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 Car for $$$ - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By gatech - January 28 - 4:56 pm

  The 2005 G35 is a great car for the money. 280hp and the smooth shifting auto make this a very fun car to drive. I looked at previous models, but I wasnt impressed with the interior. The 2005 interior is a big improvement.

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  Nice Ride! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Steve - January 25 - 9:56 am

  Overall a great car. Very good pick up and nice stereo. I didnt get the Bose, but this one is pretty good for a basic one.

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  #1 - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Jase - January 25 - 3:30 am

  I bought a used 2006 G35 coupe this past Saturday and it drives great. I recommend a black leather interior; very clean feel. I have a silver exterior but I plan to get a paint job to black soon. Black on black "look-at- me" factor.

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  Awesome, Awesome Car! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By guptasa1 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Cant say enough about this car. Coming from an SUV, the G35 is an absolute dream. Smooth, powerful, comfortable, and appointed with great luxury features from the 6-CD Bose stereo (which I think sounds great) to heated seats to a fantastic popup Navigation system! I cant really say Im disappointed with any of it!

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  Too impressive! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Barry in Dallas - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Buy this car and you wont regret it. Besides the increadible good looks on the outside, the inside is pure sport with a luxury twist. The ride is is very capable and predictable....very hard to lose control of this vehicle even when pushing it hard with its multiple computers that monitor vehicle stability. Nice to have a brand new Mercedes or BMW pull up and everyone is staring at your car and not theirs hahaha. For the money, you will NOT beat this vehicle in power, looks, options, and reliability. Everyday I drive it I like it more and more and you will find reasons just to go driving...Infinit did their homework on this car for sure!

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  G35 - Violated - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mwells2 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Makeup air opening for A/C fresh air under the hood allowed a critter to crawl inside and have babies, which died in my AC system. Nothing like the smell of rotting flesh in your air distribution system. I dont think it will ever be right again. Dealership installed some metal window screen mesh (which I provided) over the opening. So far Infiniti has not covered the cost under waranty or design defect. G35 owners - Remove the battery cover housing and look for this 3" x 6" opening and cover it before you have this problem..

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Infiniti and Beyond - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I even look forward to driving to work on Monday mornings now. Drop my eighth grade son and friend off at school first. Both think theyre so cool getting out of the car. My son even thinks Im cooler since I got the G35. Car moves out like a big cat and accelerates with no effort and that beautiful throaty motor. Car looks great in Diamond Graphite and gets stares every time we stop. Cockpit is comfortable and smart looking. Only problem is it has created more arguments with my wife on who gets to drive it. Sporty and refined. No problem taking off to the tennis courts or over to pick up a business client for lunch.

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  Very Nice Ride - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Outstanding Car - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Terrific power with smooth delivery. Perfect balance of sporty and comfort ride characteristics. Excellent car for the enthusiast who may take a few long trips here and there.

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  great car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By hose - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Power to burn. A little rough around the edges of ride quality. Rides like a sports car.fun to drive. Drivers seat is very comfortable.

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  what a step up - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By canuck28 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  the wait is over, finally a 6 speed combined with looks and power in one. Previously owned a 2000 eclipse GT. The clutch will take some getting used to, but then again ill have to get used to the compliments also.