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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  2008 GS-35 - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Jo Ann - October 26 - 1:00 am

  This automobile is everything I was looking for. Test drove the following: Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, MB C350, Lexus IS 350. None came close. Love the nav back up camera, and XM radio with the Studio on Wheels. The fact that I can record up to 2,900 songs is a plus also. The Liquid Platinum with the Stone & Graphite compliments the Washi-finish Aluminum beautifully. Car is a 10 IMO. Have a look and test drive you will fall in love.

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  Infiniti G35 - Powerful and fun to drive - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By pdwigg - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is fast and handles very well. At the same time, its very comfortable and I can barely feel any bumps when traveling over rough roads. The car looks great, it doesnt look like anything out there, and several people have stopped to ask me what it is. Infiniti definitely outdid themselves with this car!

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  Fun, Quality & Eyecatching - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By NewAZG35 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. Not only is it fun to drive (powerful with lots of torque & great handling), but its well laid out and very eyecatching. The lines are sexy enough to still be inspiring 3-4 years from now when competitors like the Acura 3.2TL-TypeS have really grown tired. The cabin is remarkably quiet and coming from a Honda, the materials & workmanship really seemed first rate. Thats perfect because youll be able to enjoy every last note that eminates from the Bose sound system. I shopped pretty heavily: Acura, Lexus, Cadillac, Chrysler, Used Mercedes & BMW. To me, nothing matched the overall "bang-for-the-buck" that the G35 offered.

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  Option it right - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Boomer - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up my Twilight Blue/Charcoal Leather/Premium, Wood G35 yesterday. Initial impression of the interior was that it looked cheap in the Willow color. The charcoal leather with wood trim looks richer and higher quality. The rear looks better in the flesh than in pictures. Love the car. It feels like a very high quality package. The car puts as big a grin on my face as the 3-series drive did. The reason is acceleration where it was more about steering feel in the Bimmer, but this is still a very good handling car. This is an excellent sport sedan with decent room in the back (unlike 3-series or A4) and Japanese reliability.

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  A great machine made better for 2005! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By DTSCol2005 - October 22 - 7:16 am

  I had reservations about purchasing a 2003 or 2004 G35 Coupe because of their poor interior design and quality. This year Infiniti fixed this cars major flaw. I love the interior of my 2005; real aluminum, a clock thats not blocked by the navigation screen, and a steering wheel that is backlit. This car is now the complete package, attractive exterior design, unbeatable performance and handling, and a luxury interior.

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  BMW 3 Series Overthrown by this Coupe - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Crazy Horse - October 21 - 7:20 am

  The gearbox is not as silky as BMW but this can be overlooked when value for money is considered. Winding up through the gears feels good and sounds good.

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  The best bang for your buck! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Michael Z. - October 20 - 6:43 pm

  After exaustive research is finally purchased my G35x. The car is absolutely a blast to drive. I wanted a car with true sports car dynamics, comfortable ride, and some luxury appointments. I also wanted all wheel drive, and the reliability that generally comes with Japanese vehicles. For me it quickly became clear that the G35x offered a near perfect combination of all the things I was looking for in a car for a very competative price, especially when compared to its German counterparts. Compare the statistics, and then go drive one. This car sells itself.

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  Very good value - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Als35 - October 19 - 9:23 am

  I just got a G35 sedan with prem, nav, tech. I debated if I should get this car for awhile but Im happy with my choice. Got rid of MB E350 which had too many problems. G35 has it all for $20K less than the E350. Better ride, handling and power. I love the navigation and voice recognition. Interior looks great.

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  my best car - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By gary delorme - October 17 - 2:10 pm

  l have had many nice cars but the g35 is by far best all around

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  The Best Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By hdough21 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  AWESOME ABSOLUTELY ASWESOME THIS CAR HAS LOTS OF POWER THERE COULD BE ONE DRAW BACK NOT REALIZING YOU ARE SPEEDING AND GETTING A TICKET IT DRIVES SO SMOOTH ITS JUST A WONDERFUL CAR