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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  Joes G35 Coupe - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Joe - April 14 - 10:43 pm

  Overall, this car is a great ride for the money. I looked long and hard to find this quality, power and finess for under 40K and when it came time to decide, it was the easist decision Ive ever made. A quick note though, if you buy one, be prepared for a bumpy ride. The suspension is very tight - you will feel every bump on the road - the question is will you care?

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  Unbelievable! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Dave - April 11 - 7:40 pm

  That says it all. I have owned this car a week.This car turns heads, more than my BMW528i, then snaps their necks as they watch it disappear. Unbelievably fast, it will challenge you to keep up with it. I bought mine loaded with Tech, Nav and Premium with Rosewood Trim. Love the stereo, Nav, Voice Rec. This car is a true pleasure to drive. I am always looking for excuses to go for a drive. Test drove the Acura TL- S, the BMW330i. The Infinity hands down outperforms them and doesnt look like everyone else on the road.

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  G35 Driver - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By JNWFLY1 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Great driving and fantastic styling. Acceleration and handling are fast and smooth. Automatic shifts very smoothly, but wish I waited for the manual, as theres a lag when shifting with the manumatic. Only disappointment has been with the quality of interior materials, which scuff & scratch easily, and the placement of a couple of the interior controls. For example, the power seat controls are on the right side of the drivers seat, next to the cup holders (which dont fit the "Infiniti" coffee mug). The electric controls end up being a perfect place to spill coffee and crumbs. Otherwise, This car is awesome.

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  Worth The Price - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Steven Ang - April 10 - 7:33 am

  Looked into the is250, Mercedes c320, bmw 330, Audi a4, Audi a4, and this was the best of its class imo. outperforms all of the vehicles power wise, although handing in the bmw was great better than the g35. this is a great buy for an entry level luxury car, and id highly recommend getting the premium package with it that includes the moonroof, 6 disc, 10 speaker / 3 subs made from BOSE, bluetooth, heated seats, heated mirrors, homelink, etc all for like 2500 extra which imo is cheap for what you get out of it.

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  A Little Joy - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Rich Points - April 10 - 3:46 am

  Its like a hotrod, something I enjoyed as a teenager, now at 70 years of age, Im reliving those feelings. This car is so much fun to drive, using the paddle shifters, or the automatic when running around town. The car is tight, and ride is firm but not harsh, the seats are excellent, very comfortable front or back. I put two golf bags in the trunk (they just fit) along with a few other things. The nav option is great, and along with the XM road information youll never get lost, I love the way its setup. Give this car a try, you wont be disappointed.

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  Category Killer - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By ecollinsii - April 7 - 10:36 am

  I was intrigued when my local Infiniti service staff started to buzz about the 2007 G35 sedan. I needed more sport in my life after several years in an I35. I got it. This car is a category killer. I bought the G35 Sport w/5 speed auto and most techo options. Its blistering fast, has great handling (stable at any speed and extremely nimble), and has top class braking. Its very tractable around town in D - shift the manumatic for yourself, and its show time. The nav system is top notch and the 10Gb music hard drive stores 500 CDs. Unlike some I like its looks just fine. Very modern in the Japanese idiom. Downs: stiff "sport" seats, poor mileage. But for $40K you cant do better than this.

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  very poor lux. sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By king277 - April 6 - 11:50 am

  At the time of purchase my wife and i did a lot of research on this car. due to her driving so much. The G35 Seemed to be a great car. So we bought brand new 2003 model. Boy were we ever wrong. During the first year the transmission completely locked up. The cd player totally shut down and the air would not turn off at all. Then at 100,300 mile the transmission went completely out and 2 weeks after that the windshield wiper motor was completely fried. I have own much cheaper cars that have lasted so much longer than this lux. sedan. Very poor build and cheap and low end materials in my eyes.

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  My brand new 2005 G35 coupe - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By fzisist - April 5 - 8:40 am

  Its been three days now, and I cant stop looking at my new Infiniti G35 Coupe. What a beauty! It handles great, and you cant ask for more power. The bucket seats are taking some time to get used too. Maybe Im too big for them, but I can deal with it. Cant see my self taking it for a long drive though, its not comfortable enough. Other than that, this is my dream car.

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  Infiniti Blows Smoke - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Shawn McGlone - April 5 - 1:23 am

  This was supposed to be my wifeÂ’s dream car, but has turned into a nightmare. Infiniti does not stand behind its cars! After several attempts at fixing a knocking noise at startup, and excessive white smoke from the exhaust; a Service Manager told us that our car was not qualified for warranty work. This car continues to consume a quart of oil every month. Think twice about Infiniti.

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  Beware of stolen xenon - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Ivan - April 2 - 12:30 am

  Regarding the Xenon headlights on the 2004 Infiniti G35s. Apparently it has become very popular to steal these Xenon headlights from the G35s within a 1 to 2 minute time frame. I know, as Ive had mine stolen three times in 6 months at a replacment cost of $3,500 each time. And just last night they attempted to steal them a 4th time!