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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  Very satisfied - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Dave_PA - August 23 - 10:20 pm

  Great acceleration, excellent trans - best auto-manual Ive tried, sweet handling. It makes my long commute very comfortable. Ive read complaints about poor gas mileage, but Im getting 24 mpg in mixed city/hwy after only 2k miles (usually mpg goes up a bit after break in). Also seen complaints about touchy brakes, mine are sensitive but I quickly adjusted. Excellent value for the $!

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  better than expected - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By jlhsr - August 19 - 10:00 am

  i feel the performance is superior to a BMW 330i sedan. the price was lower and the G35 has a more comfortable interior

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  Nice car - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By MFlowers - August 19 - 9:36 am

  I love my G. Its a great car and so much fun to drive. I feel safe when driving it and its small so very convenient to get around in. All in all its a great car just a few complaints.

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  Amazing vehicle - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By James - August 15 - 2:33 am

  This is my first experience in the entry level luxury market, and as they say, you get what you pay for. It is worth every penny. This car turns heads everywhere I go. It offers more than BMW, without the inflated Lexus price tag. Check one of these cars out before you buy anything else.

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  The nosiest car I have ever had - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By jjmess - August 14 - 6:16 am

  For the first 2 months, its fun to drive. Then the nightmare begins. Theres always some noise here & there. The dealership couldnt fix the problem. When the mileage goes to around 12,000, every time I drive the car, I feel like I was riding in a train. My husband & I basically cant talk while driving because of the great noise. Then theres the drivers seat track. Around 20,000, we had problems adjusting it. Thank God its still under warranty,and the dealer changed it for us. Overall, after having an Accord, BMW, Subaru. Believe me, Im glad its time to return the car. Because its the NOISIEST car I have ever had. jjmess

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  Impressed..... - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Impressed.... - August 11 - 10:56 pm

  I bought the car from Carmax with 12000 miles. Needless to say, I have been impressed. It is fast and handles great. The navigation is the best around and the technology package is outstanding and the backup camera is a nice feature (so my wife says). Gas mileage is about 20 avg, with mixed highway/city driving. The only complaint is the back seat is a little cramped for my oldest daughter, but she manages. Infinity puts Bridgestone Potenza from the factory and they stink. I barely got 20K miles. The staggered set up is new to me, but this a sports/performance car. I highly recommend this car to anyone. It is my wifes daily driver and highly reliable and safe!!!

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  Best Car EVER! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Rachael - August 11 - 4:16 pm

  This car has been a dream to own. It is perhaps THE best car on the road in terms of reliability, styling, sexiness, muscle, and pure fun. I got mine in black with black leather, and I feel like a rock star every time I get behind the wheel. My manual 6-speed transmission G accelerates so fast I almost have to hold on to the steering wheel! Ive taken her up to 120+ mph on the open road, and she just purrs. The one and only drawback to the G is the high performance tires: they are pricey! Other than that, I have zero complaints. Nothing has ever gone wrong (even a little) and it is just a joy to drive. I love the car and I would swear she loves me back.

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  Fun, but some issues - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By G35 coupe owner - August 7 - 3:30 pm

  The car is a ton of fun to drive. The stereo has some issues and doesnt work well in the winter. Ive had to checked multiple times, but they cant seem to get it right. Brembo brakes are great, but plan on getting them changed every 30k miles (and can run upwards of $3k every time). Tires wear easily and need replacement often. Car is frightening to drive during the winter.

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  A great decision - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By CoryR - August 7 - 1:40 am

  I have always thought the G35 was stunning when one pulled up behind or beside me, but I never realized that the beautiful craftsmanship carried over into the interior as well. Beyond the looks of the car, the performance of the sedan is unbelievable. Choosing between the 3 Series and the G35 was a no brainer once I got behind the wheel of the Infiniti!

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  G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By raweekley - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Superb handling automobile w/sport package. Fun to drive. Not a great car in the snow.