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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  Pulling Gs - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By G-ood Times - September 15 - 8:33 am

  Overall I have been very pleased with my G. The only complaints are the noisy and rough ride. However, when you want to have fun - this is THE car!

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  Overall beats a BMW! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By below me - September 15 - 2:10 am

  Much better car than a BMW. Responds well, awesome features and is one fun ride. I have a 2008 G35x with nav and premium package and love her. I am 62 and have plenty of leg room. The rear seat on the second hand is small.

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  G35 is Awesome car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35 speedman - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 5 cars and this one is the best. My G35 Coupe is fast with 280 HP I have taken out Porsches and other cars who think they can challenge me. Overall the car is great and has very nice interior and exterior features.

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  2005 G35X AWD - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Dieter - September 10 - 5:20 am

  After months of research and many test drives I reduced my list to two vehicles, the Acura TL (04 or 05) & the 2005 G35X. I decided I wanted AWD and picked the Infiniti. I still wasnt sure until I took delivery and drove the car several hundred miles. The G35 is a drivers car, great performance, precise handling, a mechanical purr that is music to the ears for people who engine driving and performance. I love this car and I now realize I made the correct choice. IF you like driving and IF you enjoy the sounds a performance type vehicle should emit, this could be the vehicle for you. I bought this car at Ray Catena Infiniti in Edison NJ and must say it was the best buying experince ever.

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  Great car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Biljan77 - September 7 - 9:23 am

  This is the first car that I have kept this long. Bought it in 2003 and tomorrow will be the first day of 2010. I have been very happy with this car. The only problem I have had has been the cd player. The radio still works but not the cd player. I have been thinking of getting another car since its been 6 years. Im in no hurry though unless something hits me in the face, I wont bother. This has been the most reliable car I have had.

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  Enjoying it ad infinitum - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Rick - September 5 - 4:16 pm

  Bought it over a month ago and have been extremely pleased with it. I was initially in the market for the A4 and test drove it couple of times. Although the A4 drives well, the 08 model felt a little cramped even in the front. The Infiniti dealership was right next door, so decided to stop in to test drive the G35. Was sold on it instantly. Great handling and power, not to speak of luxurious and (relatively) roomy interior. Reminded me of my friends 924 that I used to occasionally drive couple of decades ago.

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  Great Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Ranger1 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my G35 for almost 2 and half years and still love driving it. I have not had a single problem with it (a few recalls, thats it). The car is obviously well built and seems like it will last forever. If you havent driven one yet, do it. Bring your checkbook. They "only" thing Im not real crazy about is the gas mileage especially with prices where they are but its also nice to know that when I want or need the power, the G never lets me down. One thing I was apprehensive about was the rear wheel drive and traction in the snow; I dont miss front wheel drive at all. I dont know how they did it but you just cant skid or slide around in the snow.

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  what a great car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Jr - September 5 - 10:00 am

  when i had purchased this car i was a little unsure because it was my first car in a while because i have been in suvs for seven years but once i had this car for just about a week i fel in love completly it is so much fun to drive and unlike other sport coupes with back seat every body in the car is very confortable and the people in the back arent squished i think the design of this car is great especcially with the 18 inch tires i just think the car on a whole is amazing

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  Very Nice car!!!!!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By m2c8os1t - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for a week and so far it has bieng fun,fun,fun!!!!!. The colour of the car is a platinum and beige interior.

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  vrooom........... - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Andrew Lee - August 30 - 2:03 am

  Wow you guys really put a well equipped car together from inside to out what a machine for performance good job! I have a Volkswagen passat I like to trade in for an upgrade do you have any suggestions?