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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  Fun and Fast - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By jomax - July 22 - 3:00 pm

  To put it simply.....This car is fun, fast,quiet and comfortable. Its also roomy, cleanly designed, intelligently designed and has a killer sound sound system for it being a factory system. The colors and trim are warm and freindly without being ostentatious, simply elegant would be the proper decription.But the trunk seems a bit small. The handling is tight, the ride is taught without harsh. The cabin is a bit noisy until you reach freeway speeds, then quiets out and seems to cruise effortlessly.

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  I Love This Asian Cruise Missle - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By chipito - July 22 - 6:46 am

  The bullet nose hints at the performance of this relatively cost effective AWD sports sedan. Forward midship engine placement results in a nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution. 100% RWD with blessed over steer until slip is detected, then up to 50/50 AWD keeps the car on track even in snow and heavy downpours. The efficient FM 3.5 V6 engine has been a dream for the price point - why spend $15K+ more for a Euro badge and more maintenance costs? BMW = Burning More Wealth; Audi= An Ultra Dollar Incinerator; Get a better AWD performance investment with Infiniti

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  Excellent Car for the money... - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By KC - July 20 - 2:26 pm

  Picked up a 07 G35 X recently. I really cannot stop driving the car. It handles excellently, rides smooth, and has every technology. From Satellite radio to laser cruise. Cannot get a better car for the money. Infiniti quality is excellent. BMW just not as reliable in recent times. AWD is also available with full 300hp. Not so for BMW(yet) or lexus(ever?). If you live in a climate that can take advantage of the AWD it really makes this car a no brainer for the compact luxury sports sedans.

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  Fun car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Big Head - July 19 - 11:26 am

  Great car for the money!!! 280Hp navigation w/brid view and smart key a lot of bang for under 40k!! This is my 3rd infiniti i35, fx35 great cars!!

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  The new ultimate driving machine! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By G UNIT - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. The only feature they didnt put in it was a bed or I would have gotten that too. I would sleep in it if I could. I used to describe this car as "pimp" before I bought it, but "pimp" does it no justice.

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  Infiniti 4 Life - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Chris - July 15 - 9:30 am

  I honestly wanted to purchase a BMW 325i; however, in the end I ended up with an Infiniti G35. Why? In a nutshell, the G35 is "The Ultimate Driving Machine." The driving experience is unmatched and the exterior as well as the interior are beyond belief. The exterior is well sculpted and the interior design is spectacular. The car handles like a charm. Monitor the speedometer at all times as it is easy to hit 100+ mph and not notice it.

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  My New G35x - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Buttafly - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I mostly like the way the car handles and the acceleration. I am not impressed, however, with the heated seats. They barely get lukewarm. So basically in the wintertime when its really cold out, you probably dont even feel the warmth from the seats. I traded in a BMW X5 for this car and definitely feel that Infinity can and should make some improvements so that it can comparably contend with its German counterparts. A safety feature this vehicle lacks: the steering wheel controls are not illuminated. In darkness you cant see them which could prove dangerous. Also, when there is sun glare, the compass,outside temperature guage and other console guages can not be seen!

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  Another happy owner - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By kevinms99 - July 12 - 8:40 am

  Ive had the G35x since a few weeks prior to Thanksgiving. I came from a Pontiac Trans Am, so Im slowly moving toward more "reasonable" cars. The ride of the car is quite smooth. It is quiet when it is supposed to be and loud when I want it to be. I find the styling to be smooth and a bit understated (quite a difference from my previous car). Ive had no problems at all with the car, and I hope to continue being a happy owner.

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  Much Improved - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Jim - July 10 - 7:46 am

  Traded my 03 G35 for the redesigned 07. What an improvement!! While the car was great to begin with Infiniti tweaked the exterior a bit while really addressing some shortcomings with the interior. Im finding myself looking for excuses to drive.

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  Speedy - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By My Fist Sports Car - July 9 - 4:03 am

  I got this car and it was so fun to drive that i could not get out of it. People kept saying that the car smelled good after 4 months. Love the AWD cuz it gets you out of everythings no matter how high the snow is. Exhaust note is very nice but not too annoying. Been back at dealer twice for noises but not fixed due to window bolts not tight and brake tune up.