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 entry luxury sedan - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By jbg27 - March 15 - 2:16 pm

  Incredible performance, especially accelerating through curves, great power, well designed and functional interior. Compared this with the Acura TSX and TL and maybe its just me growing up with rear wheel drive sports cars, but the Infiniti seemed head and shoulders above the Acuras. The dealer was great, too. I guess people complained about the interior in earlier years -- looked at the 03 and 04, and the 05 looks as good as the Acura to me.

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  G35x - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Tuan - March 13 - 4:30 am

  Great car, fun to drive, gas mileage could be better though.

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  I MADE THE RIGHT DECISION - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By DHEIDE - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE ONE OF THE FIRST 300 CARS BUILT. I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. I AM VERY PLEASED WITH PERFORMANCE, STYLE AND RELIABILITY.

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  overal great car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Mary - March 10 - 8:26 pm

  the price is very reasonable...very nice outside and inside...and very very dependable........

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  Awesome G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By S Spino - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Car has good power when needed. Handling is great. The car sticks to curves like glue.

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  Great family-friendly luxury sports car - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By G35S Owner - March 9 - 3:40 am

  I needed a reliable, sporty, family-friendly car to replace my Audi S4 (which I loved), from a local dealership, and had ruled out the repair-prone German imports, at least for this purchase cycle. This car fits the bill. Reliable. Stylish. Excellent performer. Unbeatable technology. Great buying and dealership experience. Highly recommended.

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  MR - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By G35 - March 7 - 5:33 pm

  Very harsh ride do not buy if you want a nice ride dealer had to adjust steering as it was very sensitive would never buy again

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  Sweeter than Yoohoo - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By soonerdude - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is an impressive ride. The handling is crisp and responsive...a great feature when you have to play "dodge them potholes". The exhaust tone is interesting. Ive not had any problems with this beauty. Cant think of a better car in this price range.

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  Met My Expectations - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Daddy L - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought my coupe two weeks ago strictly as "Daddys fun car" and for me it provides an excellent combination of true sport and function. I can drive it alone and when necessary include the kids which at age 8 and 12 fit fine in the back seat. The engine tone is sweet and there is power on demand at any speed. It beakons to be driven and visually appreciated and I give it high marks on both. Though the interior has quite a bit of plastic the layout is visually attractive and a cut above what youll find from the competiton. All in all I made the right choice for what I wanted.

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  Nice Ride - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Jhagan - March 2 - 6:13 am

  Traded in my 03 Z since I had a kid and got married. Straight line get up and go better than my Z. Dont get the same stares at the light. I get respect from the older crowd but what can you expect. The technology is crazy; bluetooth, nav, keyless entry, voice activiation for everything, etc. The Bose radio is great for factory but not aftermarket material. The highs could be a wee bit higher and the bass a bit lower. Very pleased with the purchase at this point in my life.