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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  Luxury Fast sports car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Jay Em - January 3 - 2:53 am

  I bought the car a month ago, I always liked this car in coupe model and for a ten year old car it out performs even the newer sports cars in the market. The powerful VQ motor will get you excited each time you turn the ignition On, overall its a fun car with a lot to offer, I like the style better than the G37 newer model, no offense, as a G35 driver I must say that this sports car will make you feel like a teenager again, turns heads especially the girls, a good value automobile.

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  Best used car ever purchased - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Pierre - December 31 - 8:46 pm

  I purchased a used G35 sedan from a friend going through a divorce and needed to sell his car. Perfect timing for me as by far, this is the best used car I ever purchased. Fun to drive, great handling, performance and it still looks brand new.

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  All I Expected and More - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Denver Guy - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Since I used Edmunds to help make a buing decision I wanted to make a contribution. Once the dealership experience was completed (Denver badly needs a second Infiniti dealership; they are so obnoxious at the current one) the vehicle does rock. Most of my driving is on the highway and I am getting 21+ mpg. The 5 speed option on the mountain roads is exhilirating and handling is incredible. I went with the Sirius satellite radio and cannot imagine ever listening to commercial radio again. Only minor complaint which is frequent here are the cupholders are awkward although I cannot figure out a better location. After 11 years of SUVs I am in car heaven.

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  The Perfect Package - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By sweetc230 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I loved the styling of this car as soon as it was released and then I drove it and realized that the G coupe may be the best combination of sport and comfort and real world usefulness on the market today. The back seat fits my 1 year olds carseat; the trunk has enough room for my golf clubs; the interior amenities are excellent; and the power is abundant. I have also been very impressed with the manu-matic feature; this is the first automatic I have ever owned and I dont feel like Im missing a thing. No car (in this price range) can put a bigger smile on your face when you fire up this engine. I highly recommend this car.

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  I love my G35! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Megan - December 29 - 4:40 pm

  I bought my car back in June 06 used with 39K on it and now it has 52K on it. I havent had any trouble mechanically on it except for as soon as my warranty expired my CD changer broke, but I hear thats common with all in-dash cd changers. I had to replace every door panel b/c the leather was coming loose, but that was all warranty and the Infiniti dealership had not seen that before.

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  Lovin it - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By MT - December 28 - 9:53 am

  No complaints so far! Very fun to drive. I actually cant wait to drive to work every morning. The acceleration is acceptional and with the sport-tuned suspension in the hills, I have to remind myself that its not a race car and to SLOW DOWN! Its been years since Ive driven a sedan and I hadnt realized how good it could be.

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  Buy this vehicle! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By zach23 - December 27 - 9:11 pm

  This is truly an astonishing machine. The bond that I have shared with Infiniti has moved me to become an Infiniti salesman. First off I have owned two this model, a 2004 g35 manual and now a 2005. Opt for the 2005 if you have the option, it has a sexier hood taillights and other features, like more horsepower etc. It drives amazing. We have a lot of hills and curves in Wisconsin so I can truly say I have tested these cars. If you floor it after 3000rpm hold on tight as you are pushed into the plush leather seats. So comfortable and well built. Fuel economy is 30mpg hwy not bad for a 306 horsepower beast. You will not regret owning this vehicle I promise. Way better than is300,tl,bmw etc.

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  Horrible Quality - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By RC-Calif - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2004 G35 in January. It has been back to the dealer five times already, for unplanned work. The window started rattling and required a fix. Then the dash started popping and required a fix. Then the fix on the window required re-work. Then the carpet came unglued. Then the CD played died. Now the check engine light is on. I sold a 13-year old BMW with 190,000 miles to get the G35, and the BMW was much more reliable. Its too bad, because this is a great deal otherwise. If only the quality matched the deal!

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  Buy a G. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By jrlachance - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Smooth ride with lots of punch available all across the rev range. Stereo upgrade nice but roll down those windows and let in that beautiful exhaust note. Sporty, but not over the top. This is pure adult fun.

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  Pound for pound a great car. - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By sdecourcy - December 23 - 2:36 pm

  I had a 1998 Maxima SE and I just traded in my 2002 Maxima SE for the 6MT G35. This truly represents what a sports sedan is all about, nothing is compromised in this car. Style, room and performance....I really thought I was not missing much from the 02 Maxima...but was I wrong. Handling is amazing and to have rwd again is bliss. Someone asked me why I just didnt get another Maxima or a Acura TL and I started to explain, then I thought if I have to explain, they will never get it.