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:
Showing 191 through 200 of 2,391.00-
BMW, time to get your R&D to work 24 hrs - 2003 Infiniti G35
By phal - February 25 - 10:00 amI own a Q45. My wife owns a 02 BMW 325 convertible. I took the test drive of the G35. front exterior: great rear exterior: suits G35 coupe better. The inline-6 BMW engines are the smoothest. But the 3.5 VQ series engine of the G35 can rival the smoothness. But powerwise, definitely the 3.5 larger bore engine gets the nod. 3 series is better than G35 in 3 points: 1. steering feel, very tight and precise. 2. 3er is lower, looks wider and very firm and definitive suspension. 3. The seats are real ugly and unsupportive for a sports car. Take 350zs seats.
-
Not impressed - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Wilson83274 - February 22 - 10:00 amFor the money, its an o.k. car but I suggest looking at other options(3 series BMW, Audi A4, Acura TL) before purchasing. My previous car was a 3 series and the fit, finish and overall quality of the 3 exceeds the Infiniti. I dont dislike the car, but I dont love it either - its just average.
-
Performance for people who KNOW cars. - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Young Professional - February 22 - 10:00 amThis is not your dime-a-dozen, dull Honda or Toyota utilitarian sedan. GET this: REAR wheel drive, Front Midship 3.5L V6 engine, 4 wheel ind. susp., PERFORMANCE luxury sedan with emphasis on PERFORMANCE (more than enough oomph to get one into trouble with law enforcement if one isnt careful). If youre looking for a soft riding, FWD, brake diving, body rolling mainstream/me-too sedan....LOOK ELSEWHERE!!!
-
Defective G35S - 2008 Infiniti G35
By peter - February 21 - 3:33 pmThis G35S with summer tires would not survive in a snow storm. Im battling with Nissan with a suspension, steering or tracking problem as this car is way too sensitive to road crown compared to every car Ive driven, it drives straight in the right lane but would crash into the woods next to the left lane as soon as the hands are off the steering wheel, after alignment done on it 3 times, Nissan is refusing to acknowledge this quality defect while all 3 of their loaner cars Ive driven drove without this problem, I would trade it in for an AWD especially living in the NE, a RWD just wont cut it in snow. Its worse than a Maxima SE, dont waste your money
-
Break Through - 2003 Infiniti G35
By L. Bittle - February 20 - 10:00 amThe Road & Track sport sead shoot out got me interested and everything I checked out about the car was impresive. I like the car very much and comparing it to my last new car - a 98 528i its better in everyway and lots more fun!
-
WOW!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By khim - February 20 - 10:00 amAWESOME CAR. BANG FOR THE BUCKS.
-
Repairs very expensive - 2005 Infiniti G35
By gary171 - February 16 - 3:46 amI purchased the car new 7 years ago with the optional 7 year/100,000 warranty. Ive had all service done at my Infinity dealership and total repairs not covered under warranty to date are $9300. My wife purchased the Acura TL the same day 7 years ago with the 7 year/100,000 warranty. All her service was done at the Acura dealership and total repairs to date are $3600. I love driving the Infinity----I dont care for the Acura, but the repairs are just expensive to her car. Thats really my only complaint about the car. Both extended warranties just expired last week, and both cars have around 80,000 miles. I probably will purchase another Infinity when this car dies.
-
Wow - 2003 Infiniti G35
By reliot - February 13 - 2:00 amMy Infiniti Number 7 and the very best yet. Fun to drive is better than my 00 Vette and much less attractive to the local police. Great Road Mannors in every condition Ive put it through. My daily driver is an I-30, the G-35 is my wifes and Im attempting to get her to love the luxury ride of the I-30 but with no luck as yet. Heck, Ive even offered up the Vette and still not a sale on my part.
-
Finally, a better choice than the BMW 3 - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Richukim - February 13 - 2:00 amI was all set to get another BMW 3 because my wife & I LOVED that car & no other car seemed to compare. But the 3 was tight on space especially with a baby. The G is larger inside than a BMW 5. It also bests the 330i in HP & performance. To BMWs credit their inline 6 is the smoothest 6 around. & I still dont know how theyre able to combine great handling & ride. No one does suspensions better than BMW, but the G came mighty close. Add the standard features & for once a desirable premium package w/o alot of unwanted features (Im not spending extra for cosmetic wood). My old BMW was feeling like a stripper after I got my G.
-
Educated Purchase - 2007 Infiniti G35
By ECONROY - February 9 - 5:40 pmMy wife and I research our cars well and this one has everything we wanted at a better price than Audi or BMW. AWD, fast, handles great, attractive inside and out, comfortable for four, and has an excellent stereo. The Nav package with the hard drive to upload CDs to was a big selling point. An amp and subwoofer to make the stereo superb and this one is a keeper.
