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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  Was a z owner..Now The luxury is divine - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Sydney6150 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the 350 z and wanted a luxury car when the G35 appeared.I haven"t regretted a day since owning it.People just stare at the red and willow interior.Makes you feel like a movie star.Just love it

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  Not just another ride - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Mary Lynn - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The design of the G35, inside and out, is spectacular and best in Red. This car is a joy to drive, so responsive, and unlike the Z, its comfortable with all the creature comforts a girl could want. Its great looking and fun to drive.

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  GREAT CAR FOR THE MONEY!!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By STIRLING - May 18 - 2:00 am

  IT HAS BEEN BETTER THAN EXSPECTED IN ALL CATAGORIES.

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  2006 G35 6MT - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By dhineser - May 17 - 3:06 am

  Great transmission, very fast, good low end torque, excellent handling & brakes. Standard stereo is great. Decent fuel economy when driven conservatively. Lots of power when needed. Awesome exhaust note. Drove the Mazdaspeed 6 and Legacy Spec B - no comparison for overall driving experience. Dealership was kind of snobbish but worth it to get the car. Could not spin the 235 18s in the rain with "nanny" turned off because of limited slip rear only on 6MT - just goes! Going to buy 17" rims & snows when winter comes - small price to pay for rearwheel drive handling.

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  I LOVE this car! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Ana - May 14 - 7:30 pm

  I have the Infiniti G 35x, the Intelligent All Wheel Drive model, in pearl white. Actually, I was debating between the coupe and the AWD, but living in Chicago, winter weather can get bad. I am 110% satisfied with the model and my car. My car performs outstanding in all weather. I get compliments all of the time on my car. I swear, each time I leave the house, school, or grocery store, I smile as soon as I see my car. Each time I drive my car is like a new experience. I would highly recommend this car if you want indoor luxury, great performance, all for a reasonable price! I cannot wait until the 2007 G35 comes out, because I will definitely invest in another Infiniti!

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  From Z to G35 coupe - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Z to G35 man - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 350z in April of 2003. I drove the car for about 4 months before I started to kick myself for not test driving the G35 before making my purchase. Long story short and after much deliberating I decided to trade it in for a black, manual, G35 coupe. Aside from the money I lost, I couldnt have made a better decision. From the stereo system to the ride quality to the fit and finish everything is better in the G35 coupe. I admit they are different cars in a different class, but performance is very similar. Bottom line is I suggest checking out the G35 before buying the Z. It is a great car for the money. I canÂ’t help but compare the two because of my personal experience.

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  One very sweet car! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Kris in Austin - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Test drove a BMW 330Ci, G35 has far better styling and a Lexus IS300, not enough power and no 2 door option. My G35 is by far the best car I have ever owned. Great performance, handling, eye catching styling, and all the luxury goodies youd exspect. Drive this car, it will speak for itself. Its one very sweet ride! Highly recommended for the bucks!

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  Excellant - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By MikeG35 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is alot of fun. From driving it to just sitting parked in it. It turns more heads than my Cadillac Seville STS does. It is like playing a video game that you really enjoy. While the interior is a little tight it is still very comfortable. Get the navigation system it is worth the extra money for people who drive alot.

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  Grin Machine - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Java G - May 13 - 3:00 am

  I traded in a 2005 Nissan Altima for a 2004 Infiniti G35x, and paid the same price for a much better vehicle. It has all the toys such as the snow package, DVD, Bose, etc. (fully loaded) and feel I have a MUCH better vehicle than the Altima. I still grin when I jump in and the AWD is perfect for Wisconsin winters. I feel safer with the safety features and a 4 door sedan is perfect for a family of 3 (daughter in back seat). All in all, the best vehicle I had ever owned, and I have owned toyotas, GMs, Jeeps, and a 1998 BMW 3 series. Cant wait to get my hands on a 2007 or 2008 G sedan in a few years. Way to go Infiniti/Nissan!

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  g35 coupe..porshe look wthout $$$$$$$ - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By ellen cox - May 12 - 3:46 am

  I studied this car for 2 years then I finally purchased the 2004 coupe in 7/06. I have the diamond graphite auto wt tiptronic. fully loaded also aero pkg (spoiler) and perfomance pkg(larger wheels ect.. I am happier every day that I decided to purchase this car. On the practical side, this car retains its value better tha most.I waited for the 03-05 to drop in price when the 06s came out but they did not drop more than 1500 at most for the older models. not great when your buying used but once you own one its great to have a car that does not lose its value overnight! also you dont see yourself driving all over town like you would with the bmws. Fun, reliable, unique, beautiful and a lot for $$$