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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Very pleased owners - 2004 Infiniti G35
By A E P - November 3 - 10:00 amFirst auto since 1983. Have driven conversion vans, and a Yukon XL conversion. Car is the right size, handles very well, has plenty of pep, and is very comfotable for my 280 pound hulk. Have also purchased an M45 for my wife. She had a 1998 Q45T, and we traded it with 31000 miles. The M45 is just out of this world for every respect you would want in a auto. Extemely happy with the Dealer, the vehicles and Infiniti in general.
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G35 owner since 8/2002 - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Neptungrll - November 3 - 10:00 amI LOVE this vehicle. When shopping I looked at all the similar brands such as BMW, lower end Mercedes and used Mercedes. I wanted to stay under $30,000. I got a deal on mine and have loved driving it ever since. No problems experienced at all. Have about 15,000 miles on it and I a bought it with about 4,000 on it already as a demo. If you are thinking between the Maxima and G35, go for the G. It is well worth it in performance and service.
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G-35 with spirit - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Bikeguy - November 3 - 10:00 amWe purchased the G35 after having a BMW 535i. It was a good choice for the price and comparable features. The Infinity is a sporty fun car that give the BMW a good run. It handles and has plenty of power. Comfortable on a long drive and good feel for the road.
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Best Car Made - 2008 Infiniti G35
By T Downs - November 1 - 10:00 amI have only had my G35 for 1 week. I love it. Drives great. The sound system is the best. It is fun to drive. It is very comfortable. Very stylish everyone looks when I drive by.
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Best Bang for your Buck - 2006 Infiniti G35
By JaySunshine - October 28 - 11:30 pmI have owned my 2006 G35 Coupe for 2 weeks now. This is a beautiful car inside and out. By far the best performance bargain available. There is no coupe remotely approaching the Gs performance/luxury combination for the money. Wait for the 330 Ci and be ready to pay about 10 grand more! This car is beautiful and well built...10 years from now this will still be a handsome car.
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Good Stuff - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Hach - October 28 - 2:00 amIve had this car about a month now and am still learning to drive it. It handles well and there is no problem at all trying to merge into traffic or pass on two lane roads or climb in the Rockies. The interior is very quite and the sound system is all the better for it.
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Great Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
By HankC - October 28 - 2:00 amIve had it almost one year and still enjoy driving it. Performs very well.No maintence problems
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Fun Car! - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Noble Roman - October 28 - 2:00 amPickup is amazing. Sounds of acceleration are thrilling. Best looking "HOT" car on the road
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6M -- a step in the right direction - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Mike D. P. - October 28 - 2:00 amI have been waiting for eight months to get my hands on this car. It has been a good time so far
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Strong Player - 2008 Infiniti G35
By Go Irish - October 26 - 3:43 pmLeased the 08 G35 Journey with Premium Package, liquid platinum is the perfect color for this vehicle. My decision was between the 09 Acura TL and the G35. There was no comparison between these two vehicles when evaluating features, and performance for the money. The G offered 306 hp, smart key, upgraded leather seats.