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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  a true sport-sedan for 30K ! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By 757pilot - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the G35 RWD sports-sedan for 1 month and it just keeps getting better. I test drove others, claiming to be sport-sedans. However, the FWD have way too much torque-steer (ie. Acura TL) when you really get on it. This car handles and looks great...nice job Infiniti. I have heard of the brake problems, it may be that the pads are soft...hence the very short stoping distance? The dealer will take care of it though.

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  BEST in CLASS!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By G35_driveR - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Sweet ride. Just purchased over the weekend and cant think of one thing I dont like about the car. Outstanding performance, comfort, design and features. I purchased an Ivory Pearl G35 with leather equipped with sunroof and Bose audio system from Rosenthal Infiniti at barely over invoice, $29.7k, $31k out the door. Such a bargain...Rosenthal gets high marks in my book as far as service and ease of sale. This car is worth every penny!!

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  Get the G - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Gslow - April 9 - 10:00 am

  1,500 miles on the G now. Came out of Lincoln LS Sport and was worried about loss of performance and sporty ride. Get the 260hp rear wheel drive as soon as you can! Performance and ride quality are great, interior space is best in class, and pricing cannot be beaten. If you want practical power and sport, this is the best for the price.

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  My Car - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By tom - April 3 - 11:36 am

  Bought this car at the beginning of the year and have not driven it a lot until this month. Took it on an 1800 mile trip, it was fun to drive in the mountains of WV and through Ky and Oh.

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  purchased used - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By CDPHOUSTON - March 30 - 4:23 pm

  I just picked up one of these with the sports package, being a Toyota and Lexus owner for years I wanted a new drive experience, These G35s perform well, very fast and just a great feeling of quality, Bose system sounds great.

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  Skyline for the New Age - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By yshaobo - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Killer looks, surprising performance, unbeatable value, and almost perfect blend of luxury and performance. The G35 sedan/coupe redefines what it means to be an Infiniti.

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  Great but not quite perfect - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Riffster - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The G35 sports coupe is a joy to drive - the engine and drivetrain are first-rate. Handling and braking are good, although the brakes can take some getting used to. The styling of the car is absolutely gorgeous on the outside, with or without the spoiler. I particularly like the xenon headlights and LED taillights - the car looks great at night too. The interior is a bit less stylish - somewhat of a PDA/Rocketship styling to its dash, but the leather seats are very, very comfortable. The stereo could be improved and the dash titanium plastic seems prone to scratches. NAV system is first-rate as well and the pop-up feature is very nice.

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  Excellent Drive - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By caspus - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Get the 6 speed manual !!!! The drive is fantastic, the pick up from zero is one of the best I have driven for a four door sedan and the front cabin emphasises driving rather than coasting. The interior comfort controls are in easy reach of the driver, however, the cabin feels like it was designed around the driver.

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  31K & Counting - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By GMANWC - March 22 - 5:33 am

  This is one fun car to drive! Purchased 3/07 and were now up to 31K miles. Sport tires lasted til 27.5K. Could have been better but they are sticky suckers. I buy cars looking at engine performance 1st and value for the buck 2nd. I dont think I could have done better. This engine has the power to make me smile ear to ear everyday. I love blowing by other cars and looking in the mirror. Only guy that had the engine to stay with me was in an Audi S4. Handling is great. Interior is excellent. Nav useful. Sound system makes my guts thump. The kids and the wife like it too but have to be good when theyre in the car.

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  Impressive Value Under Radar - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By R J Childet - March 13 - 12:33 am

  The car handles extremely well, and unlike the general Edmunds Review, I do not sense an artificial feel with steering; more of a euro steer feel. It also has great response and superb quickness. F&F quality is very high and as good as any higher priced lux vehicle I have seen. Cornering and sharp turns are spot on without any "pitch back", more like BMW. Only have 9k miles and only one criticism so far: the "studio on wheels" needs better radio/tuner component than current Clarion unit. High end is only average and mid-range sound is terribly weak. Whats more is the radio has no adjustment for mid- range. Unbelievable in 2008 with car stereo and market long matured.