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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  Another Keeper - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By turbo-tom - November 26 - 6:20 am

  Im the only owner, and have really enjoyed this car. The reliability has been excelllent overall, but I have had a few more brake replacements than I expected. Also had the common center console goes blank problem (climate control & audio out), but even though I was out of warranty, there was some factory-sposored huge discount on the replacement. Ive driven newer G35s as loaners, but still like the way this one performs and handles, and the great exhaust note. Im usually at 21 MPG on (busy-freeway) commute and city driving, mainly.

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  G35 Rocket - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jeff S. - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Owned this car for a short time and I am really impressed with its performance. Off the line it flat out flies. Looked at Acura TL-S and Lexus GS. No comparison with "bang for your buck" with the G35. The exterior styling is superb. Drive mostly highway and its a real joy. Going into the exit ramp curves sticks like glue. Highway gas mileage averages 26-29 and city 22-24, when not pushing it hard. Overall, a fun to drive, performance oriented sedan.

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  Disappointed Gadget Guy - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Disappointed Buyer - November 20 - 2:53 am

  This is a great looking car with good performance but my main reason for buying it was all the gadgets that come with the car. The problem is many of these gadgets get locked out while driving. You cant make changes to the navigation system while driving. How crazy is that! Where would you use your navigation system, in your driveway? The car allows you to sync your phone book from your cell phone to the car but you cant use the sync phone book to place calls while driving. When would you use this, in your driveway again! Infiniti is doing this in the name of safety but a car companys job is not to play big brother.

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  Review Continued - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Guru G - November 17 - 9:20 pm

  It can fix any mood, release frustation and bring a smile to your face. Ahh. it makes me poetic as well i guess.

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  Best $33,000 I Ever Spent - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By WarpG35 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Infiniti/Nissan has been busy recently creating some awesomely styled and improved performance cars. The G35 Sedan handles and performs better than my previous BMW 325. I was considering buying a used BMW 540 and then I test drove the G35. WOW! The acceleration is surprising! The road feel and handling are tight and in control. I am 100% happy with my prchase.

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  The best ride out there...period - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By atty cjg - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Looked at Jaguar, BMW, Merecedes, Lexus, Cadillac...none could compare. Drove them all, fell in love with the G35. If youre looking for a luxury/sport sedan, look no further. This car has it all: unbelievable acceleration, style and class. Handles better than any BMW I drove, and none of the others even came close. If you havent driven the G35, dont buy any other make until you do. This car is simply the best luxury/sport sedan under $35,000 (fully loaded) that you can buy.

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  2004 G35 Coupe Owner - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Holz - November 14 - 10:53 am

  While a fun car to drive, there are numerous troubles for a luxury sport coupe. The black paint is inferior, and worst of all, the dealer and Nissan says it is fine, though mentioning their paints require "lots of polish." Trouble with the seatbelt (jams in one position) was not handled by Orlando infinity. I now have trouble with the CD player and am convinced Orlando Infinity will say its okay.

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  Even Better Now - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Dave G - November 12 - 11:16 pm

  Purchased the new G35 today. So far I am very impressed. Smooth, responsive engine. Very quick. Interior fit and finish much improved over previous years.

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  Not a German car - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By DannoK - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Seems obvious, right? The car has been way more reliable than the German cars Ive owned, but the build quality seems below their standards. Its 2.5 years old now and the dash above the steering wheel is warping, the rubber gaskets around the doors are starting to crack and there are wear marks on the rubber coated parts of the steering wheel, and no, I dont wear any rings! Its a great drive, though! Always plenty of power, plenty of gadgets and very reliable.

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  Early performance appraisal - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Lonnie Carter - November 7 - 5:16 am

  I was drawn to the G35 by its styling, and also I had previously owned a Maxima in the past. So far, I am relatively pleased with all but the overall ride. It does not accept rough roads very well, I guess due to the sports suspention system. Other than that, it is a fun vehicle to drive. I am disappointed in the non-digital clock, it can hardly be seen at night, and the buttons on the steering wheel are also unlit( I think this has been corrected in the 05 model.