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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  The best car that not everyone has - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By B718 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I searched long and hard for the right car for the right price. The ride is not town car like, but it shouldnt be. Acceleration is impressive, feels like there are 20-30 more horses hiding under the hood. My opinion is that you cannot find a better car for the money. Sure you can buy a BMW 323 for around the same price, but it will not give you the same feeling when you jam the gas pedal down. All in all, the car is great both inside and out. The aluminum on the console with the sport package gives it a little extra. The aero package with the rear spoiler makes the car just that much better looking.

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  great car, very bad ergonomics - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By ncarview - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This could be a great sport sedan if not for the terrible ergonomics. The cars interior design is just a hack. Radio and climate controls reversed placement is a cheap leftover from the models Japanese version, ridiculous foot parking break calls for somebody from Nissans interior design team to get fired, very odd power seat controls ... Otherwise its an excellent car with very good handling and acceleration.

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  G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Iceman1424 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  A fun car to drive - great acceleration, good braking. Nice styling, both interior and exterior. Much better than a BMW or Benz.

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  2003 G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By JACKMAN - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Took delivery on an emerald mist/black leather the day before my 48th birthday. I am in love with this little rocket. Great looks, incredible performance, and very fun to drive. It is a 4dr sedan, but feels and drives like a small sports car. The drivers seat and cockpit fit like a glove. My wife thought I was crazy, but now she even loves "her" new car. BTW-Im counting on this thing to sling shot me through mid-life crisis. I feel confident that it will.

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  Best in class... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By stsurbrook - September 3 - 10:00 am

  We drove pretty much everything in the $30-40K sport sedan category (Acura, Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, Lincoln, Nissan, Toyota, Volvo, VW) and the G35 was, by far, the best value of the bunch. There were other fine cars (Acura, Audi, BMW, Lexus), but while they often had one or two superior features, overall, they were well behind the Infiniti. Fast, fun, sexy, sleek, great in the curves, roomy are all adjectives that describe this car better than they do its competition. I just wish it was mine (so I wouldnt have to share), not my wifes... :)

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  My new G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Kevin Beasly - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I honestly expected more out of this car. I expected far more than Nissan gave me. But thats not to say this car is awful because that it is not. I needed a second commuter car with more room than a normal sports car and its done its job.

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  G35 Coupe - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By raizelgs - September 1 - 6:40 pm

  This is a great car. It handles well (sport-tuned suspension) although it is a little harsh. It looks great, and its styling is slightly understated - no sculpting along the sides.

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  Best ever - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By david - September 1 - 2:26 am

  I have owned 30 cars since my first in 1966 and this is by far the best. The performance and technology are awesome. Intelligent cruise-control is the best feature ever. Burns gas like hell, but burns up the road like hell, so Ill except the tradeoff.

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  Antons new AWD G25x - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Antone - August 30 - 8:23 am

  The G25x is the best performing car Ive ever owned with cars like Trans Am, Dodge Daytona and Grand Prix GTPs included. It zips to 100 like nothing and stops on a dime. Going around clover leafs with 25 mph speed limits can easily be doubled to 50. And when it gets wet by rain or snow its hard to even get the wheels to spin with hard acceleration. Best car purchase I ever made.

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  2005 Infiniti G35 6MT review - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By wink0101 - August 29 - 4:00 pm

  Had my G35 for 3 years - overall an awesome car. Very sporty, fun to drive, great power. Very reliable, never needed repairs - just usual maintenance stuff. I live in MN and got a set of winter tires and changed them out each season. It handled relatively well for RWD - never slid off the road or got stuck. Getting 20-21 mpg mixed city/hwy. Needs premium fuel, but have been using mid-grade stuff due to cost w/o problems. Will be gettting a different vehicle now that my lease is up only because I have 2 dogs that love to travel with me and need more room - otherwise would probably trade up to newer model if issues listed below have been improved.