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:

• 

  G35 is the best car for the price. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Ralph Patrone - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The G35 is reliable, comfortable sports car with great performance. This car is easily the best for the price. My infinti Service in Summit, NJ has been great.

• 

  Four Door Sports Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By cleo - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive it holds the road better than any sedan i haved driven. The feeling of endles power is a rush.

• 

  Classy - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By jwhdavison - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Dealing with Infiniti has been a joy from the moment we went to the dealer. They were never pushy, and their service has been wonderful since. The car is a joy to drive and to own, its comfortable, powerful, feels luxurious and is hassle-free.

• 

  Awesome Car! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By SLVRG35CP - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven, hands down! Weve got a 2004 BMW 5-Series, 2004 Acura TL, and this. This car is by far the best. Fast acceleration, comfortable seats, beautiful styling, I really love everything about this car! Turns heads everywhere, even though its been available for over a year. This car makes me feel invincible!

• 

  I made a great choice - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Alan - January 9 - 10:00 pm

  After driving a Buick Park Avenue for 15 years I decided to down size and step up. Boy did I make the right decision. I enjoy my G35X more and more each day. The only complaint is the milage but I can overcome that because of the luxury of the ride. The amenities are unbelievable. I have the navigation system and the sirius radio. Both are great and I find I use the nav system constantly.I have never been happier with a car.

• 

  Makes a great used car - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By BottleOSmoke - January 8 - 9:50 pm

  Just got an 06 with fewer than 30,000 miles on it for the price I paid for my Mazda3 in 04! This was also over $5000 cheaper than 07s with 50,000 miles! I test drove used 3 Series, an IS 250 and a Subaru Legacy. I thought this car handled better than all of them and only the Subaru was cheaper. Fun to drive, extremely comfortable and an excellent value.

• 

  Best deal in its segment - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By John - January 7 - 2:30 am

  I test-drove TL, BMW 328/30, A4, IS 2/350 and decided that G35 fit our needs with the best price. I really wanted the RWD version but wife wanted the AWD (I also wanted the 6MT but wife cannot drive stick). Steering is slightly heavy at low speed. Fun to corner at the exit ramp and interior feels very luxurious with the luxury option and nav. Nav however tells you weird, roundabout directions. Bluetooth, nav, voice command work together nicely.

• 

  Great car... but? - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By big mountain - January 7 - 12:50 am

  I had to part ways with my G35x. The car is great but the power is unbalanced for the handling and weight of the vehicle. Watch out for the MPG. Averaging 20, doing good to get 22 on the highway. The G needs a 6th or 7th gear. 3000+ RPM at 70-75 mph on the highway is poor engineering.

• 

  WOW! Had to buy another one - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Infiniti Convert - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a 2003 auto in May of 2002. Loved it from day one. I put 56k miles on it in two years. Just traded it in for a new 2004 6MT. All I can say is WOW! I thought the auto was fast. The upgraded interior is better (still a little less luxury than I want) The overall package is great. Handling, power, braking, comfort, space - all pluses. And then there is the service... fantastic! (although with the new successes, not quite as good as when Infiniti couldn’t sell anything!). I look forward to my 50 mile one-way commute through DC rush hour traffic – crazy happy!

• 

  Oh, I love this car. - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Mike Kozlowski - January 1 - 2:53 am

  So Id had three Accords in a row (99, 01, 03), and wanted something sportier this time. I test-drove the BMW 330i and this, and found them pretty comparable, except for a) the price, and b) the AWD capabilities on the G35x, which are more sophisticated than those on the (not yet released) 330xi. Ive put 300 miles on this car in the last five days, and I absolutely love it. It handles like a dream, it has power to spare, its full of great luxury touches, and is just generally a superb car. Im actually thinking I might keep this one longer than two years. And thanks to the AWD, it should manage to handle better than the Accord in the winter, too.