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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car of the year - 2007 Infiniti G35
By Researcher - February 15 - 11:53 pmIt is a no brainer. Research and test drive the Lexus, BMW, Mercedes etc. Compare their options, price and driving experience with the Infiniti G35. BMW and Mercedes charge lots more for their cars and they have fewer features (unless you want to pay even more money to them). The BMW and Mercedes only have a single CD player and they have no hard drive record feature like the Infiniti. Infiniti is the clear choice this year. I have driven mine for 5000 miles now and it is absolute perfection. I have driven it hard through corners and up to 145 mph. The car handles perfectly under all conditions. You cannot compare the other cars and the price without saying that Infiniti is the best of all
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worth every penny - 2006 Infiniti G35
By 495sux - February 15 - 4:10 amI owned a 2001 BMW 330i before this vehicle and it was as beautiful as it was fun to drive, but the cost to repair was obscene. I purchased the 2006 G35x four years ago - used with 30k miles. It now has 142k miles and I have spent $0 on repair bills. It still runs, drives and looks practically new. I do not baby the car, I drive it hard, in fact I beat on it regularly - I commute the DC beltway and its easy to get carried away. Its fast and handles great. A few other reviewers have noted that it is not a luxury car. I would say that it is. Maybe not as luxurious as BMW or Mercedes but pretty close and much less cost up front and along the way. Unless you need the ego stroke...
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Get One ASAP - 2003 Infiniti G35
By L. V. - February 14 - 8:40 amI love this vehicle. Its full of class and style and most of all POWER. Not a day goes buy where I dont feel good about my purchase. You wont remember the drive of any sports car before it.
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What I miss in a G35X - 2004 Infiniti G35
By robwahlert - February 11 - 10:00 amLive in MN and needing a 4wd/AWD sedan, I was limited to only a few choices: BMW, Audi (too pricey in AWD with a larger engine), and too boy- racer-ish Subaru & Mitsubishi. A $500 deposit for my G35x on 3/20 still reqd 3 1/2 mos for delivery. After a week w/ the vehicle I have been impressed with fit, finish & performance. Coming from a Volvo S60 I already miss a few items, and recommend them strongly for later G35x models: 6- spd manual, rear seats that fold (I could not place 2 large suitcase in trunk), more intuitive radio/climate controls, and an in-dash hands free phone. The best color in the G35 brochure, fire engine red, is not offered on the
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First car - 2008 Infiniti G35
By cammmmmmm - February 9 - 6:26 amI got this car for my 16th birthday and it is so much fun to drive. it has 130000k miles on it and it drives like its brand new. it is very fast and i constantly want to drive it.
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2003 g35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
By gary duncan - February 4 - 1:03 pmNot a day goes by that I do not wait to drive. It handles the curves like no other. When i hit the gas it responds right without any kind of sluglish response
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The G35 Hits the Mark! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By birdieman - February 3 - 2:00 amGood service and everythings works just fine. Great fun the drive. Performance driving lessons would be helpful because all the power and performance can get away from you if your not careful. The brakes are assume. Stop on a dime. Be careful not to get hit in the rear. Others only wish they could stop this fast!
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08 G35x - 2008 Infiniti G35
By smitty1515 - February 1 - 3:30 pmI am writing this review after ~6 months of driving. I love the car and did a bunch of shopping prior to my purchase. I live in MN so an AWD or FWD vehicle was a must. I test drove the following vehicles prior to my choice of the g35x. Honda Accord Coupe, Nissan Maxima, Lexus IS250 awd, Lexus ES350, and Nissan Altima. The G35 was a combination of all the vehicles and really offers the power and luxury which could not be surpassed by any of the aforementioned vehicles. I drive in Minneapolis rush hour daily and the snow mode comes in quite handy when the weather takes a turn for the worst. I constantly try to lose control in this vehicle on secluded country roads and its almost impossible.
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Just Purchased - 2005 Infiniti G35
By Recent College Grad - February 1 - 11:56 amHaving just purchased a pre-owned G35x, I can only offer my initial thoughts. The exterior design, particularly with chrome wheels and tinted windows, is upscale without being too flashy. I cant get enough of the acceleration and handling which blow the doors off my previous car, an Audi A4. I echo the general comments about poor fuel economy and somewhat sub-standard interior plastics which contrast the quality-feeling upholstery. For bang for the buck, however, you canÂ’t top the G35, especially if you wait a year and save 10 grand on a pre-owned.
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What An Amazing Car! - 2006 Infiniti G35
By Dark30LasVegas - January 29 - 12:46 pmI have owned this car for 7 weeks and Im still in LOVE with it. Not a single problem with it. It drives so smooth. Response is INSANE! I like to drive with the windows down to listen to the exhaust growl. I have never been more intrigued by a machine! Great job Infiniti!