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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  Awsome - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Silver shadow - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Traded my 2002 Altima 3.5SE for this beauty. Handles extremely well, power to spare. A true luxury sports car. Rear wheel drive is the way to go, no more torque steer problems.

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  I like the basics but comfort is wanton - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Q - April 24 - 4:33 am

  Bought the 6 speed Sports sedan for my wife and is a powerful and fun car to drive but creature comforts are lacking. 6 way drivers seat is mediocre; passenger seat is downright bad - leg comfort and back support is horrible. I do not understand how this car could be considered for car of the year so many times.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By ravenjred - April 23 - 2:30 pm

  I have owned my G 35X AWD for exactly 1 week now and Im sorry BMW, but this is the "Ultimate Driving Machine." My wife and I took it on a trip to Atlantic City, NJ and this car not only handles great, but has great pick up as well. We got about 21 mpg highway. I traded in my 2005 Lexus ES 330 for this. I looked at the 2007 Lexus ES 350 as well as the IS and the BMW 330xi and the Acura TL. This car blows them all away! While the Lexus has a slightly smoother ride, the Gs ride is sporty, but not rough. The G also has more power that any of the others. I got the premium, navigation, and technology packages. The navigation is the best Ive seen and the Bose stereo is outstanding.

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  Blast with no Run flats!! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By lgm - April 19 - 1:40 pm

  Looked at the 3 series, the Lexus and the Audi. It came down to a toss up between the BMW 335 and the G35. BMW interior felt dated, and they had the Run flat tires. Chose the Infiniti, and love it.

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  Outstanding Car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Greg Budd - April 18 - 7:16 am

  I sold Volvos and BMWs for a few years so I am used to cars that perform and feel safe and solid. The G35 is a fantastic combination of performance, value, fun, comfort and quality without being "in your face." For those who arent hung up on the BMW brand name but want the same kind of vehicle, this is the one. It is admittedly a little less refined than the BMW but to me, thats part of the attraction. Like the BMWs were in the late 90s before they became too quiet and too luxurious. Will likely get a new 2009 when the lease is up. Fabulous car.

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  G stands for GR8 - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By sweendogy - April 15 - 11:26 pm

  Was going to get the 6 speed but living in New England I thought better. Car has everything one would want in a high end auto but the price. Blue Slate on black looks sharp. Navi, and premium package were all I needed but tech package for 1000 more seems like a real deal. Car has 110 miles on it, cant wait to open her up after break-in period. Wish it had standard back up sensors because the car is wide and rear is high. The inside of the car is exact carbon copy of the M35/M45. Reason I bought the car, well, its AWD, has all the toys and can run with anything under 40k.

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  Good car but has its faults - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Tyler - April 12 - 3:30 pm

  I have owned my Infiniti G35 6mt coupe for almost 2 years now. I have app 22,000 miles on it and I can say I am ready to get rid of the car, the issues I have are the expensive oil changes and maintenance costs for example the tires. The ride quality is rough and after 15k the rattles start to be heard due to the poor construction of the cabin. The drivers seat position is very tight leather wears quickly. The non Bose audio system I have is absolutely horrible. The speakers and dash appointment look like they are straight out of an Altima for years ago. The car is also the worst car I have ever owned in the snow despite 4 snow tires. The shifting linkage is not crisp.

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  excellent car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By kaye - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my first "sport" car that i have ever bought. I am very pleased except for if you do not get the navigation system and want it you can not purchase & get installed the one like the manufactors. It would be an after market one which does not look anything as good as the original one

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  Best of all worlds - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By xyaqua - April 9 - 10:40 pm

  I dropped my wife off at a wedding, after driving her & 2 friends to the church. There was 4-5 inches of snow already. Cars slipping all over. Not enough time to plow the roads yet. The G35x was AWESOME. Even with wider tires, the g35xs awd and the stability control literally disconnected me from the snowy road. I have a 2000 subaru, and the AWD on that is great. But this car would have blown it away. The G35x is an incredibly competent vehicle. Hands down. It will cruise in great luxury, and will blast ahead of traffic when needed. For sure there are cars that will beat every individual aspect of this car, but as a package, it is impressive as all get out!

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  Car has been a joy to own! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By bg1127 - April 7 - 3:57 am

  Bought it with 50k miles 4.5 years ago and now 126k and still runs like it did when I bought it. Basic maintenance only. This is a great car!Looking at all the negative comments on 3-series maintenance costs Im glad I went infinity! Gas mileage is so-so but most performance cars are. Update: now at 150k and had to replace radiator and steering rack has a small leak. Not bad for a 10 year old car. Id still buy it again in a heartbeat. Great car!