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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  G is for me! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By NF - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Like all new cars, this one has its share of little quirks. Some vibrations, seat belt is annoying, etc. Overall the G is a great value for a high-performance luxury sport coupe.

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  one persons opinion - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By One mans opinon - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The coupe is absolutely the most enjoyable car Ive ever driven. Accelaration is quick, braking even quicker. VDS helped me avoid a rear end collision, swerving in control and stopping safely. The navigation is unbelievable- "you have arrived at your destination on your left" how more accurate can you get?

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  2005 G35 Coupe - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By ttk - June 26 - 2:46 am

  Ive owned some nice cars (Mercedes & Lexus) over the years, but Ive never found myself going to the garage to admire any of the other cars. The G35 is a nice blend of sport and luxury. However, dont expect to get the soft and quiet ride you might expect in a luxury sedan. The design of the G35 is elegant, both inside and out, but it is really a polished sports car. I went with the 18" wheels because of the design as well as the more forgiving suspension (versus the 19" wheel and sport suspension package). Ive had the car a month now and am always looking for reasons to drive it. My wife says shes never seen me so eager to run errands before!

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Joe - June 25 - 11:50 pm

  Car is fun to drive. Huge brake problems. Infiniti waranteed them for 3 years because of defect. Went through 5 sets of fronts and 3 rears in only 24,000 miles. Thats about a new set of brakes every 2 oil changes. The rear wheel drive is bad in snow and rain but a great car to drive in dry weather. Car is very quick and handles well at high speeds. Every thing is within reach on dash.

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  Closest car (under 35k) to perfection - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By AlainB - June 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is almost perfect. Design is new and refreshing, quality and performances are top-notch. Equipement is numerous and excellent (Bose, heated seats, Xenon headlights....).

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Alan Falcioni - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I have 15,000 miles on my coupe and like it more each day. Have had no problems with it. Makes my daily commute something to look forward to.

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  2004 G35X AWD Infiniti - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By paradigmslug - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Lets get down to details, 34K out of the showroom with premium package, XM and tinting. This is the AWD version which drives like a champ. I looked at a Acura TL (2004), no movement with price (33.5K). My dealership experience was straightforward and pleasant. I got the car I wanted and Im very happy with it performance. The AWD is not intrusive and my dead stop acceleration blows away most all the cars out there. Merging onto freeway traffic is a snap. I have to watch my speedometer because getting past 80mph is effortless. This is a very fine product by Infiniti.

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  Exhilarating - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Double D - June 21 - 10:00 am

  What a phenomenal package of performance, luxury, looks, quality, reliability and price! Way to go Infiniti. They should have given this car its own letter of the alphabet, because G is where the similarity ends between the outgoing G20 and the up and coming G35. This car is awesome. Lets call it the A35.

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  Black Beauty - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Waller - June 20 - 9:06 am

  What a car. Looks Great, rides great, goes like jack the bear. Have driven a few BMW`s and while the peformance was something, they were not as much fun as this car.

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  Great vehicle - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By blh7068 - June 18 - 10:20 am

  Ive had this car for three months and overall Im quite pleased. The only thing Im not happy about is I feel this car has too many creeks, squeaks and buzzes for a car in its price class. Otherwise interior fit and finish is fine. Also the paint gives the appearance of orange peel at certain angles...this applies to all Nissan products. The fit is fine though. Otherwise this vehicle delivers the goods. The factory sound system has a nice sound but to me, its pretty soft on the volume.