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 for the money - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By AQua - January 23 - 8:40 pm

  You cant turn down a car that will put out 300+ HP, be as smooth as this one, accelerate like this one does, or look like this one does all under 40k. You just cant go wrong with this car. The gas mileage stinks, but gas mileage on most cars this fast is not very good. I drive this car pretty hard and I get about 18 mpg. If you drive it normally, youll get more. I have about 25k on the car and just about now will need tires and brakes, so Im not sure about past reviewers saying theyve had to do it with so much less mileage. The and exterior and interior styling of this car are exceptional! The Bose System is phenomenal! I would recommend this car to anyone who can afford a sports car!

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  Good engine - but issues are usually expensive - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mclovin7980 - January 21 - 7:06 am

  11 yrs and 135,000 kms basic city use. Durable, however these are the issues that are costly. 1. Brakes - they wear out quicker than most cars and are expensive. 2. Radio/AC malfunction in most models is a costly dealer repair. 3. Some oil leak issues are common 4. Self repairs are not easy for this model, replacing the battery and headlights etc. Otherwise this model is satisfactory for a durable engine and I would rate it a 7/10 for satisfaction.

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  Long Distance Driving - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By nbeam - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I travel for business and needed something appropriate for both hauling clients while in town, and for the long haul between towns. After the first week and 2,000 miles later, I knew I made the right decision. While both sporty and responsive, the seats were the right blend of support and luxury.

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  Great Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Mike 3rd - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Car is a lot of Fun to drive. Has great handling and superb pickup. For a sports car it also has a classy style inside and out.

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  Awesome!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Odonnell - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Been shopping for A6, BMW 330, and C320. After took a test drive of G35, decided to buy it on the same day. My wife and I have been driving A4 and BMW 325 for 5 years. The G35 is perfectly a match-up for any German Sport Sedans. This car really kicks ass. Those German cars are over-rated.

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  Great Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By TomZ - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Fast!!! Might buy another one

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  REview from Vancouver BC - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By a3a12498 - January 19 - 10:00 am

  This car replaces a BMW 750iL, so it is being compared to one of the best vehicles available. We wanted something smaller, so compared to the 5-series and 3-series BMWs amongst others. The G35 won handily, in terms of fit & finish, performance for price, and handling. Love the steering, braking, and 0-60 performance. It is equal to a BMW 540, which cost $35k more in Canada. (Yes I have owned a 1997 540 in the past)

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  Red Racer - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Kevinlotr - January 18 - 9:20 am

  Love that G!! Extras certainly pay off. If you have the means, I suggest the Infiniti cold air intake system with Stillen exhaust upgrades. Purrs like cougar! The car growls upon acceleration. The Billet grill is definitely an eye catcher and I get many double takes. All in all, a well thought out car, with smart perks, easy on the eyes interior design, auto up-down windows, quiet and roomy interior (and Im 6 foot), smart key, great seats, smooth ride, fantastic cornering, and great acceleration and stopping power. Granted I have some extras on the vehicle which help, but the bottom line, I smoked my friends M3. I am Infiniti. Hear me roar!

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  sweeeeeeeet - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By lts - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Love the G35 luxury/sport package. Great handling and performance. Drove the BMW 3 series and 5 series, as well. 330 handles similarly, but not quite as fast and not close to having G35s interior room. 5 series as roomy but cant touch the handling. Best balance of luxury, performance, and value...makes me look forward to every drive. Buy one today!!!

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  Fun But............. - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By jqlaw - January 11 - 9:00 am

  I sold my E36 M3 and bought a 2006 G35 Sport Coupe. It had 22K miles on it. Its got great power, handles great and great brakes. It gets lots of looks and sounds awesome. But........ It aint no BMW. The interior is kinda cheesy, the clutch is horrible and the seat belts dont retract. Dont get me wrong, I love it but Im just not passionate about it. The reason I picked it over an E46 M3 was the reliability. Having the check engine light come on every other week on the M3 was a little frustrating. Did I mention how great it sounds? Especially with the sun roof open and the windows down.