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:

• 

  Blown Away - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mtime - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I spent months researching all cars in this area. I believe the G35 beats out the A4,Mazda 6, Acura TSX, and the new Maxima on value, performance, luxury, and overall driving experience. The car is extremely well balanced and it will eat up windy roads or open highways. Watch out for the smokies!!!!

• 

  Sweet Ride - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By llmauro - January 19 - 6:26 am

  Just took delivery on a G35x with Premium package and nav. Although I have only put a few hundred miles on it so far, it is everything I expected and then some. I test drove a Lexus IS 250 AWD, a Lexus IS 350, an Audi A4 2.0T quattro, and the Saab 9-3 (just to name a few) and this car blows them all away in every category. So far I could not be happier with my purchase.

• 

  My G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By kidlungdoc - January 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my G35 for a month now and driven about 1400 miles and absolutely love this car. Several people who have seen me driving into work have commented that I am smiling while driving! This car is just really that much fun to drive. The G35 has just the right blend of luxury, performance, and affordability. The minute I saw this car, I knew I wanted it, but the minute I drove it I knew I had to have it. The transmission is smooth, the engine powerful with great torque even at low RPMs (the car feels like it is pulling you to further depress the pedal), and the interior comfortable and roomy for a car in this class.

• 

  mixed feelings - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Mixed feelings - January 9 - 4:46 am

  I bought this car and almost traded in my IS 300. im glad I didnt. The G coupe is fun in the manual but the brembo brakes wear quickly and the tire noise is unbelievable. Im thankful for the Bose for that one fact. Sometimes I love this car, other times it drives me nuts. Oh, the clutch wore out at 53K - of course the Atlanta traffic doesnt help things.

• 

  Loved my G35X - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Shelley - January 7 - 9:30 am

  I absolutely loved this car. It has it all, comfort, power, reliability, luxury, good looks, the list goes on. Ive leased it for 4 years and would love to get another one day.

• 

  Dollars vs Reliabilty - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By T. Millis - January 5 - 11:16 pm

  Purchased the car from my brother, 75K, who owned it since new. Replaced my 97 BMW 328i with 120K. The mileage is awful, the maintenance costs are outrageous, the Radio/CD changer cost me 760$ to fix 1 month ago, the tires are super expensive, the trunk has no handle to open it, the driver seat controls are placed in the worse place in the galaxy, there is little storage space in the cabin, the back seats should fold down, BUT - the engine performance and handling is magnificent. My electric red BMW used to stop folks in their tracks-the G35 is "Stately." Is it worth the $ to run?

• 

  design - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Hilda - January 4 - 2:00 am

  design very good to look at but claustrophobic. top of door inclined toward head, ceiling very close to top of head. Pedals much too faar down and for long legged people. Rear side windows wwere cut down for aerodunamic look which cuts visibility. Rear window smaller to cut visibility. Cloth model lacks light feature for auto turn off. No beep to signal locking. Console so wide you feel you are in an airplane cockpit. Poorest feature visibiity for backing up.

• 

  summer only - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By bobo - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive in good weather.Very poor in snow. Even with traction control this car is a fair weather friend only.

• 

  Smart Buyer will consider this car!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Roger55 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  It all comes down to brand, which relates to prestige. With the same options, if you are not willing to pay $7K extra on BMW 330 or $9K on Mercedes Benz C320, then the G35 is your best choice. Sometimes... I wonder if BMW and Mercedes Benz only recruit Harvard and Kellogs grads for their marketing team.

• 

  Enough said!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Peter Martyn - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Please take a test drive, and youll know.