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 2011 through 2020 of 2,391.00-
G35 Sport Sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
By jcv - July 4 - 2:00 amThe car was delivered in perfect condition and is a blast to drive. Im coming from a BMW 1997 M3, handling is different but equivalent or better- performance about equal with more usable torque. MUCH better than 330i, overall performance and handling at least equal, MUCH better value and dealers. Dont let Edmunds reviews put you off, the editors are impressed by badge engineering, dont use their own cash and dont look at their own consumer ratings for competitive cars. Give the car a look for this segment before you buy.
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good car - 2003 Infiniti G35
By bob macay - July 2 - 10:00 ami only use mine to race but my next daily driver is going to be a Infinity G35. Im in to the imports but this one has its own page in my book
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A Great GT - 2004 Infiniti G35
By BRAKEL8 - July 2 - 10:00 amIt has excellent balance throughout. Great steering feel, lateral grip is excellent, and the Brembo brakes work extremely well (although Id love an ABS override switch). The engine has wonderful low-end torque, but it gets a bit too buzzy above 4500 rpm. Because it performs so well, its easy to compare it to sports cars. And while it holds its own with many of the best, it should most fairly be viewed as the excellent GT car it was designed to be. It absolutely shines on the open road -- fast, comfortable, quiet and very good gas mileage. An absolutely wonderful package.
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Wow! What a car - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Andy Michaleson - July 2 - 10:00 amThis car handles better than the BMW 3 series I test drove and takes the bumbs like a Toyota or a Honda. This car doesnt have alot of leg room but is still very comfortable and sporty. This car has the best aduio system and looks the best!
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The Infinity G35X - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Michael D Leslie - July 2 - 10:00 amI bought my Infinity last Jan. It is a wonderful car and is very reliable!!!! The bose stero and leather seats are great. The car has great pickup a smooth ride. I get many compliments on the design and style. I owned the J30 before this one. I like this one even more.
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One year owning the Infiniti G35 Cpe - 2005 Infiniti G35
By ana - July 1 - 6:00 pmI love everything about my car but one thing. I gave it a score of "4" on Build Quality only because the car is too low. This is not my first sports car so I know they come low to the ground but on the Coupe you can actually go over a simple can or small rock in the road and it will scrape the undercarriage and make it sound likes its tearing it up. You also have to be extremely careful of potholes too..and I mean small ones.
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Its all about the Fun - 2006 Infiniti G35
By KentuckyDriver - June 27 - 4:36 pmI bought my G35 coupe in July. It has the 19" wheels, sports package, bluetooth, Bose, black leather with aluminum trim interior, and silver exterior. The day I drove into work it got noticed among all the BMWs, Lexus and Mercedes. G35s are unique and sleek looking cars, clearly standouts. After six months of driving in summer, fall and winter weather my rating is AWESOME! Smooth and quick acceleration, throaty exhaust, tight handling. I look for opportunities to drive this on curvy backroads and passing cars just for the thrill. Who the heck buys a sports car for gas mileage? Windows down, sun-roof back and Bose blaring is the life. One annoyance-seat belt keeps coming out of guid
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The perfect fun, power, luxury G35X sed - 2007 Infiniti G35
By Len - June 25 - 12:50 amThis is the perfect sedan, the G35X. What a fun, fast, great handling sedan. Must drive to appreciate how great this sedan is.
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Glad I stuck with my first choice - 2003 Infiniti G35
By treegarden - June 18 - 10:00 amThis is an outstanding car. The performance is a delight, the interior supremely comfortable, and the quality high. BMW may be "the ultimate driving machine", but in my opinion (having driven a 530i) is not worth another $15,000.
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This fun aint cheap - 2003 Infiniti G35
By lastnoel - June 16 - 6:20 amI have owned this car for 5 years. I dont put very many miles on it per year so Im just now coming up on 38k. Brakes were squealing bad and the VDC light, emergency brake light, and SLIP light were coming on and staying on. Had read this may be a break problem. I needed new tires anyway so took it to shop. Front pads/rotors and rear pads all needed to be replaced. $800. It did fix my dash lights problem though. You definitely pay for owning a fun car.
