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 car ever had - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By LABINER - January 23 - 12:03 pm

  Perfect in almost every way only problem is the clock does not light up in day

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  Love this car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By brady jones - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Every thing i could want in a lux sport coup

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  Doesnt get much better - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By golden - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Read pros reports and owners reports Test drive sealed the deal. I have never owned a car that get better the longer I drive it, power,merging on to a highway unreal, sound , handles better then BMW-Audi acura. Handled better then I expected in snow with 17 inch allseason tires. After seven months Im still impressed

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  Awsum! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By TonyMattioli - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I have to drive on the backroads of Sherman CT. Loads of fun.

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  Very Impressed - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Michael K - January 17 - 7:30 am

  I have had a number of cars, but I have to say I have never loved a car so much this far into ownership. I am usually bored and ready to get rid of a car after not even a year but not Infiniti! The quality is just impressive to me. I had it in the dealer shop a couple of times but nothing major. The gas mileage is really good to me, especially for a luxury car. The transmission is the absolute smoothest of any car I have ever driven or rode in, sometimes feels like your driving a CVT transmission! This is definitely a car that will last a long time if taken care of.

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  99.9% there - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Delray Beach, FL - January 13 - 7:10 pm

  After purchasing a used 17k mile G35, I have driven this car non stop for work. Overall, it is an incredibly designed vehicle matching a sporty edge with driver and passenger comforts built all in onein to one. I drove the Audi A4, BMW3 and the Infiniti. All in all the Infiniti gave the best balance PLUS the best warranty. Pound for pound the G35 is the more powerful car. Not only is it more powerful, it also handles well. Although, the BMW and Audi do give you the German sports car feel we all love, the Inifiti gives you a similar feel, better performance overall, and a much better stereo. I guess what I would like to say is more bang for your buck and better resale choose a G35.

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  Awesome - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By nhg35c - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Would buy the car again. Wanted a japanese sports coupe 2+2. Owned a 1984 Toyota Celica GTS which was a fantastic car, but the newer Celicas did not have very much back seat leg room. Found the G35 Coupe had the best among the cars I was reviewing. Very fun car to drive and constantly get compliments on the car.

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  Good but not great. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bludvigsen - January 10 - 12:34 pm

  Bought used w/ 100K miles after my other car was totaled in a wreck. Overall, a very fast RWD car that looks good and has a solid, reliable 3.5L Nissan powertrain. Nice seats, good visibility. Combined MPG is 21-22, but Ive nursed it to 28-29hwy. Push it and youll see 15-17mpg real quick though. Overall a fun car to drive, looks good, and is reliable enough for me (Im a salesman and drive a lot). Ive heard of people getting 250k miles on theirs, which is good to know. There are some design flaws and electrical issues which are inexcusable though.

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  160,000 miles and still going strong - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By californiapete - January 5 - 5:22 pm

  My two cents worth since I drive 100 miles a day. Gas mileage around 22-23 mph. Easily rides well at 80 mph. My wife got ticket cause she didnt realize she was going 90 mph while listening to AC-DC on excellent sound system. Fun sports car overall. I plan to drive it another 100,000 miles, which I believe is possible. Brakes have given me most problems, requiring more replacement then other vehicles. Passenger window doesnt roll down, which is aggravating. Ill get it fixed one of these days (cost about $400).

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  High Miles = Disappointing - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By breezy - January 5 - 1:00 am

  I bought my car with 75,000 from a dealer and immediately had trouble with the following things: 1. power steering 2. gas door actuator 3. internal fuel system 4. air bags 5. cd player 6. blue smoke when I start the car. I have had it in the shop almost once a month. Maybe it is just a lemon. The car just rolled over 94,000 miles and I am trading it in tomorrow. YAY! I owned a 2000 lexus gs400 before this car, and the lexus blew this out of the water.