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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  A Smile a Mile - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By NullA10 - October 15 - 1:30 am

  For pure fun and comfort, I cannot think of a car that I have owned in the last 10 years that has given me a greater driving thrill than this one.

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  Fast, fun, reliable - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Kong - October 11 - 4:10 pm

  I bought my 2004 RWD 6-speed manual G35 sedan in 2006. Almost 3 years and 30K miles later, its still a really fun car to drive. Quick enough to handle most traffic situations. Luxurious enough and very comfortable; love the feel of the steering wheel. No major problems--took it to dealer under warranty for minor annoyances. Clutch is a little heavy; dealer always suggests replacing the clutch, but if it doesnt slip, its fine--75K miles so far on original clutch. Put on winter tires and it will handle winter with ease.

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  gotta drive this!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By si - October 7 - 2:00 am

  wow - this car is seriously fun to drive. i traded in the four door after only four months - i think this car is way nicer to drive (although the four door is damn nice too). it drives and handles like a ture sports car. the seats hug you very comfortably, and the engine roars voraciously. peoples faces are fun to watch when i pull up next to them then speed off infront. took my girlfriend to the mini dealership next to bmw and boy were the sales men mad! all the customers at bmw went outside to look at my ride!!

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  Ive exhaled - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Goldie the Barber - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This exceeds all expectations on how my dream car would drive. Its like it reads my mind and adds on feelings i never thought i would have attached to something without a soul. It feels like im in my own personal rocket. Ive recently test drove a 99 Lexus SC400 in which i thought would be the best choice but this car is more sportier and the quality of car and company is at least equal. My lease is up in april 03 on my 95 Range and i wanted a different feel and experience. Problems and sluggishness of my RR with an alluminum buick 4.0 engine are in my past now. I find self salivating not only while driving but when anticipate driving it aswell.oops there i go again :)

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  Better 350Z all the way - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Randy Wun - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I ordered a 350Z base model and was waiting and waiting... looked on the net and saw the G35 and there was one to test drive. I thought it would give me an idea about how the Z would drive, but I never expected to be able to get this much more car for under 30k. I canceled my order for the Z and love the G. Look out BMW, this car is the real ultimite driving experence!

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  Happy buyer - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jeoneil - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a Lexus for many years, but became very unsatisfied with their cars and poor customer service. I looked at the SC430 and decided it was extremely overpriced and overrated. I looked at the 350Z, but still was not excited because of too many compromises. I then looked at the new Infiniti G35 coupe and began comparing. I bought the G35 coupe, with the manual 6 speed and leather package. It is an exceptional value. The quality of this Infiniti is much better than any Lexus I have owned. Also, the mark up is much smaller on the Infiniti, thus the resale price will be tremendously better. The G35 coupe has exceeded all of my expectations.

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  BadAss Sports Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G Wrinkle - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Just give a tiny bit more front room for bigger people. and upgrade the interior materials... too much plastic

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  First New Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By scott8385 - September 28 - 11:50 pm

  Its alot of fun and I really enjoy the horsepower, low-end torque, and maneuverability. The sound system is awsome!

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  Practical and a Blast to Drive - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Morrie - September 28 - 9:06 am

  This is truly a drivers car, but with enough practicality to function as a family car. Amazing performance, with the overall feel of a much more expensive car. Its a huge step up from a Maxima or I35, which are in the same price range. Unless you really must have front wheel drive, the G35 should be considered. Also considered the Cadilac CTS. A nice car, but there is less interior space, a higher price and the build quality is lower.

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  Past 300ZX Owner, All Grown Up Now. - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By JC - Santa Claus, IN - September 27 - 3:50 am

  In my 20s and single, drove a 1994 300ZX manual, decked out leather. Now that its been 10+ years and I am 32, my tastes and styles have hopefully improved. My thirst for flat out, eye watering performance has only grown. My wifes toyota solara V6 was growing long in the tooth. As we looked for a new car, nothing made her really get excited, no matter the manufacturer or price range. I had shown her the Infiniti website and we were off to go find one. Once she saw the car and went for a spin. She loved it, I loved it. The car has intense performance and a refined style that seperates it from the cookie cutter Lexus and BMW set. If there is any question of safety and traction, go AWD.