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:
Showing 1771 through 1780 of 2,391.00-
Dream Machine - 2007 Infiniti G35
By Horace Becknell - June 6 - 2:33 pmI did tons of research on competing cars from BMW, Lexus, etc. None matched the G35 for looks, reliability, and quality for the price. The car is a blast to drive and very comfortable on long trips. Edmunds Consumers and Editors favorite coupe says it all. Granted, gas mileage suffers, but the power of the engine is stunning - when you punch it, hang on, and I mean, hang on tight. One more thing - it gets lots of attention. Want to get noticed? Buy this car!
-
A great car - hopefully getting better - 2003 Infiniti G35
By DonR - June 5 - 10:00 amIve had my G35 for about 14 months now and I would have to say that Im generally happy with the car. Ive had no problems at all and Ive been very satisfied with the dealship so far. I would recommend this car to anyone! However, the paint is suspect! I have a number of chips on the hood that have never shown up on another vehicle that Ive owned. I suspect the car will have to be repainted within 3 years.
-
Pretty Good - 2003 Infiniti G35
By g35owner03 - June 5 - 10:00 amI had it for a month now, and the driver seat is making a sequicky noise, what a shame! I owned a Dodge before, for about 4 years, and never had to take it to the service even once for warranty problem, except for a light bulb. I have expected a much better reliability for a 33K car, well I guess stuff happens. On the other hand engine is superb, 6MT is really good, but the shifter is rattling all over the place. Interior quality is OK, not as good as Audi or BMW, but the leather quality is much better. If 330, or A4 6cyl was not so expensive I would have chosen BMW or the Audi.
-
Holy cow! - 2005 Infiniti G35
By G - Maniac - June 2 - 4:40 amI Just purchased a new G 35 with the premium and sport packages and it does not disappoint. This car is everything magazines have been raving about and MORE! It is now clear why BMW needs to revamp its 3 series to remain competitive in this market segment. If you are looking for a a luxury sports car that moves like you would not believe, looks great, and will not break the bank, then the G35 (NOT THE 330) is what you should buy. As far as I am concerned, this is the new benchmark in this car segment. Time for BMW to move over!
-
Plenty of Bang for the Buck - 2008 Infiniti G35
By 2nd Car - June 1 - 4:43 amIf you get this car I highly recommend the Premium Package. It includes the completely integrated iPod hookup (Lexus does not), a sunroof, upgraded stereo, and more comfortable seats with the seat assist feature. My first car was a Camry so the 306 hp performance is a definite upgrade. I love being able to pass and merge at will. MPG has been 20 mpg so far vs 30+ with my 4 cyl Camry. This is not a full size car so if you are going to have frequent backseat guests you might consider something larger. A few of my friends have BMWs but they were very impressed with the look and performance of this car. For the money I dont think it can be beat.
-
ESTEBAN - 2003 Infiniti G35
By ESTEBAN LOYA - May 31 - 10:00 amBEST CAR IVE DRIVEN IN MY LIFE TIME AND I SELL CARS FOR THE LAST 3YEARS
-
Great Experience So Far - 2006 Infiniti G35
By Dave - May 28 - 4:56 amAmazing drive, terrific exterior (love the curves). I am very happy with my purchase. A little low on gas mileage but its probably because its more solid, larger and safer than others
-
Really Pleased - 2006 Infiniti G35
By Philip - May 26 - 4:46 pmThis is my first luxury car. While I feel that the car may be less luxurious than its pricier competitors, for the price I am completely satisfied. It is a lot of fun to drive and the car looks great.
-
Infiniti G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
By greasy - May 22 - 2:00 amIncredibly fun to drive, outstanding engine and transmission. Short turning radius makes it agile and quick in town.
-
Great Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
By BillP - May 22 - 2:00 amHad this car going on 5 years and 100k miles. I have replaced the brakes and tires more often than a normal car but based on performance and how I drive, it is understood. The engine and transmission are bulletproof. A blast to drive. Better performance dollar for dollar than a BMW (owned an X5 and 330i) but you do sacrifice refinement and fit and finish.