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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  Great bang for the buck - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By besttoy - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have long wanted a sports car but with two children could never justify one. I then went to the auto show in Detroit and saw my first G35 coupe there. It was everything I was looking for. It was practical (seats four and gets 24-26mpg), it was sweet looking (great exterior lines and well appointed interior), it was luxurious (leather seating, power heated seats, power moonroof, 6 disc CD player, Nav System and etc), and for the first time for me it had performance (sport car inspired engine, exhaust, suspension, tires, aero package, brakes, and electric gadgets to keep me straight!), dependable, and what a bang for the buck! This car loves to run!!

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  Quick sedan, excellent value. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By socalowner - March 19 - 11:00 am

  I bought an 04 G35 sedan after yrs w/ front drive cars (Volvo 850, Honda Acord, Acura Integra) This car has enough low end torque but is not overly quick off the line, but the rear drive is truly a hoot. Paid only $30,100 for the premium sedan, fully loaded except for AWD and Nav. You could do a lot worse than Infiniti, and this is probably their best value. I also owned a 94 G-20 sedan, and thats like comparing a peashooter to a bazooka. Buy one of these cars, you will like it.

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  G35 Automatic Sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Arnold Glassberg - March 17 - 2:00 am

  A luxury sedan for drivers unwilling to pay for overpriced German iron. Gives up nothing to the competition, and adds superior Japanese reliability and quality control. Spacious interior, excellent fit and finish with an engine that stands out from the competition.

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  Simpy Awesome! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By ccbatman - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive searched for six months, looking at the BMW 330xi, BMW 525i, Lexus ES300, Honda Accord (240HP), Toyota Camry and Maxima. I have test driven all of these cars and none match the overall performance of the G35. This car was well designed and is priced very reasonably. I love the rounded curves of the exterior and the interiore (leather) is extremely comfortable. Except for eating some serious fuel, this car is awesome!

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  My frist infiniti - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By hot rod ma - March 17 - 2:00 am

  my frist infiniti, traded my Volvo, had been a Volvo owner most of the past 20 years.....this car is awsome...nothing like your fathers Volvo....fast, comfort and safety....if this car is problem free for several years I will continue to buy infiniti products forever.

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  Better than the 3 series - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By b-don - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car!! Forget about the 3series and the C-Class. More horsepowerand more luxury for under 30,000 dollars. The Navigation system works really well. The engine is fast and responsive.

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  Most fun Ive had... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By infin6031 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun car Ive driven in a while. It sticks to the road to me better than my fathers Corvette, and almost keeps up! The seats are comfortable, and the radio works great. I was at first confused by the climate control operations, but you get used to them. People constantly stare at this car!

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  G35 Handles like a sports car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By nvlystd - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought my G35 about 2 months ago and it hasnt disappointed! This car handles like a sports car and the accelleration is thrilling! Get the optional package which includes sliding glass sunroof, full size spare, garage door opener and xenon headlights. Its well worth the extra 2K.

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  happy driving - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By henryp - March 16 - 3:16 pm

  I purchased this car based on consumers report and a test drive. this car handles great especially cornering. the conviences that surround the driver are just right. I have the navigation system which I,m still learning how to fully use. I find that the controls built into the steering column are great. Inow know them by feel and can keep my eyes on the road while using them. It has taken me a while to get used to not having to keep keep pulling out my keys to enter the vehicle or start it or to get in the trunk. Tomorrow will be a warm day so we are finally going to program the drivers seat and controls for my wife and myself. Visibility, handling, performance, safety are all there. thanks

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  G35 @ 40,000 - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By woosh_t - March 15 - 9:26 pm

  Purchased a 05 4dr with premium & sport package in feb of 05. Put over 40k on the odometer in less than 2 years. The car has met most of my expectations, but has fallen short on a couple of things: Good - engine performance, handling, acceleration, sport shift, reliability. Not so good - Fit and finish of the interior is not up to par with Acura/Lexus/BMW competition. Example - rear windows squeak and creak with any acceleration or slight bump in the road.