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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G35X Infiniti - 2004 Infiniti G35
By JC - November 15 - 6:56 amI Love to drive my 2004 G35x. My old Infiniti was a 1994 J30 with 123,000 miles. I think that Infiniti is a few steps above Lexus all the way around. My G35x is quality with lots of class. Lexus is just out there as a big Camry that will cost you more money. I will buy another Infiniti.
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Jaw Droping... WoW... Amazing!! - 2007 Infiniti G35
By Kring5 - November 14 - 9:43 pmThis car is absolutely fantastic. its fit and Finish are stellar, the 4 wheel active steer is amazing and if your ordering a car, dont skip this option! The handling is stellar, the power of this car is actually dangerous for most people.. I wish it had a way to cut the power in 1/2 for valets and the wife :) If youre looking for the king of performance its either the G35S or the BMW 335i for ($11K more) but I dont see $11K in extra value out of the 335i. The TL is not in the same performance league and the IS350 falls quite short on handling and driver feedback.
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Best ever under 50000 dollars - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Flash MB - November 13 - 10:00 amIve had audis, bmws, hondas, alfa romeos, etc. Nothing compares. This baby has it all. Granted I changed the exhaust,air induction and sway bars and it now is legitemately a porsche eater. i love this car, Nav system, satelite radio, heated seats, @ baby seats fit in the back and it drives like a full blown sports car. Way to go infiniti, youve out done yourself and its cheep too. WOW!!!
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The Great G35 Coupe - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Ryan Rhodes - November 13 - 10:00 amThe G35 Coupe is an great car ! If your looking for a Luxury/Sport Coupe choose the G35.So far i have no problems with the car, I just heard it was among the best for resale value in a 5yr term.So as of now this is the best car for me. Well and my Infiniti FX45 !!!!!!!!
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2004 Infiniti G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
By BigDav - November 11 - 12:23 amIve only owned this car for about a month and a half but so far so good. I havent taken any long trips nor have I driven around all day, but its comfy, smooth with power and the Bose sound bangs pretty nice. So like I said so far so good and Ill be back in a couple months to write about how it continues.
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World Beater on a Budget - 2005 Infiniti G35
By JM in FL - November 10 - 6:30 pmThe G35 coupe is the finest vehicle Ive ever had the fortune to own. Certainly, there are higher performing or higher luxury vehicles out there. But few cars at this price point combine such ample parts performance, refinement, and inspiring form *and* function. While some cars, it seems, are so “perfect” that they are little more than lifeless, artless appliances devoted only to the task of being faithful, workday conveyances, the G35 hasnt forgotten that a few people in this country actually enjoy driving. The G35 encourages spirited driving and inspires personal attachment by channeling a passionate personality that is greater than the sum of its parts.
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Entry level? More like... - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Effin - November 4 - 10:00 ama premium luxury sport sedan. While I normally turn cars in every year or two, this one will be a keeper. My G35 is a fully loaded rear wheel drive sports sedan that rivals the likes of the 5 series BMW, and the GS series Lexus for much less money. Performance is incredible with a 6.1 0-60. Handling is the best that I have ever driven ; period. Fit and finish was flawless with exception of a small ding from the dealer lot. The nav system has more features than I expected. Rear seats recline with adjustable head rests. Dual climate zones and a Bose 200 watt premium system keep the comfort high. No, I am not an employee of Infiniti... just a thrilled owner.
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Not quite as good as they say. - 2003 Infiniti G35
By 96740 - November 4 - 2:00 amThis car has the performance, but there are some inherent problems. 1. The headlights jiggle (very noticeable on rear of the car in front of you at night.) 2. Lots of interior squeeks. 3. Scary electrical problems. And the dealership I purchased it from (Thousand Oaks Infinity) has really let me down. I asked them what was causing the eletrical problems? "We dont know" . And as for the jiggling headlights...they dont want to admit that its a problem, even though it does it on all of the G35 Sedans on the lot. My wife has a Coupe. Its perfect. If I had to do it over, Id get the Lexus. Even though its slower.
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This car is quick and fun to drive. - 2006 Infiniti G35
By Ed - November 4 - 12:37 amNot terrific on gas mileage. But it handles and sounds great.
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Unintended acceleration Infiniti G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Infiniti owner - November 3 - 8:40 amToyota isnt the only car that has experienced unintended acceleration problems. I just had the same thing happen in my 2004 Infiniti G35. I was sitting at a dead stop with my foot on the brake when my car suddenly took off full speed ahead. It hit the car sitting several feet in front of me. I hit so hard that the damage to my Infiniti exceeded $7800. Dont know at this point if Infiniti ever did a recall on these models. I would love to know who else has experienced this problem and what repairs need to be done to correct the issue.
