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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  Go Buy One TODAY! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By kbolin - April 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the only car that I was more impressed on the second test drive than I was on the first. I have only one comment... WOW!!

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  at last a true sport sedan from infiniti - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By chisao - April 22 - 10:00 am

  What a great car to drive.Power and handling in a quality package.

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  Infiniti G - Fun to Drive - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By houdriver - April 21 - 4:56 pm

  I think the Infiniti G is a great value play considering the performance and initial quality. More than anything, new Infiniti buyers will enjoy a very entertaining driving experience. This is a fast car that holds the road nicely. I spent a lot of time driving a Journey with 17 inch wheels prior to purchase, but decided to add the performance tire and wheel package. I think the car has a more refined and quieter ride at highway speeds on the 18 inch Bridgestone tires. The drawback is that the 18" tires can not be rotated like the 17s.

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  The perfect car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Keegan - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This car show style and is not afraid of competition

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  G35 is amazing! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By tgenius - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all.. great power, great features.. and most importantly.. GREAT PRICE! This car goes toe to toe with a 330 bmw and comes out about 5-7k cheaper!

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  G35 is perfect - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By miclight2002 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This car should be the #1 for cost , build , and fun...BMW 330 has a great car but add about 10K for the same effect.

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  What a gas! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bigred - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I looked at all the usual suspects in the sport/luxury field, and the G is without a doubt the way to go. Its every bit as fun as the BMW3, only with much more room and for MUCH less. Driving it makes me feel 16 years old again. Overall a homerun for Infiniti!

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  A Pleasure to Drive - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Ol Dave - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Great fun; Im surprised that I find some excuse to go for a drive so often. I have read many expert and consumer reviews, and in the sometimes bizarre nitpicking the essence of the car is not always coming through. There is something about rear-wheel drive, designed-in weight balance, an "industrial grade" 6-speed short- throw shifter, generous power and superb road handling that, when mixed together, somehow exceeds the sum of all their parts, creating an unmistakable sensation of athletic heart and soul which I find missing in the vast majority of cars I have driven. Its not missing here.

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  great car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By lllaro - April 13 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive, handles great. powerful and roomy inside...not great on gas...

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  Great buy - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By bose - April 13 - 10:00 am

  The total combo of performance,handling and price can not be beat. Fun to drive too. This is my 5th Infiniti and by far the best. The car is 9 months old and yet to go back to the dealer for any adjustment! Ive taken four 1000 mile, 16 hour trips . I cant believe how easy it is to get down the road.