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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  Best dollar for dollar vehicle on the market - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mbohn2 - March 18 - 3:31 am

  There are known flaws with any vehicle on the market. The 1st gen G35 is known for the AC/Radio control going out, which is not all that big of a deal to have to fix if you know what your doing. With that being said, I bought my 2003 G35 sedan in mid 2012 with 154,000 miles on it. Very high milage for a used car, so I expected to have some problems. The first thing I did was change every drop of fluid in the car, spark plugs, brake pads, wiper blades, ect. to ensure everything would be in good working order, and the car hasnt let me down yet. A respectable 260 HP gets you up and moving to your cruising speed. It has an extremely comfortable cabin with plenty of room for all.

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  Great Car for Price - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By BC - March 15 - 5:23 am

  You will not find a more fun and high performing car in this price range and class!

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  Nissans Inconsistency - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By ZX Zealot - March 14 - 8:50 pm

  Drove Nissan Z cars for 25 years. Loved them all. My 1990 was the most reliable, most fun, best car I ever owned. Kept it for 185K miles, 14 years. My Infiniti G35 Coupe is one of the worst, and Ill not keep it much longer. Nissan has dropped many notches on my acceptable car manufacturer list.

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  2003 G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By brian dawg - March 12 - 2:00 am

  For a luxury brand I find the fit and finish of this car very poor. Many squeak and rattle points all over the car. Had to replace the brakes at 15,000 miles on my dime. A month later got notice in mail from Infiniti that brakes will be covered under warranty, but I had mine replace outside of the dealer network so I do not get covered. Overall disappointed with the purchase I got vs. what I had expected.

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  buyer bewares - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35ownerhouston - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The car (4dr/w leather) looks great, handles superb and runs super. The car does not have (or offer) automatic door locks. You must order the premium package if you want the Auto lights function,otherwise you do not get it. If fact the G35 owners manual does not state clearly the auto function as found on the Premium feature package only. It just states how to set the auto lights function. It is very miss leading! Buyer beware the auto light function does not come with the order of just the leather package. The auto light function is not a available option period. $2000 for auto light- to much.

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  THIS CAR ROCKS - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By DarrenMo - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I recently chose to purchase the G35 coupe rather than comparable sedans like the IS300, TL, and 3-series. This car is the best car for the money - for look, drive, performance, luxury, etc. I love this thing!!!

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  MY 04 G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By MARIUSZ - March 7 - 3:06 am

  Snappy acceleration, predictable handling, will surprise you. Fun to own. Pick it over new mustang gt.

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  Love this car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Thelvey - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought a G35 Coupe recently and although Ive not had the opportunity to put a lot of miles on the vehicle, I can say that this car is an absolute blast to drive. It handles beautifully, has plenty of get-up-and- go, and turns heads wherever I go. Great car.

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  2007 Infiniti G35 Sport - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By radioflyer - March 7 - 12:13 am

  Previous owner of an Audi A4. This car is everything I thought the Audi would be in performance and handling. If driven 75 on the highway it will get over 27 mpg with premium gas. With mid-grade I get 25+ in mixed driving (up/down a 2300 ft elev. canyon every day and 70-135 mph on a road trip to MT). I usually drive at 4000-6000 ft elevation. There are a few things that could be improved though. The throttle really closes when you take your foot off the gas. Good for performance driving, but annoying when you have the cruise on or are going downhill. Clutch is a bit touchy. The inside of the trunk lid is painted, but not clear coated. Looks cheap even though most people wont see it.

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  G35 is the one!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By chako - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it today! and i still cant believed that car is officially mine now!! i almost bought the TL type-s with navigation, if i bought it then i think i will be so regret. If you want to find out the reason why i said that then u should just test drive it then you will know what i am talking about it!!