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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  Best Ride Since My 65 Vette - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Gear Head Rick - October 30 - 10:00 am

  This car brings the fun back to driving! It is bringing me the best time behind the wheel since my 65 vette 327/365 hp. The car handles better than the wifes Z3 and has a set of rear seats to boot.

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  awesome - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By ian smith - October 30 - 10:00 am

  this car is awesome.No words can tell about the performance of this car. handling is awesome, power, comfort, sound system, styling, price, a back seat that is roomy, and i could go on andon and on. one word awesome

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  Best in Class - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Nick - October 29 - 9:23 pm

  I recently leased an 08 G35x, to replace my outgoing 06 G35x. I love both vehicles. The new G is slicker and more "refined"--the automotive press had complained that the previous version was lacking in this department. Acceleration is effortless at any speed, in any gear. Handling is tight and predictable. Some luxury buyers may find that the ride is a bit stiffer than they like. However, the G does not pretend to be a Lexus - this is a sports sedan. Ive driven everything else out there, including various offerings from BMW, Audi, Lexus, Acura, Mercedes, etc. Hands down, the G is the best sports sedan for the money which is why Im on my second one.

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  Worth a look - in a word, superb - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Frank_B - October 28 - 6:23 pm

  This is an extremely sharp handling and undeniably quick sports car that just happens to have 4 doors and AWD. Though it may be a personal preference but pictures do not do justice to the lines and form of this car (like flowing water caught in an instant). Roomy inside (for this segment) and comfortable without excess. Premium and Navigation packages are a must. This is not a super-car but its highly capable and not overpriced. You can judge for yourself - definitely take a test drive.

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  Oh my goodness! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By SCP - October 26 - 9:10 pm

  This car is gorgeous. Wish they could have just given up the extra two horses to make it an even 300hp. Regardless itll pin you to your seat even at 60mph. Nice interior, great features and supurb handling. Tell me the difference between this and a Porsche C2; about 30k in my pocket with a nicer better equipped car in my garage. I love my new ride. I travel for work and trust me I can not wait to get home and drive it. Go take one for a spin, youll be hooked.

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  Inifiniti G35 SportCoupe - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By REMaris9 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Terrific acceleration and styling. 225 watt Bose sound is very good. Seats are excellent. Blows away the 330ci in styling and acceleration, but maybe not in overall quality...close enough however that the first two factors make the Infiniti the better buy even before taking price into consideration. Also the 6-disc in-dash cd has random play (not available in the BMW).

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  A beauty thats easy to love - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By lal - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for its looks. I saw one (there is no dealer here) and said, "this is it". Ive only owned it a short time, but my experience with the car has become a love affair. The car has become MORE attractive, MORE fun to drive and MORE comfortable to ride in, as I become used to all the controls/buttons, etc. A+ for me.

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  Awesome but not for wide bodies - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Vulcan - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Most innovative car to come along in a long time. Styling, performance, engine sound, all top notch. NAV system is terrific, stereo has great sound (almost as great as the exhaust note)and the car has amazing utility with the fold down rear seat. My only complaint, surprisingly, is the driver seat. I am not a particularly large person at 511" 190, but I found the driver bolstering too aggressive. Drives longer than half an hour generate noticable discomfort at the hip. I find myself squirming in the seat to get away from the pressure against my right hip. Despite the seat issue, I still love this car. Best ride I have ever owned.

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  2003 Infiniti G35 4-dr w/ leather - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By O.C., MD. Cop - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is a nice vehicle to own and fun to drive. Great traveling vehicle on long road trips. Good brakes, good handling around turns, very comfortable high speed vehicle. Could use more horsepower.

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  Lottsa Bang for the Buck - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mandarin - October 24 - 10:00 am

  You get a lot for your money with the G35, and its great fun to drive. You just think and point, and the car obeys effortlessly.