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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Superb! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By SteveSeattle - May 17 - 2:00 amI traded a 96 Q45-- a hard act to follow since I was used to a strong V8 and smooth ride. But the G35 is just as fast and, of course, handles so much better. The old Q was never anything to look at, I really like the looks of my G35. I added a Stillen exhaust and got a slightly throatier sound coupled with a tiny but better performance.
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Fun but yet expensive - 2007 Infiniti G35
By ash5879 - May 15 - 5:16 amI bought my g last year and its been a love hate relationship ever since. The tires have been the worst . Just put new ones on 3 days after buying it and now I need them again : ( people love my car and so do I until I see the out dated interior. I dont like the brushed nickle and those horrible orange lights the g35 I way better looking from the outside than the inside. My leather seats dont look good either . I love driving my car but wish I would have bought the Lexus is250 more updated and better gas mileage and tire wear. I see why people own the g for about a year or two and trade it in : ( oh and my speakers blew out too in the front $200 to replace
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my 2008 Infiniti G35 - 2008 Infiniti G35
By saminhouston - May 14 - 1:49 amI love my infiniti it now has 128k miles on it. the car is immaculate, i love it, it has some flaws but im 20 yrs old so for me i think its perfect. i have the fully loaded package (tech & sport) but i have the journey model b/c in houston 99% of the time you wont have snow lol. ive always done maintenance on time, no problems what so ever not even one. I take care of my care so it takes care of me, 128k miles strong & im going to keep this car forever.
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LESSON IN CORPORATE ECONOMICS - 2003 Infiniti G35
By KEN - May 12 - 10:00 amHOW DOES INFINITI OFFER A 260+ HP SPORTS COUPE FOR AROUND 33k. ONE WORD: COST CUTTING. GRANTED THE EXTERIOR DESING BORDERS ON TRUE SCULPTURE. BUT THE INTERIOR MATERIALS, FIT AND FINISH, AND OVERALL DESIGN IS JUST SILLY. ONLY THE ACTUAL SEATING SURFACE IS LEATHER, THE REMAINDER IS FAUX LEATHER. FAUX TITANIUM TRIM IS UNBEFITTING OF A CAR MARKETED FOR YOUNG EXECUTIVES/PROFESSIONALS. LEAVE SUCH TRIM FOR THOSE ENJOYING THERE PRELUDES/CELICAS. SUSPENSION GEOMETRY NEED MORE ATTENTION AS THE RIDE IS HARSH YET CORNERING ABILITY DOES NOT RIVAL THAT OF THE MORE SUPPLE BMW 3 SERIES. 6 SPEED GEARBOX NEEDS MORE FEEDBACK AND PRECISION, LIKEWISE THE CLUTCH.
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The Perfect (Luxurious) Sports Car - 2008 Infiniti G35
By jagguar - May 12 - 3:26 amI wasnt originally looking for a car in this class but when I saw all the features I just couldnt help myself. I was looking for a fun sporty car and this is exactly that, but with a lot of luxury thrown in as well. Its comparable to the BMW 335i (better IMHO) in performance, comfort, and luxury. It has virtually all the luxury features of $50k+ luxury cars. If youre looking for a car thats fun to drive, the G35 is unrivaled. And it fits 5 people comfortably too! The clutch is stiff but easy to get used to. And I strongly suggest spending the extra 5k to get the nav. All the features that comes with it are awesome! I wish I got the tech package.
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Awesome to drive but poor quality - 2005 Infiniti G35
By Joe - May 11 - 7:10 pmThe G35X is THE most fun car to drive that Ive ever owned in 30 years of driving. Outstanding performance, agile, smooth. Only two small issues with the car, that would have made the car "perfect". First -- interior quality. There is a squeak in the drivers door, that the dealer cannot find or fix. Back 3 times, still no fix. Very frustrating. Second is the very touchy brakes. Extremely sensitive, and also wear quickly. Dealer replaced them free of charge after less than 20k miles after reported a brake squeal. So -- GREAT to drive, but 2 annoying issues.
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Best car out of Japan - 2006 Infiniti G35
By ducrider - May 3 - 2:00 pmComing from a 350z I had for 4 years, I wanted something more comfortable. I test drove the Lexus GS 430, Porsche Cayenne S and Audi A4 3.2 quattro. They were all nice, but were all lacking something. I just happened to see the G35c on the lot. After sitting in it, I knew it was the one. It was one of the most comfortable seats I ever sat in. The driveability of Nissan/Infiniti has always been top notch. They always provide the best driver feedback and the G35c was no different. It is so smooth to drive, there is nothing jerky about this car. You would swear you were in a full blown luxury car and it has a nice wad of power on tap. A perfect blend of luxury, power and class.
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Killer deal - 2005 Infiniti G35
By Skidog - April 26 - 7:23 pmIt accelerates like the space shuttle, corners like a Lamborghini and cradles one in comfort like an old recliner.
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Great - 2004 Infiniti G35
By D32189 - April 24 - 2:00 amGreat car and one that rivals every other car on the road today.
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great car - 2004 Infiniti G35
By mlcole - April 24 - 2:00 amgreat car- purchased in august 02 and with 34,000 miles no problems at all except for cd player which was replaced.love the shifter, fun to drive as manual when desired. best car i have ever owned. drove 745i bmw for 6 weeks, absolutely could never justify the extra $$ for the BMW over the G35.
