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 Sport Sedan out there! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Mike330 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have a BMW 330i which I drive daily. The G35 will be for my wife. The G35 has more power at the entire rpm range. The non-sport pkg. G35 handles just as well as my 330i even with the skinnier tires. The ride is actually smoother and the steering feel is less overboosted than my 2000 BMW. Interior ergonomic is first rate. Material used is not as plush as the Audi but easier just as nice as my 330. The BOSE sound system is surprisingly good. Overall, the G35 feels a lot more spacious than my 330i. All this for right around 30k is just too good to pass up. I ordered a Garnet Fire (wifes choice) one to be picked up in two weeks.

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  Awesome car! but... - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By bobsg35 - August 7 - 2:03 pm

  This is an amazing car for the money compared to the competition. Except for a few nitpicks, its a very nice driving car. I commute 100 miles per day and comfort is first rate. Many compliments on its style and appealing lines. Overall a very enjoyable car that makes the daily commute more like playtime.

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  Well worth the wait! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Lovemyg35x! - August 4 - 8:53 am

  Just purchased certified pre-owned with 23,000. It feels like a brand new car! I love everything about it. Drive 400- 600 miles every 6-8 weeeks and so far it has been a dream. The fastest car I have ever owned and nicest ride. Also love the way you are treated by infiniti. Anything I need they are quick to please. Dont ever see myself owning anything other than an infiniti ever again!

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  Awesome - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By KKK - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This is as fun to drive as my Porsche Boxster! I put four Dunlop Blizzak snow tires for winter time and blow Audis away on the Hwy! I travel to the major ski areas every weekend and have had no problems in the snow. I am looking to purchase the new AWD G35 soon!

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  Kick A$$ - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Fiddler - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car. Interior materials could be better. I only have 2 gripes with the car. 1 - You cannot change the factory stereo. the only option is to order several parts from japan but then you lose dual zone climate control (and itll set you back around $400) 2 - Gas mileage is awful. I average 18 - 19mpg regardless of city or highway.

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  I no longer want a BMW - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By sccassidy - August 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is FUN to drive. Accelleration is brisk, almost startling, with smooth shifts from the 5-speed automatic. The transmission seems to be programmed to keep the engine in the power band during brisk acceleration. It is extremely tight in corners with the vehicle dynamic control turned on. Interior comfort is excellent. All together, this is a well- designed and well-executed sports sedan.

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  The Answer Ive Been Looking For - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Punky01 - August 2 - 5:10 am

  This car fits my needs perfectly, as the Audi A4 was too small, the local BMW dealership is less than reputable, the IS300 was a small overpriced mess and the value-packed TL Type-S was lacking passion. I have found my car. Some reviewers say that the G35 approaches the ride quality of the BMW 3-series, but Im here to tell you that it SURPASSES it. An easy purchase decision.

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  This Car is BETTER than BMW 3!!!! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Mukul - July 31 - 11:26 pm

  Eventhough this car doesnt get the best gas mileage, but thats not the reason I bought it! It has fantastic acceleration, with 280 HP on tap it flies!! The car is very balanced around corners with little body roll. The body shows the passion of the designers. I Love this car!!

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  My Coupe - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Infiniti Coupe lover - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. Just got delivery last month and cant wait to drive it each day!

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  G35 coupe - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By C.H.Boston - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 Nissan Z coupes and have nothing but good things to say about them. I chose the G35 coupeover other coupes,i.e., Lexus, Mercedes, Audi and the Z based on 4 seats, looks and comfort. after 6 months, I havent found a single thing to put on my list of things for the dealer to fix when I go in for my first routine service.