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:

• 

  This is one fantastic vehicle - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By valsatt - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my G35 Coupe for almost a year and I can tell you its the best car Ive ever owned. Its so responsive it almost anticipates your every move, and when you hit the gas it moves. My most favorite section of the road these days is the on ramp. The only major flaw Ive seen is in interior design. The wardrobe hook in the back is almost useless, and the seat heaters are very easy to turn on accidentally. Other than that, this one is awesome!

• 

  G35 has lots of G-force - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Levi G35 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  In a nutshell, this car rocks! Its definitely an attention getter, but more than that it performs and feels like a solidly designed car. As an engineer, Im skeptical about many car designs, and well, this one does not really leave anything to complain about.

• 

  Fun & Affordable - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Martydriver - September 16 - 2:00 am

  It has been an excellent car for commuting and trips out of town. Plenty of power and a blast to drive.

• 

  G35 Coupe - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Donzi - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Power drivers seat makes a ratcheting noise when I sit in it and move it rearward. The ORlando Sentinel reported several months ago about bad engine sensors that could malfunction causing the engine not to start, havent heard a thing officially from Infinity. Bad placement of beverage holders. Coupe needs memory feature for a two driver car. Fuel economy is not what I think it shoud be. We came out of a 2000 Corvette Coupe into this vehicle that car would get 28 miles to the gallon on the road, this one may get 21 or 22 if your lucky.

• 

  HORRIBLE CAR! PLEASE READ - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Brian Stokes - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Perhaps I purchased a lemon. But in November I purchased a 04 G35 Coupe, black with black interior. XM Satellite, Navigation, heated seats. The car after having it for 3 months doesnt start correctly. In the snow it is horrible. I could not get the car out of the driveway with only 5" of snow on the ground. When I advised the dealership they told me to just get snow tires put on the car. But they did admit that the car needs to be towed in because of the performance in the snow.

• 

  G35 6MT Coupe (Dragon Slayer) - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Robert Hodges - September 16 - 2:00 am

  The damn thing is fast! The best body design of any car Ive ever owned or driven. People owning cars costing twice as much complement on a daily basis. Power to spare and very tight handling. Very stable at speed (60-80 mph) and up. Excellent in the rain you feel control. Gas mileage is a function of keeping your oil clean. Heat and A/C are excellent. Ive only had my G for a year, so reliability and build quality can not be adequately judged yet. Drivers of the hottest cars want no part of a "G". This is money well spent.

• 

  Racing - Inspired G35 Coupe - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By JCoolWhip - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive - Fast - Sporty - Luxury Powerful - Aerodynamics - NASCAR - Short Throw Shifter - Born2Run

• 

  AWESOME - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By O0LISAO0 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!! I HAVE THE BLACK ON BLACK WITH CHROME AND SPOILER, IT IS AM AMAZING VEHICLE!!!!

• 

  g35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By lsktv - September 16 - 2:00 am

  A sedan that acts like a sports car

• 

  excellant - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By xhbsurfer17x - September 16 - 2:00 am

  i belive that this has been the best car any man has ever created...i wouldnt trade it for a thing...the only thing i would change is make the two doors a T-Top mmmmmmmm