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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  Better than expected - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By devon - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I was sure that I was going to like my new G35 Coupe from the pictures and reviews that I had seen and read. When I finally got to see it in person, I realized pictures definitely did not do it justice. And it drives as well as it looks.

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  The Great Drive - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Tom - June 6 - 10:40 am

  This car has been The Great Drive. While enjoying it tremendously, I have finally had to give in to my more frugal nature and search for a more fuel efficient transportation car. Im putting way too many miles on this wonderful car and it costs me an arm and a leg just to work.

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  Pure exhiliration - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By SusanC - June 6 - 9:03 am

  I had seen this car in my garage at work and thought Id just go check it out at the dealers. I had NO idea that I would be made one with the car at the first acceleration. I had a 99 BMW 323i with all bells and whistles..that car didnt even compare. The interior design of the G35 is luxury and comfort matched exquisitely..the power and control of the engine/suspension is breathtaking.

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  2007 G35x - The Japanese BMW - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Auto Enthusiast - June 3 - 5:10 am

  This car is a great value for the money. It combines performance + technology well just like BMW. I previously test drove the Lexus IS250 AWD and decided to go with this car because it had more rear legroom. Head to head it is a better match up with the IS350. I got it with the Premium package and Nav. I love the Compact Flash slot up front because you can use it to play your mp3s and wmas. You can also store your songs on the 9.5 GB hard drive. Very few cars out now have both these features. You dont even need CDs. The Nav can be used with voice or touch screen. You can also watch DVDs on the same screen if you hookup a video player like a Video Ipod or Zune !

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  G35 6-speed sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Tim Smith - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Hi, Just got it, real nice to drive, and it moves. very comfortable, Well equiped car. I love to shift and I waited a year to get the sedan in a 6-speed, so I am jazzed.

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  Love my G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35Pete - June 3 - 2:00 am

  A pleasure to drive begining day one. Only problem has been with radio face plate and climate control. Power, handling and awsome good looks generates comments almost every time I go out. Gas milage about 19. I am surprised at how good it handles in the snow, anti skid works great in slippery condintions.

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  Good buy. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By My New car - May 31 - 8:36 pm

  I have always loved Toyotas but I finally tried Infiniti. The G35 has wonderful handiling and pick-up. You could really feel the bumps on the highway yet its a very smooth ride except for the bumps. The car has good leather but not big enough seats or rear leg room. The G35 needs a bigger trunk. This car has real wood, a wonderful stereo and high-quality leather.

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  Drive it & you will buy it !!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By captg_2000 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  There is very little, NOT to like in the G35 Coupe` This is a $55000 automobile, wraped in a $35000 body ! It handles better than most similar cars on the road, will out accelerate most, & will sure turn more heads than any Beamer might. This car was planned out right the first time. It does not need power upgrades, or mods. It does fine off the dealer lot ! I had a zero defect auto, & 2000 miles later, still do. Not 1 rattle or squeak. There will be no surprises with this car, except the true enjoyment of owning a luxury auto, that will out handle a M3 Beamer, for more than $15000 less. Like I stated, drive one & you will buy one.

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  07 Infiniti G35 Sport... Unbeatable! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By JoeFiSh35 - May 28 - 10:56 am

  I upgraded to the G35 Sport from a rather outdated Oldsmobile, so I was immediately impressed by the handling, power, and comfort. Not only is the car stylish, it can stand on its own when it comes to performance. The touchscreen GPS and bluetooth are great features that make driving much more convenient. Also, you have about 5 different methods to play music through the car, including the flash drive, in-dash hardrive, 6 cd changer, in-dash player, and the RCA jacks in the center armrest. Gas mileage ranges from 16 mpg in busy city streets, to about 27 mpg on open freeway at 75-80 mph.

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  G35 sedan - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Jeff - May 25 - 7:46 am

  Have had this car for 18 months and still enjoy driving as much as day one. This is not a good winter car but cant beat it for summer driving.