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:

• 

  Great - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By MRB - November 27 - 1:53 pm

  To be quite honest the best car I have ever owned. Fast, fun, reliable, affordable. Do I have to keep going? Solid car, which I had bought it sooner. Worth every penny.

• 

  Fun to Drive - Beautiful to Behold - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Reg - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Pearl White G35 Sedan with less than 50,000 miles and it has rewarded me with hours of fun and everyone looks with admiration at it when I drive. I love its 298 hp and smooth shifting manual 6. My second car is a reconditioned, manual 5 speed, 2.8, drop top BMW Z3.

• 

  Luxury 4 Fast - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By geslou1 - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive and a great car to look at. Interior is very nice and quality is great. Mileage is ok but tank is small.

• 

  Excellent value, minor annoyances - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By snowtrax00 - November 25 - 2:38 pm

  The car is quick and the engine sounds good but the transmission is rough shifting into reverse. The manual mode shifts with a bang almost every time. The brakes are spongy, warp easily and dont last long. The exhaust has rust problems and the gas mileage is alright but could be better. Handling is pretty tight but the car is skinny so body roll is more noticeable than others. The leather is soft and comfortable but rips easily. The interior is nice but looks dated and has a few squeaks and rattles but most cars do.

• 

  My G35 - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Stacy - November 25 - 10:10 am

  We love our car. it is very dependable, and also very sporty and cute. We love the updated style. Our only complaint is that the paint seems to chip pretty easy. Otherwise, its been a great car, so far.

• 

  Can you say power? - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Doug - November 23 - 7:30 pm

  Bought this car used with only 6K and have 30K now. It has a fantastic engine, great looks, sporty to drive and except for fuel economy, is a knock out 10 IMO. I cant say enough about the pick up and acceleration from this Infiniti engine. They really got it right. The 6 speed is also fun with my needing to get on the interstate just to get it out of 5th gear. The interior is well laid out with all the bells and whistles. Got the red color version and it looks great too. I dont need to compare with BMW, I found my ideal car in the Infiniti and will stick with that. If youre looking to spoil yourself, this is definitely the car to look for.

• 

  WEEEEE - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By TnTim - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car! Fun to drive and looks great! Only bone I have is the power seat controls, they are not in the greatest place (on the rt.side top of seat) Makes the seat somewhat unconfortable for the less than thin driver! Other than that I love it!!!

• 

  g35 coupe - dream come true - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By mark9@socal.rr.com - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This was more car than I dreamed of. I have more than I have ever wanted from a car. It has acceleration, handling, luxury, sound, and a sweet exhaust note. The manual and clutch is all sport.

• 

  Looks great-needs help - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By ssplain - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Brakes are a disaster. Why does Infiniti cover brakmes for replascement only up to 36,000 miles if they are design defective as they admit? They should be covered for the life of the car. Drop down window allows rain and snow to soak the seat when you open the door.Storage space is poor.

• 

  A Great Drive!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Robert Habgood - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I wanted to buy a car with a luxury feel but a sporty performance and I am not disappointed. The G35 is pure driving pleasure and has yet to let me down. The exterior look is dynamic and even the back end that some criticize has individual flair. The quality of workmanship is high and I have yet to find any "faults". The interior is not as lush as some comparative models but is very spacious which offsets any other shortcomings. Fuel consumption sits at around 20 mpg for me but as the G35 is difficult to drive in a docile manner, this does not surprise me. Overall, I am so happy, it is difficult to wipe the smile off my face.