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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So much fun - 2008 Infiniti G35
By Gary - March 12 - 7:26 amI traded in my BMW 323i for this car and about the only regret that I have is that this car is a bit longer, other than that, what a car! Its also great that I got a great deal on it. You get so much for your money with this car. I got the Premium Package and the Nav. Package and think theyre both great. I had debated buying the car without the Nav. package and then buying a portable device but Im happy I went with the built-in as they tie in so many other things to it. Since I listen to music a lot Im really happy with the music choices (iPod, Compact Disk, radio, or CDs). And this car has the power when you put your foot on the gas.
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G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
By sel - March 9 - 10:00 amI bought my 03 G35 with 67K miles on it. The car handles beautifully and looks even better. Problem is the circuit board went out and the AC was stuck on 61 degrees and radio/CD player froze (off). Infiniti and dealership gave me the runaround; ended up paying $1300.00 for new circuit board therefore, this is my last Infiniti and/or Nissan.
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Fast, fun and fiscally feasible - 2007 Infiniti G35
By Pyrell - March 7 - 6:20 amAfter I tested the Audi A4 and BMW 3, the G35s agile handling, amazing acceleration and aggressive pricing sold me. This is my first Infiniti and I must say, it will not be my last.
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Very Satisfied - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Danny P - March 4 - 10:00 amI currently have a 98 Lexus GS300 black on black. We really enjoy the ride, the apperance and horsepower. Overall it is just fun to drive. We have found this G35, another black vehicle, with the sport package even more fun to drive. I can not beleive how fast this vehicle is and how well it hugs the curves.
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Acura TL S-Type? Not even close... - 2003 Infiniti G35
By smooth - March 4 - 10:00 amwell maybe that is a stretch as the TL is a fine vehicle and a good value. But the G35 looks classier, drives nicer, has a better sounding Bose sound system, and brakes that are truly awesome. I admit I liked the "sound" of the TL engine better under full throttle (TL sounds more muscular), but Im not out to be noticed so no big deal there. Bottom line is I got all the bells & whistles...Nav, leather, sports suspension, winter package, Xenon lights, etc and got it for thousands less than the BMW, Lexus or Benz. Total cost was fractionally over $39K and well worth it!
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At Last! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Mark Cohen - March 4 - 10:00 amIm 57 years old and have owned 22 cars, and my 2003 Infiniti G35 is by far the most complete vehicle Ive ever owned. It is the perfect combination of all the luxury one would want (without getting silly) and the kind of performance and handling that makes any trip - from a run to the grocery store to an Interstate cruise - something to look forward to. I love this car!
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Best Car I ever Leased - 2005 Infiniti G35
By Howard - March 2 - 1:10 amThe excellent Motor Trend and Car & Driver reviews were accurate. I purchased a fully optioned G35 Coupe with Sport Tuned Suspension etc. I could have purchased a BMW 330i for a little bit more expense but am confident that I have the better value, style and performance (i.e. better braking figures and acceleration etc.)
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Runs great but eats gas - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Brigitte - February 27 - 2:00 amI have every package other than the winter package on this car. This is an awesome performing car, poor gas milage in city - about 14 gpm and have no idea why. Stereo is only okay. I skips all burned CDs even after having it replaced by the dealership. The tires stink. I had a blow-out after 800 miles. Instrument pannel color is orange and very difficult to read during the day. It reflects on the windshiled at night. Manaual clock and steering wheel controls are not lit up. The window controls are hard to reach and so is the button to open the trunk. The glove compartments and trunk are a bit too small. I would not purhcase the G35 again.
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The G35 Experience - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Chilliman - February 27 - 2:00 amAfter 7 yrs of being a loyal BMW owner, I love this car! Brings a grin to my face everytime I drive this car - and I have over 15,000 miles logged! A real head-turner - still get comments a year later. A real GT car - tested both 350Z and BMW330 - but loved the G35. Winter driving is disasterous without snow tires. After installing steel 17" rims with Blizzak snow tires this handles like an AWD or SUV! Climbs hills in 12" of snow! Not happy with mileage (less than 20 mpg HWY) or cheap plastic interior trim. CD-changer too slow and lousy controls on stereo/climate system. This is truly a drivers car!
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Great Car..YES....Flawless ..NO... - 2003 Infiniti G35
By AVRed - February 25 - 10:00 amG35..This car is one super engine, it flies. Just drive it. The handling is better that 98% of cars on the road but I still think the BMW 330 is better. The only real knock I had on this car was the interior. The G35s materials looked cheap, lay out was not luxury. I didnt like the amber backlighting. The windows pod should be moved it pressed against my knee. Nice to have the gauge pod move with the wheel though. Price...Sweet deal here, The 330 may be nicer but not 8K nicer.
