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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  Sports car in a sedan body - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By BobbyG123 - March 8 - 6:06 am

  What can you say? Its the best under $35K sport sedan on the market. Drive them all like I did and make your decision. AcuraTL, AcuraTSX, BMW 3-series, Audi A4. None of these cars offer the combination of performance, value, comfort, and handling that the G35 does. This car will beat all of the above mentioned competitors in 0-60, slalom, 60-0 braking, and the unmeasurable "fun to drive" element. I cant say enough good things about this car. Im in medical sales and put 20-25K miles/year on my car, and this baby makes me excited to hit the road. Just a fantastic all-around performer.

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  This car is "Drop Dead Gorgeous" - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Rick Bell - March 1 - 7:30 am

  A beautifully designed car...a real head turner. Fun to drive. Solid build - no rattles after 5 months. Power to spare on the highway. This car goes where you point it on S curves.

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  Parker G35X Review - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Stan Parker - February 27 - 7:36 pm

  We purchased our G35X in February with some snow still on the ground. This vehicle looks great and as a full time rear wheel drive and as-needed all- wheel drive it is sure footed and gives one a secure feeling driving it. With over 5,000 miles on it now, there is nothing to find fault with. We normally get around 24 MPG on trips and around 20 MPG driving around home. A great looking sedan with a sport car feel when you hit the accelerator.

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  From Porsche 944S to G35 Coupe 6MT - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Former Porsche Owner - February 27 - 5:10 pm

  I have owned a Porsche 944S for 22 years. As the maintenance bills began to climb it was time to buy a new vehicle. After reading many reviews the G35 6MT seemed to be my next car. This was sealed after I test drove the vehicle. The power delivery is absolutely flat in terms of torque curve and the handling is on par with my beloved Porsche. The steering is just a tad too power assisted, but beyond that, this car is just as much fun to drive. The convenience features are well thought out and executed. The service at the dealership continues my pleasant Infiniti experience. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a sporty driving experience.

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  Best Sport Sedan Value - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Richard Katz - February 27 - 12:16 pm

  Intensively researched and compared the Infiniti G35 Sport to Acura TL-S, BMW 3 series, Audi A4, and Cadillac CTS. On paper the G was the best value. Test drives and now ownership confirm my research. The 6MT Sport Sedan provides ready power, a stable, sure and agile ride combined with a gently sloping, sexy upscale interior, large fuel capacity and best trunk size in its class. Six speed manual transmission has a longish clutch that takes a bit of an adjustment - about two days in my case. The short throw shifter is crisp and decisive. Exterior design is sleek and strong; people stop and stare.

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  G35 Sedan - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Tim - February 27 - 4:50 am

  Purchased the car two weeks ago after walking away from a 2006 BMW 330i. The Infinitis performance is better and the overall quality equal, so the $12,000 price difference to purchase the BMW made no sense. Suggest the Sport Package if you prefer a firmer "BMW" style ride, as the standard suspension is a little bouncy. The Sport Package includes 17 inch wheels. Opt for the Premium package and with BOSE stereo system, which includes the sunroof

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  Sedan & Sports Car in One! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By David - February 26 - 8:10 pm

  I was looking for a replacement to my 05 Audi 3.0 Quattro. I have driven Audis for years and thought I would be purchasing another. Then I test drove a used G35xS for the first time. Never looked back. I have owned many cars over the years and this is by far my favorite. Great all-around vehicle with all of the technology and toys for less money than an Audi, BMW or Lexus. I avg. 20 mpg in mixed driving. This car is a screamer. The "S" package takes it to another level with the sport seats, paddles shifters and beautiful 18" rims. Make sure you test drive one of these if considering a sports sedan w/ AWD.

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  Great Performance - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Steve - February 23 - 7:30 pm

  We just bought the car 5 days ago. The power is intoxicating to say the least! Brakes are great. The interior is so much nicer than the 2006 model. The seats have good side bolsters for those spirited backroad jaunts. The fuel mileage is pretty poor at 18 mph average so far. Hopefully it goes up a few more points after break-in period. The ride is similar to the BMW 325is coupe I had a few years back, sporty but not too bumpy. Havent driven in the snow yet, but I assume the all-wheel drive and the narrower 17 inch tires should be ok. Once the snow is gone, this car will get a set of 18 inch sport wheels and tires. I think the Boxster will stay in the garage until spring!

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  Amazing Car - Terrific Price - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By JimmyFast - February 22 - 4:26 pm

  There is really no competition for this car in its category and price range. Youre basically getting a $60,000 car for half the price. Sure the interior could use a bit more "luxury" and intuitive layout-- but thats not why you buy this car. I basically just want to load the 6-CD changer, program a bunch of channels on my XM radio, quit my job, and drive around the Texas Hill Country until my money runs out...

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  great car! better than bmw! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By se - February 22 - 10:00 am

  i looked at the bmw 330ci, the mazda rx8, and the infiniti g35. i wanted a coupe-stick shift. i wanted performance without the hefty price tag. this car is a couple thousands dollar more than the rx8, but so much more powerful, and its exterior/interior looks a lot sleeker too. now if the rx8 had twin-turbos, it could be different. this car is at least 5 thousand dollars less than the bmw, but has more horse- power and gives the driver much more excitement. i came in looking for a bmw, but i left unexpectedly surprised by the g35. you MUST test-drive this car! its got the engine, the suspension, the looks, and the price!