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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  Fun car, tough on gas - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By kjh - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This awd car handles very well. Traded in an 2002 Acura tl-s, which was quicker and gave better fuel economy. However, after replacing the transmission, I lost confidence in the tl and dumped it. Very happy with the level of service with Infinitis dealership.. Much better than Acura.

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  Infinity G35, W O W!!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Burky - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the G35 after reading many reviews stating the G35 was Best In Class over the BMW, Acura, VW and others. Was not ready to buy, test drove the car and was so impressed I called the wife and said I was sold. Helping the purchase was the ease of dealing with the Infinty dealership and sales staff. My salesman, John Lopez was great. I love the car and HIGHLY reccommend it.

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  Great! But Could be Better.. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Mike A. - May 31 - 8:06 am

  I Bought my 2003 G35 sedan used, october 2008 with 130,000K. Got it for a great price. I love the car its great compared to the Chrysler i used to drive. I will never go Domestic again. This car is i believe an Icon for great performance no doubt about it. However its the little things which bring me down such as the very famous electrical problem with the center console that no longer works for me and will cost over $1000 since parts alone are $900 and the recall doesnt apply to my VIN number. Other electrical such as the clock light, and wiper blade motor. These are problems I just didnt expect from Infiniti. Any car you buy will have its Flaw, electrical seems to be the Gs problem.

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  Awesome so far - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By sdmotor - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Only have 500 miles on it but have been impressed more and more every time I drive it. The sport package is worth the money, but chrome rims are in order. Interior layout is ergonomic with the exception of the seat controls. Bose stereo provides plenty of sound, but Id rather listen to the song of the motor.

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  Infiniti G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jim Weekes - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 3 months and I can safely say that it is the best car that I have ever owned. It has a wonderful engine. I used to drive a 96 Nissan Maxima with an earlier version of this V6 and the improvements are amazing. Acceleration is instant and handling is at the top of its class. It is as solid as any car I have been in. At the price it is a total steal.

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  Love it, Love it, Love it - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mcashe - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I have waited a long time to get my car. Now that I have it, I realize it was worth the wait. I love everything about this car. It definitely gets a lot of attention.

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  G35 A Pleasure - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By gandreev - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive been a car enthusiast since I can remember. Followed the development of this car in the auto magazines. Test drove and purhcased the G35 with luxury package in June after test drive. Its an out of mainstream car that elicits lots of interest and positive feedback from family, friends, and passers-by. An excellent alternative to the BMW/Lexus crowd.

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  G35 Sedan Review - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By ewang - May 29 - 10:00 am

  For the price in its class, acceleration is no doubt, FAST. Sports package provides great handling. Adjustable front/rear seat provides comfort to both driver and passengers. Plastic interior may look cheap to some, but the silver metallic tone makes the interior looks clean. Night view with the amber light on impresses the passenger. Front is nice looking. Back may look awkward at first, but it grows on you. If you feel that the back is somewhat chopped off, try the factory spoiler, it may solve that problem. With the quality for the QX4 (3% defect), I trust that my G35 wont get too bad in terms of Build Quality and Reliability.

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  WORTH THE WAIT!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By TKD1 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I,ve waited since the first review was listed..read everyone of them,bought every magazine,searched for every website,compared all the brands,now I own the car. simply put, nothing under 40k is even worth considering if the G35 is on the list

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  On my second one already ! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Raymond - May 28 - 2:33 am

  In late 2003 I leased a G35 coupe, drove the car for about 15k miles and had a ball with it. Keep in mind I have owned many cars including 2 corvettes. In late 2004 I heard about the redesign of the 05 coupe. As soon as the car hit the street I went to a dealer and looked it over. Very impressed with the 19 inch rims and the new dash. I was pleased to find the new functions such as the power telescopic and tilt steering wheel, new dash display and the fact that Infiniti removed some of the stainless steel from the center console as it was easily scratched often. The salesman insisted I take it for a ride and I couldnt believe the difference in the suspension and transmission.