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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  Incredible and Safe - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Norm in austin - May 11 - 6:13 pm

  I recently purchased my second G35 Sedan - a new 2006 automatic. I didnt even look at anything else because I feel thankful to have been so well protected when I recently totaled my 2004 G35 Sedan. After being hit broadside into the drivers door, resulting in bending the entire car, crumpling the drivers seat, bending the tunnel, etc., I walked from the accident unhurt. The side air curtains as well as the basic design of the car totally protected me. Had I had passengers in the rear seat, they, too, would have been well protected by the full length side air curtains. The performance of the G35 is excellent. And the appearance inside and out is great. I am completely sold.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Dee - May 11 - 2:43 am

  I bought this car when they first came out in April, 2002. It was love at first sight and has continued for 3 1/2 years. Comfort, handling, speed, joy of driving describe this car. I still get compliments on its looks and raves about the comfort of the adjustable back seat. Have only had brake job once and still have original tires, so dont understand the brake, tire problems some are having. The car has been mechanically sound and Infiniti service is great. Get 20 mpg in town, 30 on the road. Not bad for this type of car. Love this car and when the time comes to replace, will buy another Infiniti.

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  had to trade for the 2 door!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By sammy t - May 4 - 2:00 am

  just traded in my four door g35 for the two door. i could not resist it! this car is easily the best thing i have ever bought. It gets way more looks than my friends BMW or Mercedes - alot of people think it looks like the 350z but it has a backseat and more elegance and pinache. It really is a beautiful car and i have a great time driving it.

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  2nd time around - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By stpcheerios1 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Traded my g35 sedan (manual) for the coupe. Top shelf product. The feel of the coupe is well worth the difference from sedan to this one. Usuable back seat a real plus. This is a keeper, along with my 78 280z, which has occupied my garage for 26 years. The Bose is more surround/full than the Bose setup in the sedan, which sports a sub...this vehicle with the additional speakers actually sounds a bit better. Not even attempting to access all this power. Id prefer to see a matched set of tires.

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  G35 Auto - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By slotmaker - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought a G35 at a nice price. I have the premium package and the sport suspension package. Former Acura TL driver (2001 model). I have to say, compared to Hondas perfect but bland interior, I love the avant-garde style of the Infiniti both on the inside and outside. Handling is great and is comparable to my Lexus IS300, although power is more. Love the Japanese style of the dashboard and the center display panel. Love the seats as well. To me this car has style and personality and RWD, that and the dealership experience/price sold me on this car over the comparable 2004 Acura TL. What can I tell you, style matters on the Las Vegas.

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  Best Mid Size Luxury - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By dynamos - May 1 - 1:13 am

  Have owned my Journey G35 for just over one week. Purchase experience was very quick and easy. Have Lakeshore Slate with Premium Pkg, Performance wheels/tires. Automatic. Have had no problems. The car is incredibly fun to drive with great power, smooth and a firm but comfortable ride. Bose stereo is awesome. Very comfortable seats. Best value in the segment.

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  What Fun! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By GR8 G35 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  First off, get used to stares! Secondly, the car is awesome. It handles well, accelerates well and looks the part too. Those 7-spoke wheels with Brembos just look awesome when the car is moving. What a fun car to drive! I already have 3500 miles on it...I hate to have to get out of it and I love to go anywhere, run errands or cruise around town...what fun!

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  Already Great - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By AirJoe - April 27 - 8:53 pm

  I just bought my car used about 2 weeks ago. It had 44k miles on it and it was originally a lease car from 04/02. I already love this car! When searching for cars, I gave my wife a list of features I was looking for in a used car. I actually went to the car lot to purchase a Lexus GS300 I saw on their website. But on my way to look at it, I stopped to look at the G35 sitting next to it. I really loved the sports sedan look and feel of the car. And once I drove it, I was sold. From the one touch up & down features of each window to the auto to manual stick, this car easily fulfilled my wish list! My only complaint was that the car needed brake service and the dealer took $500 off. Cost $700

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Wesel - April 25 - 1:10 am

  My wife and I were originally in the market for another SUV (We have 2). After deciding that it was stupid to buy another one, my wife saw the new 07 G35 and was hooked. We went to the dealer and fell in love with the 07 until we found out that they were not moving an inch on the price. It just so happened that the dealer had a few left over 06 G35Â’s, thank god. We purchased an 06 with premium package B, Navi, and the Sport pkg. More fun to drive than the 07 and we saved a ton of money. I highly recommend.

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  Great fun and a great price - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By r11229 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Drove the Audi, BMW and Volvo. None perform as well, none look as good and all are more expensive. This is my second Infiniti and once again am very impressed with the build quality.