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 2001 through 2010 of 2,391.00-
My 5th Infiniti - 2004 Infiniti G35
By myi30t - July 18 - 2:00 amI love this car. I have had 5 Infinitis now, including this one. They have been a 1992 Q45, (2) 1998 I30t models (one got totaled) and a 2001 I30t. My 2004 G35 Sport is the best yet. Even though I did not go with the Premium pkg, The car still is very well equipped and has everything that I need. I even added the optional Satellite radio---definately worth it. This car handles like it is on rails and has excellent performance. I have had absolutely no problems with it and have recommended it to many people.
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In Love with my Wild Thing! - 2004 Infiniti G35
By SeabrookSusy - July 18 - 2:00 amOrdered this lovely vehicle in July; didnt take ownership until late September, but can honestly say its the finest automobile I have ever driven and/or owned! Superb handling, awesome control, amazing acceleration, but mostly, without a doubt the most beautiful vehicle around! And, there is one more facet that no one else discusses: the G-35 Coupe has an acceptable rear seat that my 99 year old father (literally!) can climb in and out of easily!!! Thanks Infiniti! You did it this time!
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3rd Infiniti Ive owned - 2004 Infiniti G35
By M Roberts - July 18 - 2:00 amI have driven the I30T for 4 years, the QX4 for 4 years and now the G35, I love this car, a lot of people said Id hate a car after the QX4 I love it, the ride is incredible, the car is very comfortable and the acceleration is priceless. Being from the north I have been very pleased with the way the G35 handles in the snow and ice. Would not want to be driving anything else.
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Another happy buyer - 2004 Infiniti G35
By pastpoint - July 18 - 2:00 amGreat all around performer for a reasonable price.
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japanese cars are better built - 2004 Infiniti G35
By victor hernandez - July 18 - 2:00 amthis is the best car out this year
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First few months - 2004 Infiniti G35
By tah23 - July 18 - 2:00 amMost fun to drive out of all I looked at. TT, 330Ci, A4 Quattro 6 -- the 6MT and Brembos rock. Wish it had the Harmon Kardon of my old 3, but the Navi from Infiniti is the best! This thing is SQUIRRELY in snow! Park it.
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"Whats not to love" - 2005 Infiniti G35
By ROL - July 17 - 6:13 amIf youre looking for the best "Sports Sedan" under $35K, its the G35X. Thats right, get every option except the navigation and youre looking at a great deal. An intelligent all wheel drive system, comfortable interior, power galore, excellent handling, what more could you want. Youd have to spend $10K-$15K more to get the same options in a BMW. The G35X has 280HP,put your foot down and this thing moves. It feels safe, tight handling, great breaking, throaty growl notes from the exaust screams sports car! Interior is roomy & comfortable, the rear seats recline! I read some negative reviews about the interior, calling it cheap. Have you seen the cup holders on the BMW? Judge for yourself.
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Best Value In Its Class - 2003 Infiniti G35
By meq - July 11 - 10:00 amLike most reviewers, we looked at Lexus, Acura,BMW, Audi but immediately fell in love with the G35s styling when we saw it up close. Ive owned a 911 and we get similar looks going down the highway. Looks is just the beginning though! This car STREAMS power with the 260hp 3.5 engine. Really smooth shifting, (seamless). Stomp on it and it literally will set you back in your seat. Interior & trunk space is best in its class too! So much more value for the money than comparable that Im wondering if they will end up raising the price in the next model year?
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This Great buy - 2004 Infiniti G35
By James Mark - July 7 - 10:00 amMy brand new 2 day old Infiniti G35 is the best car I have ever owned. It handles like a dream better then the BMW 325XI. The Infiniti takes the bumbs better then any car. This car gets an avarage of 20 miles to a gallon on gas. The car takes the bumbs as well as a Honda or Toyota or even an Linclon but not as well as a BMW or a Subaru. The Infiniti G35 is a winner and has the best features.
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ITS THE ONE - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Chas4519 - July 4 - 2:00 amPurchased at MRSP. 5AT, maxed out, no nav. Great confort, performance and sexy looking. Great sports car for the price. Never thought I would be able to afford this level of performance and looks on my income. Do yourself a favor and dont miss out on owning this car.
