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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  Universally befitting - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Art Dicko - October 30 - 10:30 pm

  My girlfriend and I selected the G-35 sedan, because we wanted to consider the needs of our possible future family. However, we didnt want to sacrifice performance. We made no concessions whatsoever with the G-35. It is spacious inside, easy to park, complements a professional image, and absolutely screams off the line. We got the electronic automatic transmission with manual shiftability, but I rarely use it. The auto does a good job on its own. As hard as I have tried, I cannot get the traction control to fail, either. It is the most secure feeling vehicle I have driven in the rain.

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  Great Car - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By JR - October 30 - 9:43 pm

  I just purchased this car. Its a rocket. Well laid out interior. I test drove everything in its class and for the money it is the best deal. Fell in love with it during the test drive and purchased it the same day.

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  Poor fuel economy - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By michael - October 29 - 10:33 pm

  The only draw back for this car is that its fuel economy. I averaged 14 mph with 12 mph in city and 20 mph in highway. other than that everything is very well built. P.S. check your car very carefully when you receive it, my rim and key are damaged. i noticed it few days later, they blame it on me.

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  This is a real blast - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By D BIG WILD - October 27 - 9:33 pm

  OK I traded my FX35 which I owned for 6 months, liked it. I wanted something sporty and quick. Reseached the anniv.Z, Mazda RX8, BMW 3 & Crossfire.The obvious was the G355M.Great styling and it is quick, as fast as the Z with more comfort and function.No sunroof in the Z.Rx8 too slow,BMW too over priced for what you get, not to mention the service costs.Crossfire cool design and very quick,but Chrysler service is notorius for being poor and they hate to do warrenty work.

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  Infiniti Review - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Eduardo - October 25 - 3:30 am

  It is a great car with the perfect features for the price. Great style and comfort, and I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a car in the same price range.

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  Too many problems - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By jbmagic - October 24 - 4:36 am

  Im not happy with the car after almost two years. The mileage is horrible (15 mpg) and the brakes have been replaced twice already at 18,000 miles. The cd changer has gone out twice and the tires are cupping and making lots of noise. Since the backs are a different size and they are unidirectional, they cant be rotated. Road noise is very loud from the tires. Im ready to sell it.

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  Nice G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Jim Aiello - October 22 - 1:16 pm

  Likes to be driven hard. Original Bridgestones are terrible...lousy wet traction. Has leather, but I wish I bought the upgraded interior.

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  Not Quite - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By P-man - October 22 - 10:00 am

  The dealer gave me a 24 hr test drive. 50 mi later, a squeak in the dash. The headliner looked like it was trimmed-to- fit with a box-cutter. Dealer installed wood veneer just stuck over the existing plastic. Cheap! Trunk liner is flimsy. Dashboard looks cheap. Aluminum hood had a wave to it. Orange lighting is too Pontiac. Shifter in way of stereo. Stereo is mediocre. Fast off the line, but tranny shifts can be rough. Handles very good. Brakes are touchy. Its a drivetrain looking for a better body/interior.

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  Fun first Infiniti - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Gwhiz - October 20 - 10:00 pm

  I have had my G since November 2006. I traded in a 2005 Altima and the G had fewer miles and was fully loaded. payments were reduced and insurance remained about the same. I have to say, its a fun car and the only thing that annoys me is I have to get brake work done more frequently than any other car I have owned. I purchased with 40,000 and now have 130,000 miles and have had brakes done 4 times now. I will consider a newer g but I hope the brake issue has been solved. Infiniti g is a sports sedan and so I realize that the higher performance parts do cost more and may require more replacements, overall I enjoy the vehicle as its been the most fun car I have owned.

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  wonderful - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Sheta - October 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is great! This is my first car I purchased myself and Im quite pleased with this car.