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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  Love the G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By jcalhoun68 - December 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a great fun to drive car.

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  Watch Out - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Watch Out - December 15 - 6:40 pm

  Dont believe all the hype folks. I admit that I was also fooled by the sticker in the window. 19/25 MPG. Never happened!!! It gets more like 14/17 MPG. Had to return it on numerous occasions concerning the transmission slipping, and the car trying to over heating on me, excessive water in the head lamps. I have to take it back today for more work. Great price for all you get but its not worth the headaches in the long run.

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  Improved for 2005... - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By E.D.L. - December 11 - 1:23 pm

  I waited for the 2005 G35 Coupe model which was released in late October 2004. The interior materials and instrument panel display are MUCH nicer than the 2004 model. Dual power seat recliners and tilt w/ telescoping steering wheel are now standard equipment for 2005 as well. But, most of all, there is the newly available Sport Suspension Package which includes better handling and nice looking 19" wheels--you will not be disappointed with this package! Combine the Sport Pkg with the Premium Pkg and you have the perfect blend of sport and luxury in one vehicle. A bargain at 36-37K, especially when compared to high-line makes like BMW & Mercedes which cost thousands more for less vehicle.

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  Long Term Evaluation - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By ALEO - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car almost one year ago and it is still as fun to drive as the first day. I still receive compliments from people in gas stations parking lots and traffic stops. But.. Gas Mileage is worse than expected. The 19 MPG city goes down to 15 MPG once you add A/C and stop & go traffic. The quality of the materials and body integrity are marginal. Recalls are galore. Stereo had to be replaced and the "Check engine" light comes out some times.

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  Quite pleased - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By JP1 - December 6 - 6:23 pm

  It came down to the Infiniti G35, Nissan Maxima/Altima, Subaru Legacy GT, Pontiac Grand prix GTP, or Mazda RX8. I had to have an automatic with 4 doors due to business and marriage. I test drove the RX8, maxima, altima, and G35. The RX8 was fun but the engine just didnt do it for me with the auto so I drove the max and altima. I enjoyed both cars. The Altima(3.5l) pulled hard but the interior was sub par. The max was a luxurious vehicle but the torque steer was too much. The G35 ran hard and firm. The trick is to get all of your research done before hand and bring it with you. I was able to get the 04 G35 with prem/sport/aero/trk mats/spl grds for 31500

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  This car is great! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Cardman - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. It is a pleasure to drive and has all the power you need when you need it. I looked at cars that are nearly the same such as the Lexus IS300, Acura TL Type S, and a Jag S-Type. I kept being drawn back to the G35. I am glad I made the purchase.

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  Great car - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Phoenix - November 30 - 12:40 am

  This car is very fast and it looks great in black. The sports seats are very tight. Im waist size 32. This car can be much more efficient if the top gear is much taller. Unless youre living in a very hilly city, there is no reason to have the RPM above 3K at 70 mph. It feels very wasteful, and it is very wasteful. Another major problem are the tires. The front tires start to feather out and make a lot of noise at around 10K. I had to replace them even though they still have a lot of tread.

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  The hottest thing with 4 doors - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By the_hog - November 29 - 6:03 am

  I test drove both the BMW 328xi coupe and sedan, neither had anything on the G35x. The power is the first major difference (outside of the price tag). The handling is just a great, while the technology amenities are even better! I live in Minnesota and the AWD makes it the perfect year round sports sedan. Simply a great marriage of performance and comfort.

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  Sweet Alternative to the BMW 328 - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By President - November 28 - 10:26 am

  The G35S 6MT is one of the finest luxury sedans in its class, and, with attractive pricing comparable to the BMW 328, it certainly is closing the gaps in quality, performance and affordability. My G35S is fully loaded with aftermarket chrome detail work. Since my purchase I have been ecstatic and have woken up everyday with a smile on my face. The interior is exceptional in both design and comfort. With more standard luxury options and equipment than the 328, such as HID Xenon headlights, leather upholstery, and keyless entry with push-button start. Bottom line, if you can live without the prestigious German nameplate, the best value for your money is the Infiniti G35 Sport 6MT.

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  Awe inspiring! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By pdsesq - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. The performance is fantastic, the size is perfect and the styling is beautiful. I have only had one small problem with a vibration in the speaker housing in the drivers door. It has been fixed once, but is starting to become a problem again. Other than that, everything has performed flawlessly. Even the regular service is inexpensive for a luxur brand. I love the looks and comments I get when I drive my car. I highly recommend it over an Acura TL, BMW 3 series or any of its competitiors.