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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  Try and Find more Fun to Drive >30K - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By NewInfinitiFan - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the G35 after months of reviewing, analyzing and test driving the Acura TL ,BMW 3XX, I35, Maxima, etc. Almost purchased an I35 but am so glad I went for the G! Was nervous about buying any model in its 1st year but decided on the G after my first test drive. I cant remember a car I have had so much fun driving. Puts the joy into a Ho-Hum commute to work.

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  Infiniti G35 Coupe - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Kent - October 20 - 5:00 pm

  This is really a fun car to drive. The exterior appearance has drawn a lot of attention from friends that have seen the car. The interior quality is better than reported. I am 100% satisfied with this car so far!

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  Best bang for the buck - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By rfojr - October 19 - 4:33 am

  My wife had great success with an older I30 so I decided to try the G35S. Not disappaointed at all! The car is a blast to drive and I look forward to it everytime I climb in. Compared this to the BMW 535 and although the BMW felt a little better when pushing towards the limits, the extra $20k was too hard to ignore. Also compared the Acura TL but the front wheel drive was a deal killer not to mention the TL did not have the zip or handling. The G did gobble up the OEM tires but that was thanks to my right foot. I enjoyed every bit of it too!

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  G35 Sooo Much Fun - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Gooz1 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Fit, finish & the solid "feel" is same or superior of product costing more. The driving experience is far superior to vehicles in same price range. For its "class" of competitors there is no comparison. My last two cars were European "G35 target" cars I considered in my buying decision. Im glad I bought the G35.

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  You must drive this car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Mark Cortazzo - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I had an Acura TL before this and a Mazda Millenia prior, both known for their performance, but this car is an engineering wonder that is so much fun I find myself running errands just so I can drive my car. If you have a bad back dont buy this car, because you can get whiplash simply by touching the gas pedal too hard.

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  Super G35 - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By JM - October 15 - 10:03 am

  Excellent handling, High top speed, very good brakes, not any problem driving in heavy rain, nice color Diamond graphite-stone interior. Very usefull back seats compared to the 350 Z (doesnt have), very good stereo (basic without Bose).

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  buyers remorse - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By MikeH - October 12 - 4:53 am

  While the 2005 G35X is fun to drive in a straight line and pretty goon on flat turns, after just 4 months I am ready to take a bath on it and get a 2006 BMW 3 series. The brake peddle squeeks, the windows rattle too much and there is a noise in the pillar that drives me nuts. It is fun to drive, roomy and less than a BMW, but as they say you get what you pay for and it doesnt feel near as solid as a Jetta I once had. After just 1000 miles the firm solid ride turned into a floating avg. car. To me its little more than an Altima with luxury features. I got XM, Premium, DVD in mine. Over all I am very disappointed with the purchase.

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  Infinity G35 Sport - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By XRD - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I trade my 323CI for the G35 with Sport package. It is a lot of fun to drive and really sticks to the roads. If you wonder about the 323 it would be unfair to compare the two cars, two different products. The G35 is a sport car dont expect any more. The sound system is awsome. The cons I would highlight, not good in snow and the cabin could be a little more quite from outside noises.

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  Cant Get This Grin Off Of My Face ... - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Mike - October 7 - 9:36 pm

  After many years of new cars, the G35x is, without a doubt, the best most classy-fun car that Ive had. IMO it beats the competition (Acura, BMW, Lexus & MB) in performance, styling and value. "Classic good looks" is how Motor Trend described it I think. I know that some have commented about the quality of the interior materials on the 03 & 04 Gs ... well not to worry. The inside of the 05 G is superb ... add to this the performance and realiability and you have a winner with a capital W.

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  Love it. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By DAEHTIHS - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Just a great car to drive. Has everything you could want. And for resonable money. The guages are well placed and easy to read. A great looking car. Poor milage so far, 16-20 mpg. Fun to drive.