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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  AWD for All People - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By J Martin - June 15 - 6:23 pm

  Our 06 Liquid Platinum G35X has gobs of power and doesnt waste it. You can feel all four wheels grab in the wet, but it retains a rear-wheel dynamic on dry pavement. The "cockpit" feels comfortably snug for my 510", 220 lb frame. Steering is tight and responsive. I do conciously avoid potholes: the sporty suspension will clearly transmit the bump to the occupants. The motors burble at idle and roar when accelerating makes you feel like you have a sports car and not a sedan. The stereo is loud and clear. The SmartKey is somewhat cool, but leaves me to wonder if the vehicle is at greater risk for theft if Im "around" the car, but not in the car--I do need to look into that more. MPG-feh.

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  Great get up and go - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jjinx19 - June 13 - 2:43 am

  I have enjoyed my Infiniti owning experience for the most part. Bought it with 55K miles already on it, now at 119K no major issues to report. Only issue is my car has some electrical issues that come and go, radio cuts in & out, power seat sticks. This is a great highway car in the way of maneuvering and great pickup. Not so great on the MPG (one of the reasons Im trading it in now). Had mostly owned GM vehicles but had to trade my XL Denali (my baby) in for the G35 when the gas hike hit. Have to say I liked my Denali better, just personal preference. Costly to own & on repair, thank god for the mechanic in the family (saved me a lot on labor and routine maintenance costs).

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  This is it~~~~~~~~~~ - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By zero4588 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a 98 E-class rotting in my garage, the Infinity G35 has exceeded my expectation. Best bang for the buck. Not only this car is a blast to drive around town and out of town , it has the build quality that my Mercedes is not able to match. I would definitely recommed this car to anyone who are in search of German handling but are concerned about the German reliability. All in all, this car is full of fun and practicality.

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  Awesome car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Hummy - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I was looking at the BMW 3,Lexus IS and G. I was very impressed with the power, handling and value of this car. Dealership was great, it took a couple hours to walk out with the car. Like everyone else, the brakes are very touchy and give off alot of dust. But thats the price you pay for good brakes. Read consumer reports, they have a good review.

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  G35 coupe - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Mark Smith - June 9 - 9:46 pm

  Love this car !! Have had it for 6 months and love it more each day. Got the black on black, which was the only choice for me. Timeless good looks, and as sporty as anything on the road. Its definitely an eye catcher. I always loved the styling of the 300ZX (90-96), but this one will please the eye for years to come. Acceleration is great and the torque is remarkable in all gears, but would almost have preferred a 5-speed. Range on the low end shifting is a little too short, and somewhat painful over 4,500 rpm. Also a little disappointed in the shifting; not as short or as smoothe as the reviews have suggested. Lots of tranny and clutch vibration.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By norm2004 - June 7 - 6:10 pm

  I love this car - but being a huge BMW fan - I had to decide between this and a comparable BMW, which was $14000 more. Easy decision, the G35xs is fun to drive and comes at a great price. Car handles great - not as responsive as the BMW but not a big difference. The graphical user interface is the best in the industry - the iPod interface is amazing and the Nav graphics are great and I love the rear back up camera. If you are considering the BMW 3 series you must look at this car, it will change your mind. I got the G35x with the sports package - which came in auto and not stick, but the paddle shifters can be fun.

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  Dont waste your time looking at others - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By San Diego Steve - June 7 - 11:53 am

  Driving anything else in the class is a waste of time !!! This car out performs BMW, Lexus, Audi, Acura, MB & others. I drove them all before buying this. Regardless of price this IS the car. Its quick, Fun and I dont see a problem with the gas mileage as I hear from others. You expect this when you buy a car in this class.

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  Its elegant yet fun! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Janelle222 - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought a white G35 sedan. I like the ride. I have had the opportunity to drive high end cars (I used to have a Boxster, a CLK, a SLK, an M5 - what can I say... I like CARS!!) and this one is not to be ignored or looked down on. The people working in Infiniti Tustin made our purchase experience not as stressful. They are all professionals (I will especially mention Bill).

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  Finally, A tall(er) persons car. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By pwr10 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I have driven the 3 and 5 series BMW, the IS, ES, and GS Lexus, and the C and E bodies from MB. The G35 is comfortable for 63" 230 lb person, and drives better than all of the above (except the 5 series, and that is a close call). A smoothly accelerating engine... just a pleasure overall.

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  G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By robsg35 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. It handles well and feels solid on the road.