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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  Awesome Auto! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Buzzlightyear - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car and it is extremely fun to drive! My wife didnt want it, now she cant stop driving it. Best value, performance, quality there is on the market. Dont look at the 350Z, get this instead. If you dont like people looking at you and your car, then dont buy this one. Everytime I drive it, I get a smile on my face.

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  1 Year mark and still turning heads - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By cestmoi - July 31 - 10:00 am

  When I first got the car, I was always approached. Now, a year later, I still get those looks. The car is great, handles well, and very reliable. For the winter (I live in NYC) I opted for 18" Toyo Winter tires, this was I would not be limited to driving it in the snow. Highly recommend

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  2004 Infiniti G#% coupe - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By FE - July 31 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT DRIVING EXPERIENCE. this car is as much fun to drive as it looks. Gas mileage is as advertised. It is driven to work everyday even in the snow and with the proper snow tires it behaved very well

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  See Ya!! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Bill T - July 30 - 3:56 pm

  With out a doubt the sexiest coupe for the money. Great off the line, it is a pleasure see everyone in your rearview mirror. Suprisingly, the rear seats are roomy. I have 2 girls (9 & 13) and they fit just fine. It doubles as a famly car, but its all sportcar. It is tight on the curves. You feel like one with the road. The power is not wasted with spin outs. The tires bite and you fly. Im going back to the dealer for a second one. "A must have, enjoy!!"

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  G Spot in a flash - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By MO Ryan - July 30 - 5:46 am

  Grew up in a dealership and I cant remember all the cars I have had in my life including a Vette. The G outshines them all.

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  Great First Car - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Me - July 27 - 5:23 am

  I am 16 years old and I received this as my first car. I got the black on black with navigation and all those nice amenities. This is for sure an amazing car. I only have around 2,500 miles on it. Its a quick and cool car. I have one of the nicest cars and campus and its definitely a head turner for other teenagers. In the 4 months I have had it, it has been good to me, besides a few unfortunate scratches. Not a single dent when I got hit in the parking lot. Quality.

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  Fantabulous! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By quivermonkey - July 26 - 10:40 am

  I got it - I love.

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  Incredible performer - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By redrocket - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I just picked a 2003 red 6MT from NY on a lease trade. It was pure pleasure driving it 2900 miles across the country to CA. Along the way I met a couple of cars that wanted to race. A late model 911 Carrera that after 20 miles along I-70 approach Vail couldnt lose this car. Saw a BMW 330i in Utah. I have the cruise control on at 90 mph on a long stretch of highway miles from anywhere. This 330i wants to go so I let him pass at about around 100-105 mph before I get on it. Around 115 mph I pass him and for good measure I run it to 140(and it wanted more) just to add insult to injury.

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  ...SWEET!!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By illko - July 25 - 10:00 am

  honestly, i really wanted to get a bmw m3 but a friend suggested that i give the G a spin. so, here i am...a very proud and happy G35 own. sure, i would be more than happy with an M3 but now i have about 25 Gs to play around with...

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  Great G35. More car for the buck! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By pickybuyer - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Owner of 2002 Lexus IS300. G35 out performs my Lexus by far. This car get me to points A to B FAST! and comfortably. Car receives compliments from my clients. More car for the buck! $1000 less down and $80 less per month compared to a $26,000 Nissan Maxima on a 38 month lease.