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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  Wonderful car, great value! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Jeff - December 8 - 11:00 am

  Ive owned my new G for 1 month (my family also has a 97 Maxima (102k mi) and 95 240SX (170k mi)). The new G has classy (mature but not boring) styling, a quality interior (with good rear legroom), gobs of power, a great exhaust note, and it corners like its on rails. Plus, the Studio on Wheels, easy-to-use dashboard controller, and the quality leather are noteworthy. The auto in Sport mode is amazing! Fit and finish are excellent and everything about the car has a solid feel. I highly recommend it. I had also checked out the 3-series (poor rear legroom, mediocre styling, expensive), Lexus IS (SMALL interior, unappealing styling). The wrong-wheel drive TL was not in the running.

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  Best Car For The $$$ - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Jake D. - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Just an outstanding combination of features, performance, quality and price. I paid $26,100 for mine and what else even comes close for anything less than $32,000? I probably should have waited for the Coupe, but I love my sedan.

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  No buyers remorse... - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Schoms15 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I went into the dealership because I was bored and drove off in a new car. It didnt really have much to do with the dealership, more because I finally drove it. Ive had the G35 now for almost 3 months and still turn around for one last look every time I park it. The G35 is fast, quick, and agile. The quickness may not be "right off the line" but as soon as you hit 3,000 RPMs +, hang on. The fuel economy is good as long as you keep it an Automatic mode. As soon as you switch it over to Triptronic, its less efficient...but thats driver dependent. I love this thing!!

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  My Infiniti G35 coupe - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Nikki - November 29 - 11:23 am

  Okay, so this car is amazing. First of all, I bought this for a good price. Its an 05 Infiniti G35 coupe. Its got dual exhaust which brings the horse power to 285. Great on highways, very loud. Leather interior touch screen GPS built in. I have a 70.000 mile warranty on her :) Brakes are great. This car has so much power I cant even go an hour without driving her. I got a Blue one with a cream strip. The engine is perfect and the alarm on it is great. If someone even gets close to my car my remote will tell me to go out and check it, so high tech! I highly recommend this car, classy sexy and with the perks of a nice fast sports car. You wont regret it!

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  This car is a rocket - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By SV - November 29 - 4:30 am

  I have been a fan of of the VQ engine for a long time. It is scary how fast it is. My 97 Maxima turned out to be exceptionally reliable.

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  G35X fun! Fun! Fun!! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By pdo - November 28 - 12:40 am

  My G35X is a sleek powerful driving machine. This is the first performance vehicle I have ever owned and I LOVE it. The look, style & appearence deceives the unaware of the power and handling in the X model. The keyless entry & ignition to the wrap-around console & driver seat make the driver feel confortable & in control. The throaty sound at start to the powerful accelaration makes driving this car FUN! There is plenty of head & leg room, reclining seats in the back & I upgraded to the Bose sound system. The rosewood console & leather bucket seats give the interior a finished look. The brakes are touchy until you adjust to them & the materials on the dash arent of the highest quality

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  No Step Down from E36 M3 - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By anfesa - November 27 - 2:56 pm

  I spent quite some time searching for the right substitute to my M3. I was hooked up on the amazing torque and handling. I finally test drove the G35 Coupe and didnt think it twice. I could have added the sport package, but the premium and performance tire package have been more than satisfying. Very well shoed with Michelins on 18" wheels. Bluetooth is very convenient. Bose sound is Ok. The stiffer sport suspension could have matched better the M3s cornering, but the whole experience makes me easily forget. The exhaust note is sweet, the handling is perfect, and the acceleration makes me forget the M tradition. After 4 bimmers and an A4, I now realize I put my money in the wrong hands.

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  Wow! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Dr. Bunny - November 27 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome car! Starting with the no-pressure salespeople, my Infinity experience has been wonderful. Driving it is a pleasure. The car is so fast, I have never floored it and dont plan to. The ride is extremely comfortable (after I let some of the air pressure out of the tires--the dealer gave it to me with 37 psi and it was a rough ride!) Initially there was a problem with a loose speaker in the back, but the dealer fixed it promplty. The only design flaw is that the space between the front seats and the console is so narrow that if you ever drop something (like your keys!) down there, its nearly impossible to get them out.

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  Wow! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By galadrienne - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I simply adore this car. I have never enjoyed driving a car more. The interior is incredibly comfortable and the exterior is sharp. The handling on curvy roads is impeccable. The only thing that I have to complain about is that the gas mileage is poor. Driving on the highway and maintaining speed of 60 mph, I am only getting 17 to 18 mpg. Braking is incredible and it is a joy to drive.

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  Infiniti G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jenn - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought the G3 last March...the first one to come out in Pittsburgh...nothing disappointing about this car....couldnt be happier with it!!