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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  Sedan from heaven - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By denzel - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Luxury and genuine performance keeps me from being at home. The power and style is awe inspiring.

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  Catch me if you can! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Catch Me - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Wow! This car is so great! As soon as I saw pictures I loved it! I drove it and it stole my heart! Ordered it for one month to be there and I couldnt wait. I checked every dealer searching for the car. Now that I have it I cannot stop driving it! I cannot believe you can get it loaded for under 40k. I would think maybe 45 or 50! Love this car to death!

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  G-35 = Attention - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By san diego - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This car drives like a rocket ship, handles like its on rails, and cost way less then a bmw. Ill eat most BMWs for breakfast.....This car is really this HOT!!!!!

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  G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By topcat - March 22 - 6:43 pm

  This is as fun to drive as a BMW 3 Series at about 10 Grand less. Other than normal service it has not had one dime put into repairs. Great Fun, Great Value!!

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  Awesome car!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By G. - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I got more for my money than I couldve ever imagined. To think that I almost bought a 2004 Acura TL. Acura is a great car, but this car is in a whole different class. I cant say enough. Lots of compliments and it is the envy of many people!

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  New Infiniti G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By abenington - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Infiniti, the first I had 9 years. I loved that car, but this is a joy to drive. I bought another Infiniti because I was completely confident in its reliability, based on my first experience. This car performs beautifully and looks great.

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  Good - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By rfarbman - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with the overall performance of the car. It is solid and drives like a dream.

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  I love this car..its a guy magnet :) - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By MeShell - March 21 - 10:00 am

  When I graduated from college, I couldnt wait to buy this car. I absolutely love driving it. I got the midnight blue colour and I get so many compliments.."What a beautiful car! I live in Daytona Beach, FL and I have only seen one other G35 coupe. I drive with the windows down so I can hear that engine roar. I chose the 6 speed and it handles great on the highway. Shifting is smooth and the car runs tight. If you are single, no kids... buy this car because you will be so happy you did!!

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  Drivers Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By John Terry - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We have had no problems. Fit and finish was excellent. Driveability is superior.My wife and I are both people who like to drive and this is it. VDC makes the car awesome and wouldnt own a car without it. We get compliments on how the car looks all the time.

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  First Impression - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Darrah George - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is a treat. I am thoroughly pleased with the quality of the construction and materials used on this vehicle except for the paint, which seems to be a soft and deforms easily. This vehicle combines sport and class very well. Some features, like heated and motorized movement of seats when entering the back, arnt necessary but add to the luxury of the vehicle. I like the subtile attention to small details such as the multitude of windshield wiper speed adjustments and, automated window movement; when opening and closing the doors it produces a tight seal against the rubber door seals yet prevents premature seal wear. The left foot rest sh