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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  Choice of the Yuppie Generation - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By jaylam - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Purchasing the G35 coupe is one of the best decisions that Ive made, thus far. Its an eye-turner, unlike many of the other cars in its class (i.e., everyone and their brother has owned a BMW 3 series at least once in their life). The best thing about it is that its reliably made, so that you dont have to deal with the nickel and dime problems that so many of my peers face with their BMW 3 series, Audi A4s, etc.

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  Im sold on Infiniti - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By RLN - March 14 - 9:46 am

  It is really hard to find fault with my 2008 G35. I love the car, the way it drives, its fit and finish and comfort. I would like to see better MPG than the 17.4 it averages around town. The engine has power, pleanty of power. The auto transmission is unbelievably smooth. The ride is solid. Im very satisfied with the car.

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  got 3 speeding tickets in a year - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mike71 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  After getting my third speeding ticket, my wife now drives the G35 and i get to drive our minivan. I drive the g35 on the weekends and its hell the five days i do not drive the g35. Not the most comfortable car ive owned, but the most fun ive had on four wheels. If you want comfortable, go get a cadillac deville. If you want to raise the hair on the back of your neck, get a g35 and find a winding road. The car feels like im riding on two rails... unless i take the vdc control off. My wife loves the car as well. plenty of room for a baby seat in the rear and trunk accomodates four golf bags easily. I love this car!

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  Best Car Ever - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bltzkrg - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used with 8,000 miles on the clock. After having driven a German car for the previous two years I was skeptical that anybody could build a car more fun the drive than the one I was trading in. The Infiniti delivered everything I was looking for and more. The car gets a lot of positive attention where ever I go. Thinking of it makes me smile and I never grow tired of turing the key and hearing it growl to life. If youre in the market for a car, shop the competition, then buy the G35. You wont regret it.

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  good handling - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By u8dimsum - March 13 - 10:00 am

  very fun to drive

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  Cant beat it for the money - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Linda B. - March 11 - 11:26 am

  I traded a 2003 G35 Sedan for this coupe. Cant beat the styling, but I cant believe memory seats are not offered. The exterior styling is top- notch, but interior comforts really are lacking. I think Lexus does a much better job on their interior, but their exterior styling is SO stodgy. So, I guess I can live with a few less bells and whistles on the inside, because I love all the head-turners I am seeing. I have actually had at least 20 people comment on what a beautiful car this is in parking lots in the the two and a half months I have owned it. Got the Lakeshore Slate. Its a GREAT color. Looks great day or night. For less than 40k you are not going to find a more satisfying car.

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  My G-35 Coupe - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By SIELICKY - March 10 - 9:13 pm

  I love looking at and driving this car. I have talked with other owners who have complained about braking problems. I have not experienced this yet. My only dislike of the car is the limited headroom. I also have difficulty locating what I want on the instrument panel.

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  Owner - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Dave11 - March 10 - 2:00 am

  No dealer follow-up. Car is quick and fun to drive. Looks great. Luxury package is great deal.

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  Gorgeous power - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By dra100 - March 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a gorgeous and fun car to drive. My only real complaint is the gas mileage, but I guess thats a tradeoff for the awesome engine.

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  Incredible Machine - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By AA - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the BMW 3 series, Acura CL type s, Lexus IS300 and there is no comparison. This car is incredible. No none can believe the price of this car, everyone thinks it is a $50k plus for everything you get. I have never had a vehicle that gets this many looks. Absolutely awesome car.