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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  Unique but wonderful Sport Luxury Sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By DKnibb - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. The G35 offers a 21 st century look with its unique styling,(the the bubblish headlights and LED taillights, nice lines,and its attractive interior. It provides jaw dropping performance, with excellent acceleration, crisp braking and awesome handling for a reasonable price. Infiniti has hit the bullseye with its first year model. No complaints.

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  From 02 TL to 04 G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Robert Petty - September 28 - 10:00 am

  TL=Great car, particularly for someone with emphasis on luxury before perf. General contentment wore down with poor dealer svc. G35=Great car all around, particularly for driving enthusiast. It has been difficult to take it easy during the break in period - all that torque and handling is calling out to me every time I drive. Acura buying exp.=poor, (locals would not price match) Infiniti buying exp.=wonderful, from weekend long test drives to no pressure sales Acura svc.=good unless you buy from other dealer, loaner will be an ultra compact from Hertz Infiniti svc.=detailed, affordable, loaner will be new Infiniti, will pick up and drop off car if needed

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  INFINITI G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Kelly Bibler - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I would highly recommend purchasing this vehicle. The performance is like no other vehicle I have driven. I will buy Infiniti again and again!

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  2004 Infiniti G35 Sedan - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By laca - September 22 - 2:00 am

  this is the bmw beater best price for the performance in its class

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  In the battle between BMW and Infiniti, - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By redsfaninaustin - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I was having a hard time deciding between the bmw 330Ci and the G35 w/ sport and premium. after driving both on some truly twisty Austin Hill country back roads, i could not warrant the price difference between the two. The G35 is simply the best car you can buy for the money anywhere. It handles like a champ and out-accelerates the bimmer while doing it in near silence. The only sound you hear is when you get high in the tach and the 260 ft. lbs of torque kick in. if you are looking for a new car, give this one more than a look.

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  BMW, Audi and Lexus - - - Eat my dust!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mpk31 - September 20 - 9:36 pm

  Wow - Youve got to actually drive this car to "get" it. Spectacular! Very very strong power at all rpms. Great suspension - very nice feel. Tight smooth steering. Push this car and it does what you are thinking it should. When you take the race number off the G35, you can take the wife and kids to church in it (they dont have to know about the rest).

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  Amazing - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Inlove with this car - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a great sports car that was roomy, luxury, reliable, and sporty, and fun to drive. This car has it all. The sporty feel, hp, plenty of room for a large adult (like myself) in the back, has extremely comfy seats, looks good with wood and without, and has the realiability of an Infiniti. Gosh, mmm, Thank God they made this car. I considered an Audi A4, and A6, BMW 3 series and 5 series, and the Benz C-class, this is by far the best.

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  Just Got mine last weekend.............. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Henry Huynh - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I was going to wait for the 350z, but cant resist on getting this "4 doors Z" love it, over expectation. comparable with BMW M3 1999, but with better design, better engine........surpass Audi A6, 330i, ........love it love it..........guys go get it

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  2007 G35 Sport Review - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By G35 Driver - September 16 - 10:43 am

  I previously owned a 2005 G35 6MT. The 2007 G35 Sport is more luxurious and powerful. The handling seems ever so slightly less agile, but the overall refinement of the car is obvious in every way. Interior design is now more in line with competitive cars. An excellent follow up to a great sports sedan.

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  The WOW car !!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By dcernosia - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I researched a bunch of cars before getting this ... other cars I considered was the Mazda 6 and the Acura TL. What I like the best is how perfect its feels to drive. Its responsive, quick, nimble, classy and comes at a great price!! Love the AWD ... it really works !!!