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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  hello - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By sharvi - February 4 - 10:00 am

  the cAR IS AWESOME ITS AN INEXPENSIVE SPORTS CAR THAT PERFORMS LIKE A BMW EXCEPT, SIMPLY THE BEST

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  Great sports car alternative - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Nkoonce - February 4 - 12:50 am

  Have had the car for a year and it is just as much fun to drive today as it was the day I bought it. Handles great and the sports car sound makes it even more fun. Has a surprising amount of interior space. Gets alot of attention.

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  I like it better than my BMW - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Karl - February 3 - 1:20 am

  Hadnt planned on buying the G35 - always lusted after it, though. I bought an 06 325i. Frustrated, dumped it in 08, too many trips to the shop! Looked at the Maxima (never a fan, but liked the new look in 09) LOVED it, but couldnt pay $37K--more than the G. Drove the G, power kicks the 325. Who needs this sort of power? The brakes, lovely, the growl, exhilarating and no tranny lag when punched. Smooth, sure footed (though not as much on mountain roads as the BMW) and quiet. The drive train hump encroaches into the foot-well so front passengers left leg/foot tilts at an odd angle. Front doors close solidly, rear doors sound tinny.

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  My New G - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Boston Infiniti - February 2 - 10:30 am

  Traded in a Nissan Murano (wanted something a little more sporty) and have been extremely impressed with the performance of this car. Ride is sporty without being too firm and the fit and finish is fantastic throughout. If youre looking at this car, I highly recommend the navigation package as the Music Box hard drive (stores music to the car) is a great feature. The only downside to this package is the trunk-mounted cd changer that takes up valuable trunk space. Overall this is a great alternative to the BMW 3 series and the value factor can not be beat.

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  Great Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By berg4500 - January 29 - 9:33 am

  I bought my car used and I have researched everything and anything about the G35x. It is a great car. Smooth, quiet, fun to drive. The AWD is amazing in the winter weather. Once equipped with winter tires and rims instead of All Season tires this car will be a beast through the snow and ice. As expected it is hard on gas. Again I looked into the fuel efficiency before hand.

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  2008 Infiniti G35 is the perfect combo - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Lance - January 29 - 2:53 am

  I am so excited about this car. It offers a perfect combination of modern luxury with a perfect sport feel to it. The power is excellent and handles the road with ease. I cant say I test drove any of the other comparable cars but I didnt get that far because the G35 was the first car I drove and I was sold instantly. I went all out and got the Sport/Navigation/Premium package with the spoiler. I love the spoiler. It adds a perfect but not tacky touch. The technology is awesome and I feel like Im in a space rocket. To me, this car looks best with a black exterior but thats just my opinion.

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  Great, Fast, Fun! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By CitiBlaine - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my Car! I bought it as soon as it came out in 2002 (as a 2003 Model). I really enjoy driving it and it has a lot of horsepower. Had I known that Infiniti was going to come out with a Coupe 8 months down the road I think I would have held out for it! I am very satisfied with the car overall. This is the 3rd Infiniti I have owned and It will not be the last. They Are great cars and have immaculate reliability.

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  g35 is the total package - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By blueg35 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  after test driving 3 lexus, 330, cts, lt-s and 300m the g35 is a standout. as far as performance the acura was the closest but did not have that true sport sedan feel. then bmw had great handling but was small and $. the g35 has more power and luxury and other cars in class. as soon as i sat in the car i new it was the right one for me. its the best toy i have every bought.

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  The Sure Shot!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bigfella - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car, but Ive driven plenty and I couldnt believe how awesome this car is. I got my hands on only 1 of 2 black, premium, performance G35s. I love the 5 spokes. I also traded the summer compound for the Vrated all seasons. I love this car

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  Love the car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jusandash - January 27 - 1:33 am

  Me and my girlfriend had a few doubts about the car but all have been proven wrong, gas mileage is poor if u drive it hard and yes brakes go quickly but its crash impact ratings sold us and the bargain price. Our previous car was a toyota solara which cost more but wasnt half as fun to drive. Only beefs are the emergency brake interfering with left shin and window controllers are a lil low. Transmission can be slow at times but engine is definitely not. Fun to drive with VDC turned off.