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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  And the results are in..... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Chiefs - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Have 6MT CarrBlue and shift/clutch is smooth a butter. Reading the early reviews from the G35 websites caused me concern, but came to conclusion that alot of people had no clue how to drive a stick, given how mine has operated. Definitely a "head turner". Great torque at low rpm, relatively speaking.

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  Fast and fun - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By MikeB - September 3 - 5:20 am

  Bought my base 2005 G35 sedan in March 2009 with 38K miles on it. Unreal power, good brakes, stiff chassis for instant steering response, and decent cornering. The price for this is a stiff, but well-controlled ride. Fuel mileage is 19-21 around town, 24-26 highway. I actually like the 2005-2006 interior, instruments & controls better than the 2007-up G35. A minor annoyance is a very "creaky" center console, which is worse on cold days. Had the engine die on me 3 times with an error code displayed, although it would restart in a minute or less. The dealer ended up replacing a cam position sensor for free, even though the 4-yr warranty had expired.

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  If you have $8K to spend on a sporty sedan in 2016 - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Infinitimama - September 3 - 1:32 am

  You cant go wrong with this car. My old car died unexpectedly, so I was in a bind to get something that looked good, was inexpensive but sporty and had four doors. I found this clean six-speed manual G35 on a used car website, the price was only $8700. It had 85K miles on it, was in great shape inside and out, had 18 inch wheels, dark tint, black on black with leather interior and the Bose radio. I only drive manual transmission cars, so I jumped on it, and Ive had it two weeks now. Its not perfect, but I seriously love this car. The GREAT things about it are: Its quick. Acceleration is top notch! Shifting is short and smooth, passing is easy, and the engine has a low roar that will get you in a good mood. It feels solid on the road. Handling is great. The styling doesnt scream "Im 11 years old!" at all. It still looks really good. When I tell people its a 2005, they are surprised. Other good things to note - the inside is roomy for a sports sedan, even in the back seat. Power outlets, three cubbies for storage, in-dash 6 disc CD changer, and an armrest that comes down with cupholders for the rear passengers. I like the location of the clock and the features like cruise control, seat memory, and the dash are easy to use and locate. As far as getting a sporty sedan with the most bang for your buck, a used G35 is the way to go. Now - the bad stuff is the same as other reviewers. The inside is a bit noisy - little clicks, clanks and creaks as you are driving. They are slight but you will notice them after a while and wish they would go away. I also dont know why the Bose audio is supposed to be spectacular because its nothing special. Not much bass unless you really crank it. Im already thinking about upgrading the head unit and speakers, because I had better factory audio in my old Mustang. The inside materials and design are also basic and nothing special. Also the turning radius seems a bit wide. Overall though, unless you are really nitpicky about the negatives, I would recommend this car in a heartbeat.

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  sweet ride - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By aw - September 1 - 10:46 pm

  Great ride...perfect reliablility...Smooth as silk and looks like a million bucks.

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  Best car yet! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By LeAnnStar - August 29 - 11:56 am

  I had been wanting a G35 for a while and read many reviews. I was very apprehensive to buy one because everyone complained about the gas mileage. I get at least 23-25 mpg. This car is great!! I had a 2006 Mercedes C230 previously. I love this car so much more. It is beautiful inside and out. It is sporty, yet classy car.

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  Fabulous Car!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Happy Critic - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Had my laser red coupe for less than a week but know I made the right decision! Tested every other car in the price range nothing compares, BMW3 series and Mercedes C class eat you heart out!! T- bird and 350Z, cant hold one normal size suitcase much less two!! The perfect combo of sports car with some practicality. Performance is awesome. 280 HP is nothing but fun!! I drive lots of miles in my job and encounter all sorts of driving situations, traffic, freeway, stop and go. This car does it all beautifully.

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  Nice Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Kerrell - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this car everyone on the road should have one the world will be a happier place!

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  Awesome G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By nicky313 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car, very fast, tight steering, nice interior, roomy, nice trunk, & did I say fast? The G35 is a great car for the $$$. BMW, Lexus, Acura Type-S have to catch up. The car is very smooth and the Sport Package is a must!! The Navi is great but needs a mute button.

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  Stop looking and buy this car! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Nora - August 24 - 9:13 pm

  I looked at a BMW 3 series, a Lexus GS300 and this car. As soon as I drove it I fell in love! It is unbelievably powerful. It made the Beamer feel like a toy car, and of course the Lexus doesnt even compare. And yet, it is the ultimate LUXURY car! I feel like Im driving a Cadillac. Every imaginable comfort and gadget comes standard! And the price... OH THE PRICE! Not only the purchase price, but its Japanese, so the cost of owning is WAY less than a BMW! The only negative is the fuel economy (around 20 miles a gallon, but its my fault because I cant help but keep pedal to the metal.) Its a gorgeaus car and SO fun to drive. Quit looking! You NEED this car.

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  G35x Best of all worlds!! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Larry - August 24 - 8:23 am

  First, I am 64" so I dont have the pick of all great sports cars. However, I am very comfortable in the G35x (its larger than the 325ix) -- it handles great and its incredibly fast. Living in Rockland County, NY where it snows alot, all wheel drive gives me the best of both worlds, excellent rear wheel drive handling and AWD when you need it.