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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  bad paint job - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By dianne st clair - October 7 - 10:00 am

  My license plate cover started peeling around 3,000 miles. Then I noticed chips in the paint. In September I started going to dealer complaining about paint problems. They kept telling me they would have a paint inspector to come look at car. in Feb.04 I still have not heard from paint inspector. I went back to dealer, Baton Rouge, and was told a paint inspector would call me soon. It is now June 04,2004. I still havent heard from a paint inspector. My car shifts hard and the picture has peeled off of my mirrow, the button I push for the garage opener. I am very desappointed in Infiniti and The dealer. I will not buy another Infiniti.

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  Greatest car ever! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By G35Lover1 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  What else can I say? One of the best cars ever(period)!

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  Yeah baby! G35 coupe unbelievable - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By PeterC - October 4 - 1:00 am

  Wanted one for 2 years, finally bought one. Test driving doesnt compare to taking it home. Its burst out of the light with everyone else left in the dust. Its so much fun to drive. Sounds fantastic, feels like a true GT sports car. Exceeded my expectations of this car by far. On another note. Dealer was fantastic. Kudos to Infinity of Columbus for their excellent customer service and sales staff. Very well treated.

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  Happy Driver! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By lolo - October 3 - 9:13 pm

  Got my 05 Sedan last day of April. Have driven 750 very happy miles. Ive been driving a boat (Suburban) for so long, I forgot what acceleration was! Love the looks of this car, and the handling cant be beat! Every morning when I start it up, a get that great, hearty HUMMMMM, its awesome! My mom has an 05 BMW 5 series, and when she drove my G35 sedan, she said "I could have saved $18,000 and been really happy with this car!"

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  I believe - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By BAM13 - October 2 - 5:30 am

  Solid performer, good balance of power and handling. Fun to drive. Only concern is some low level road noise and flat "spot" tire sound when cold.

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  6 Month Review - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By No Spin Zone Lover - October 1 - 10:00 am

  Lease dont buy this car as love for this car doesnt grow. Its fun to play with but hard to live with and definitely stinks as a "family" car. You have to drive this car like a testoterone driven 16 y.o. to enjoy it which your passangers may not appreciate.

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  Dream car - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By thew60 - September 29 - 11:45 pm

  I had my eyes on this car since 2007 when it came out. I got my 008 G35x after getting rid of my 2006 Maxima which was great except for the pathetic turning circle. I purchased a pre owned car with 27K on it. Looks and rides like new. This is my dream car. Maybe I have low expectations of a dream car (Lamborghini maybe?) but I am realistic. The car is beautiful on the outside and inside. It is comfortable, quiet, has a killer Bose sound system, and handles fantastic. I had the same engine in my Maxima but you not know it here. The engine makes a sweet growl and has amazing power off the line and consistent through the RPM. Something Infiniti did with the drivetrain and they did it right !!

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  Forget the European Cars - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By SH - September 29 - 10:43 pm

  I have owned the BMWs and they do not handle as well, nor have the reliability record, of the Infiniti. The G35 delivers an unbelievable amount of horsepower for the money. The cornering on the car is fantastic with outstanding breaking and acceleration responsiveness. I am truly excited to drive again!!!

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  Go for the BMW 325xi - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Lefty - September 29 - 7:36 pm

  I bought a pre-owned 2004 G35x loaded, Nav, xenon, premium package, etc. I had it for 3 weeks before trading it in for a 2002 BMW 325xi, which is the car I should have purchased in the first place. The Infiniti got horrible gas mileage (13mpg) and within one week of purchase it needed new front brake rotors. Car has too much torque and cant get out of its own way. The car creaked and rattled. The BMW is a much better built car, fast, better gas mileage and a more sporty ride.

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  This is one great car!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By MrGTO - September 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought a new G35 Sedan with Bose, sunroof, sport suspension,and aero package. I am very impressed with its off-the-line performance and excellent handling. It is amazing what rear wheel drive means for handling. My Maxima was fast, but it couldnt hang with the G35s power plus handling.