Unfortunately, it didnt :((( Not to mentioned the not-so-good- looking shape lots of folks are complaining about this time around. As before handled corners well, but didnt come even close to the overall performance of the G35. Hate to admit by my loyaltys been stolen by Infinity !!!
