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:

• 

  Awesome - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Rick in NC - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Lets see, how do you begin, when theres not a thing Id change on my new G35 coupe? The ride and handling are excellent! The exhaust sounds awesome, driving around town....and, did I mention how many "thumbs up" I receive while sporting around in my car? One word best sums up this auto: AWESOME

• 

  Best Bang for your Buck - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By hippo - August 27 - 7:00 pm

  All i can say that this car is great. Because of it I will be leasing another G37 but a coupe. I had the fully loaded g35x sedan and all i can say that it beats out any European luxury car hands down. Its much less expensive and it has everything they do. Great car!

• 

  Pride of Ownership - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By JiminFresno - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Picked up a G-35 Coupe with the Premium Package. The car is fun to drive. The Japanese designed a car with an Italian sounding exhaust. I think the interior cabin is great. The interior finish is very nice compared to what I expected after I read the reviews. The back seat is ususable in a pinch for adults as long as you limit it to short trips. For me there was no contest between choosing this car and the 350Z. With Infiniti you get 4 year 60,000 mile warranty. You will feel the bumps in the road, but a sports car is designed that way. The car is eveything I expected.

• 

  G35 for the common man - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mbello - August 23 - 10:00 am

  My best car was a maxima. I havent had experience with the luxury sport cars and could not afford them before. I have enjoyed this car every day Ive driven it. I didnt realize what control really felt like. Now maybe ill get rich and buy all the others, but I feel fortunate to have evaluated Acura, Lexus, BMW and came to Infiniti to get so much for the price. I love the design of the car too.

• 

  a rocket in plain clothes - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By kyjyky - August 23 - 10:00 am

  this car handles like a dream, the engine has a great range of power from 1500 rpms to 6000. after driving my previous car, a 92 bmw 525i, which i loved, puts the g35 way ahead. it has great brakes too.... in short im very pleased with the overall package.

• 

  Best value for the money - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Mirusen - August 20 - 10:53 am

  Truly fun to drive, excellent handling and best value for the money in its class. Intelligent key is awesome, no need to take the key out. I always find reasons to take the car out. It has been 4 months after I bought this car. No regrets or no complaints so far.

• 

  The Best! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Frank - August 18 - 3:06 am

  I test drove the BMW325 and the Audi A4 1.8 both good cars, but after driving the G35 there was no comparison. The G35 V6, 280 HP loaded with features has an unbeatable price, performance and best of all ACCELERATION, just step on that pedal and youll understand whats under the hood. Great car to drive!

• 

  Nice but... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By DaveVI - August 14 - 2:23 pm

  I ran to my dealer to get the G35. I spent a few hours going over every detail, driving the car, looking it over. Then I got back in my Lexus and passed on the deal. The designers have clearly studied Audi and Lexus, especially Audi. There are so many Audi-isms in this car that I lost count, but suffice it to say that Infiniti did a fine job engineering this cars interior, especially the clever use of space! ItÂ’s the immaturity of the interior, the lack of refinement and the less than substantial feel and touch of the materials that got me to stay with my GS300. I still think the G35 is the best Infiniti theyÂ’ve ever built, -the best designed, and the most fun, but not for me.

• 

  Beautiful Car but Proceed with Caution - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Terrapin - August 14 - 11:56 am

  My G35 exceeds expectations in interior exterior styling and has good performance to boot, but the brakes are not good. This is a hidden expense. You will need to replace the brakes and rotors every year at $1,000 a pop. Make sure you think about this before buying. I also had to replace my alternator after two years, although I didnt pay for it because it was under warranty. Id suggest getting a BMW if you want a stylish, performance car that is more reliable.

• 

  Excellent!!! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By BigEasyRider - August 9 - 6:36 am

  Ive had this car for 2 weeks now and Im ecstatic over its head-turning styling and jaw-dropping power. This G35 is the very best in this price range and is far superior, in my opinion, to the BMW 3 series and the Lexus I350. And at a much lower price too! Great, solid feel to the entire machine.