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:

• 

  A Porsche sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By doctoro - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Dealer called it a 2003 1/2. Infiniti raised the price for the Leather model $700, but made Xenon headlights standard, as well as the radio coming equipped for Satelite. The rear deck was redesigned for the better. Have Premium and Sport Package. When bought new with 11 miles, the tire pressure was 41 pounds all around. I reduced the pressure to 32 pounds and the car not only rides better - more supple - it actually handles better. The Bose radio disappoints - I found a solution: adjust treble to +3 and bass to -3. Only real gripe is the gas mileage. Gets 14 mpg in normal city driving.(95% stop and go city streets, 5% highway).

• 

  2004 Sport Coupe 6 speed - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By jbpgus - December 30 - 9:43 pm

  The purchase of this car was the worst part. I knew I would pay full price for the car, but they wanted to add on lots of after market equipment or they would not sell it to me. Needless to say I felt ripped off from the start. The car itself drives beautifully and almost makes up for the pain of dealing with the dealership. Love the sound of the engine and still fun to drive

• 

  Best of the Best - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By oldcajun - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Great style, fantistic performance, bulletproof reliability. It doesnt get any better than this. Yes it does, it is $7000 cheaper than a BMW!

• 

  Greatest luxury car value - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By JAY LAMONT - December 26 - 8:46 pm

  If you are not a 6 foot plus giant male this is the safest, most fun to drive reliable car to drive...Period i have owned only mercedes, lexus sedans and (1) bmw plus (1) volvo suv in the past thirty years of driving---city and highways trips daily. This is euphoria on chrome wheels and reliable under all road conditions and climates. And the value is the final clincher for anyone who has tried the ride on a g35x infiniti. Service quality ? Impeccable, but frankly rarely required for my car. Jay lamont

• 

  kickin - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By davemar - December 22 - 10:00 am

  head turning styling.awesome engine. love the pickup and the tuned exhaust. brakes be a bit sensitive to0 the touch.cant read the clock at nightand the dash can be improved for visibility during day

• 

  Been a month... so far so good - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By gehrig97 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  So far so good... Ive just passed the break-in period, but this damn rain has kept me from seeing what this car can really do. Acceleration is almost too smooth for me... I prefer to have my head snapped back as opposed to stealth speed. Cockpit controls are poorly designed--after a month, I still fumble with the stereo. And what is it with the dashboard glare? Minor quibbles, as this car is fast, fun, and uniquely stylish.

• 

  Technology, Speed, Handling & Value!!! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Arnold - December 18 - 6:30 pm

  Premium, nav. I test drove both this car and the FX. Wasnt thrilled at the idea of 15mpg or the bigger price tag. This car accelerates wonderfully and Im not worried about sway as I was with my SUV.

• 

  I love this car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By EdG - December 17 - 9:00 am

  Ive had the car 2 years (bought new) and every day when I get behind the wheel I think "I love this car." Incredible power, that just gets stronger the faster you go. Very quiet, even with the roof open. No significant problems. Brakes wear quickly but warrenty covered them at 25K and they stop the car fast. No lift so even at speed it holds the road like it was on rails. Very comfortable ride.

• 

  What a Fantastic Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By redinfiniti - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The car is fantastic to drive and is possibly the deal out there for a sports/luxury car. Every time I see it parked in the driveway, I cant wait to go out and drive it. The steering and handling are very tight. The 6MT model is truly the way to go with this car. This is a really fun car to own.

• 

  Sportiest in this class - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bileman - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive put about 5000 miles on this car. I test drove its competitors prior to my purchase, and Ive subsequently accompanied a couple of friends on a series of test drives of this & similar cars... bottom line, no other car in this class can touch the G35s performance & poise. At the same time, its competitors (possibly excepting the Cadillac CTS) all out-class it in terms of interior quality, styling & ergonomics.