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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Not a comfortable ride, awful MPG - 2006 Infiniti G35
By Pablo - January 4 - 6:30 pmIf you want a comfortable ride look elsewhere. This car has a horrible ride which two weeks after I bought I regret it so much. Gas mileage is ridiculous down to 20MPG on highway, ready other reviews. I lost some money but I trade it in for a BMW 330 after 5 weeks and I am much more happier now.
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Manual Sedan (Loaded) - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Beebhenry - January 3 - 10:00 amJust got my G-35 6M Sedan with NAV in March. My first new car in 12 years. It is an incredible car - great performance, great finishes and looks good too. I read all the complaints about the fake titanium. I think the black leather and titanium combination looks and feels terrific - a whole lot better than the cheesy fake wood in the Acura 3.2TL.
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Early thrills to report - 2003 Infiniti G35
By mmcma - January 3 - 10:00 amI just purchased the automatic G35 coupe w/premium and navigation (my second infinity, so Ill admit to bias). Wow what a fun car. Instant acceleration, road hugging performance, luxury comfort and 20 miles to the gallon (even with the boy racer way I drive). The rear seat is usable, just as the magazine reviews state, but there is a shortage of head room. The cars too new to report anything short of excitement. Ill check back in in 6 months to update.
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G35 Very Good Value for the Dollar - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Nohemi Vargas - January 3 - 10:00 amVery good value for the dollar.
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more fun than a BMW and saved $9k - 2003 Infiniti G35
By tazmania - January 3 - 2:00 amI drove the BWM 330i and the G35. The G35 is way better than the overpriced BMW. This car is SO FUN TO DRIVE!
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G35X Sport - 2008 Infiniti G35
By Pocket Rocket - December 31 - 9:50 pmEverything as expected. No surprises. Lots of fun driving!
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Very classy, yet still a beast - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Brooklyn G35x - December 31 - 5:40 pmThe most impressive thing about this car is its overall driving experience. Similar to BMWs, the steering wheel, arm rest, shifter, controls and pedals are all positioned perfectly making you feel like youre in complete control of the car. Handling is excellent and steering is tight and stable. In addition, the G35x has lots of power under the hood, despite the added weight of AWD. The car accelerates quickly and responds well in the in the 3000-5000 RPM range. Very torquey, but in a good way. If you like to speed a bit, this car owns the highway like its on greased rails. If youre a conservative driver, the overall stability of the car should give you nice piece of mind.
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Electronic Nightmare - 2006 Infiniti G35
By bstains - December 25 - 12:16 pmThis vehicle is an electronic nightmare. Kindly reconsider the purchase of this model. When everything is working this vehicle is top notch, however when things go south, they go way south. My vehicle purchased 27 May 2006, experienced catastrophic electronics failure 06 June 06. Infinity could not be less concerned. 2006 G35 coupe 6MT, well equipped. Indifferent customer support. Please reconsider; shop for post sale support.
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G35 Stands For Sport - 2007 Infiniti G35
By Alan Fine - December 25 - 11:30 amThis is my second G35 Sedan Auto. I just sold my 03 recently and purchased this after comparing it to the BMW 335 and the Lexus IS 350. The G35 has all the electronic gadgets, awesome stereo, and is great fun to drive at a better bang for buck than any other car in its class. And its reliable. Never one problem with my 03. Infiniti really improved every aspect of this car from the original.
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Lovin it - 2005 Infiniti G35
By Gaddict - December 24 - 1:53 amOnly had it a short time but Im loving it. I also have a z3 and although nothing beats top down on the right day - this performs as well if not better and is just as much fun to drive
