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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  G35 - Amazing Fun and Performance - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Slider Karl - May 27 - 11:53 am

  The fun-factor of this ride must be experienced to be appreciated. I purchased the G35 with the extra sports package and all the options that were available. The exterior look oozes luxury while maintaining an extremely efficient drag coefficient (0.26). The available power (265 HP) propels this carriage to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. The brake response is outstanding with very little effort but there is no loss of feel for the road. Rear-wheel drive and vehicle dymanics control allows, even the most inexperienced driver to benefit from all of those ponies while maintaining a sure grip on the road. The interior offers the refinement one would expect is a luxury vehicle at a great price.

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  BMW Envy - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By mackinnr - May 26 - 2:46 pm

  A friend has had a 2002 330i for some time, so when I was to purchase a new car I was convinced the BMW was the way to go. Boy was I wrong. First of all 4 people cannot fit in the BMW, unless they are 4 very small people, and secondly performance wise the Infiniti is in a class by its own. We drove everything in the same class, the TL, the IS 350, Audi A4, etc. Nothing comes close to the G 35 for exterior style and power. The interior leaves something to be desired, as does the fuel economy. If you want interior comfort go with the IS or TL, but dont expect to get 4 people in the IS, the TL is nice for grandmas. I highly recommend the sport package for bigger wheels and nicer rims.

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  my G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By KiKi - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Its my fun car. Makes me feel like Im 16 again!

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  ok car - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By jennifer - May 22 - 2:36 am

  I have had my car for about 2 months now and the performance is awesome. I have always driven sports cars and this one definitely out performs most of them. It is a very fun car to drive but I have had issues with the poor gas mileage. I understand with over 306 HP you arent going to get the best gas mileage but why have a performance car if you cant drive it like you want. I also am having issues with the brakes squeaking and my car only has 25k miles on it. I guess the brake pads have to be changed frequently on the car. Wish I had known that before I bought it.

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  car of the year - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By coupeaholic - May 22 - 2:00 am

  it is the finest car ever built from infiniti

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  My 100,000+ mile Update - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Racecar Johnny - May 20 - 3:33 pm

  I have 112,000 miles on my 03 G35 Sedan Sport. Ive had Benz, BMW, Honda and this is the best car Ive ever owned. It still goes like stink, handles tight and fits four. Nitpicks are small (see below) especially given my mid-2002 model. Does it handle with aplomb and oversteer like a BMW? No. It does track controllably and straight whether on a twisty or a fwy. But the steering shudders when I take a bumpy ramp hard. Other than that, its a refined, fast, great looking, RELIABLE ride. I have had no -- I mean none -- major repairs. Its a fun compromise that will smoke em all day with 0-60 in 5.6 sec, costs $10k less than the Germans (& will run longer & cheaper) & gets a consistent 20 mpg.

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  Great Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Kim Reynolds - May 19 - 7:53 am

  I love my G35!!! The handling and power of this vehicle is impressive. It is also very comfortable and fun to drive. The only thing I have noticed that would be a negative is the car has different rattling and buzzing noises in it. Hopefully this will be able to be fixed. This is a great car though!

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  fantastic!!! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By troy - May 19 - 12:06 am

  Driving is great. I paid a lot less for this car than i should have.

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  Final Thoghts - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Gary D. - May 18 - 3:36 am

  Traded in my G35 yesterday with 95k. Owned it since new. Overall a wonderful car and experience. Never a mechanical problem. Over the last 8 months, wiper motor, window motor and ac fan went with likely more to come. Otherwise regular 30k service from a good independent was fine. I allowed him to put in standard brakes rather than Infiniti for a good savings w/o substantial loss of braking performance. Winter driving with RWD was a problem solved with Blizzak snows. The high level of performance and reliable driving pleasure that this car gave me at a reasonable cost should not be lost. It was a blast to drive to work or explore the backroads. A lot of bang for the buck!!

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  Beautiful car, but expensive to maintain - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Silas - May 17 - 7:20 am

  This is a beautiful and powerful (306 horsepower) car. However, it is a sport edition which means different sized tires. This is a nightmare. Not only are the tires expensive, but I am on my third (yes, I said third set) and I only have 40K on the car. Also, the gas mileage is horrible. It averages about 14-16mpg. Terrible!