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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  BMW This - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Vk - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I cant believe that Infiniti has come so far as this is my 3rd Infinit.. Its the best sport car money can buy for daily driving fun. BMW is left in the dust...

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  Glad I didnt get the vette! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By C.E. Nash - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought the car I have never been pulled over some many times in my life... that is by BMW and Mercedes owners wanting to know about the car. A typical reaction is " Damn! what is it and where can I get one!". The car is great. Its quick, powerful and agile. It attracts corvettes like flies. It will seat four adults comfortably as long as all four are not over 6 feet. Gas milage is not great but you have to pay for your pleasure.

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  Does Not Compare to 3 Series or A4 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35 is Junk - December 12 - 9:10 pm

  After owning an Audi A4 and a BMW 325i, I was excited to step into the G35 as the company bills the car as a faster, more reliable alternative to either vehicle. Sadly, I was completely hoodwinked by the marketing department of Infiniti. While I will grant the point that the vehicle is very fast, its handling, fuel economy, build quality, and reliability are far worse than I experienced with either Audi or BMW. Maybe I got a lemon, but the list of problems with this car is ridiculous. On top of that, the brakes wear out every 15k miles and arent cheap to replace. Im very disappointed with Infiniti and now realize that I shouldve stayed with German cars or purchased a Lexus instead.

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  Has lots of pedal - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By john7z - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Quick, easy cruiser, but gear down, get the revs up and it will fly. Solid cornering on back New England roads, tracks well, even on rippling surfaces. Good sized cabin and trunk, adds usable things competitor BMW doesnt. Solid value and a lot of go for the money.

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  G 35, highly recommend. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bgimby - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Had the car just over a year, absolutely no problems. Great performance combined with a very comfortable ride. Milage could be a bit better, about 24 highway, but thats the cost of such great performance! Traded a CLK 320, the Infinity is definately the better car.Would recommend it to anyone who appreciates a fine performance auto.

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  Wow - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Sanghera - December 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is just amazing, going 100mph feeld the same as going 20 mph, ride is pretty smooth but sometimes there are some annoying noises, other then that the car is just great and gives me about 20-23 mpg, mostly city driving and i do drive this car hard, it is really fun to drive.

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  Fun as heck, dont believe the MPG - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By swxk17 - December 9 - 12:26 pm

  I absolutely love driving this car, its responsive, tight and quick. Many unique interior features, and what a smooth ride. Only problem so far is that Im not getting close to the fuel economy suggested.

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  Good People, Good Cars - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Reese Pruitt - December 7 - 5:20 pm

  This has been the best car I have ever driven. It is the perfect 16th birthday present. When I am in it, I feel very safe.

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  Love My Car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Xtremets - December 4 - 11:16 am

  I went from a Sport Utility to my G35 Sedan. I absolutley love it. The quality is wonderful. I have no complaints. If it matters to you gas mileage is poor. My first week driving it I got 13 miles to the gallon. I have since learned to keep my foot from zooming everywhere I go. If you are looking for quality and a nice ride this car is for you.

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  Encore G35 Owner - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By AL - December 2 - 3:53 pm

  I traded in my 2003 G35 for the 2008 model. I never repeat same brands or styles but my first G35 (purchased in April 2002) was the best car I have ever owned. Never had mechanical issues. Performance never changed in almost 6 years and the long term overall quality was excellent.