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:

• 

  Not one regret - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By docmartin2 - September 28 - 12:30 am

  Bought the G35x last month and absolutely love it. Smooth ride, all the bells and whistles, and the power under the hood still surprises me. Not the greatest gas mileage, but comparable to most competitors. Looked at the BMW 335i and the Lexus IS 350 and I have no regrets about choosing the Infiniti.

• 

  G35 purchased new. 75K mile evaluation. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By socialist_saul - September 24 - 5:18 pm

  I love this car even though its expensive to keep on the road. This model eats tires and brakes. Ive been through 5 sets of tires and 3 sets of brakes, and one battery. Car has been dependable and trouble free since new. I just solved one of my biggest complaints gas milage. Through performance tweaking I have increased my overall mpg from 19.2 to 21.27. Prior to modifications best highway mpg was 22.3. I recently completed a 2600 mile trip and top mpg was 25.5 and overall average for the trip was 24.31. The side benefit of the modifications has been more responsive acceleration.

• 

  Best Purchase Ever For Me - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By keithw2 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I pretty much have all of the options except the Chrome Wheels. I find that I get get a lot of compliments on my Red car. The inside is very comfortable and I am happy that there is just enough space for luggage, which is why I chose not to get the 350Z. Regardless, all that matters is what I think about the car and I feel like for the money, I could not have made a better choice.

• 

  Good but overrated GT - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jefedoro - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive been somewhat disappointed. Its a great GT but drives like a very big car in the city. Think brute power rather than finesse-it lacks the sophisticated feel of a BMW. Annoying interior cheap touches detract from the car. The car is worth the money, but if you think you are getting a BMW equivalent at a bargain price, you might be a bit disappointed.

• 

  I Love This Car! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By teachusteacher - September 16 - 9:03 am

  When I bought the car 6 months ago it only had 28000 miles on it and was still under warranty. I had originally been looking at 05 Acura TL, but once I test drove this car, I had to have it. My G35x handles, accelerates, brakes, and handles, great. The leather interior and Bose sound system are sufficiently luxurious. The vehicle also gets a respectable 28 mpg highway in Western PA where no roads are flat or straight. The unique styling of the Infiniti is a head turner. Im constantly getting compliments on the vehicle.

• 

  What a ride!!! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By KM - September 12 - 12:33 am

  I love this car! Drove BMW, Lexus, Cadillac this beat them all hands down. A great value. This car handles so great I never thought I would enjoy my daily commute. I have never had so many people tell me they love my car. Have to drive one to truly apperciate how great this car is.

• 

  2007 G-35 Sport w/Prem and Nav - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By G-Lanta - September 11 - 1:16 pm

  Bought a G-35S over a BMW 335i. The price difference was just too much to swallow. No regrets after two weeks. Lots of power, nice AT (not as nice as the 335 but still good). Lots of tech in the cabin for gadget people. The Infiniti Nav is awesome. Car handles and drives as good as any 3 series (yes, I mean that).

• 

  G35 For Real! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Ian - September 8 - 2:50 pm

  I have had the car for about a month now and absolutly love it. It is a powerful machine. Almost too powerful to have in an automatic. The sound system is great and the navigation is easy to use. The only real problem is the brakes. They squeak. Usually, when you spend good money on a luxary car the brakes dont squaek. Not with this one. All in all who cars about the brake noise when the car is super fun to drive.

• 

  Very good car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Mark - September 5 - 2:33 am

  After just about a year of ownership, Im very happy with my G. This car is perfectly balanced for me. When you want to drive hard and have some fun its great. At the same time it handles my crappy commute with no problem. The price was right too. I still like the exterior, it hasnt gotten dull on me yet. The interior is fine by me. The engine and brakes still surprise me at how powerful they are. No issues with the car, and I expect it to stay that way.

• 

  2003 G35 Sedan Review - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By drum machine - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This Car is Perfect for a young Guy or Woman 18-30...I Like the way it looks..and it rides tight...But the car feel like a truck when on bumpy NY roads...and thats the normal suspention....it didnt seem to ride this hard when I test drove it..You feel every bump and cranny in the Road! And...The CD player malfuntions alot...other than that its a Powerful fun Machine. But not for NYC or LI roads. Next time will go for the I30..