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:

• 

  slightly flawed - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By fatcat - July 9 - 2:00 am

  overall great car. bose stereo not up to standards. long term seat comfort seriously compromised due to control location. fix the radio & seats and the car is one of the best. catches attention everywhere i go.

• 

  great car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By bogin - July 4 - 10:33 pm

  Leased the car up in early March, just turned 3k miles on it. Have had no problems. Its wicked fast and corners like it was on rails. Gets 19-20 MPG around town, managed 28 on a recent road trip cruising at 70-75 on the interstate. Stated out looking at the G35X but after driving the coupe my wife wanted no part of having a sedan. The back seat is very comfortable but a litte short on head room. It is usable for two adults for hour long trips. Kids (read grandkids) fit very well for longer road trips. It turns heads wherever we go. The VSC works well to keep the back end in place and when turned off allows you to steer with the your right foot. Great car!

• 

  G35_automotive phenom - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By aurobinson - July 4 - 10:00 am

  WOW, where do you start....get to a dealer and drive it, youll be giggling like a school kid.

• 

  Tight - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Dr007NC - July 2 - 9:43 pm

  Was circling the M45 but didnt need all that car (no kids etc) so the BMW 335i was the first car then the G followed - the G is far better value with no sacrifice in performance under 99% of driving - and it brakes and comes off the line far better

• 

  Smokin hot car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Jen Bosley - June 30 - 10:20 pm

  Ever looking for a car that you dont see at every stop light? Well that would be the G-35x! Its a looker when you do see one! Ive gotten alot of comments on my new G, besides constantly reminding myself what a great purchase I made! The G is a little slighted on gas mileage, but you have a 3.5 under the hood that stands at attention waiting for you to step on the gas! Very powerful car, not real comfy inside, but appointed nicely for the driver and the locations of the controls. Its absolutely the best car Ive owned! And Im always excited to hop in and drive! Never a dull moment!

• 

  Great Sports sedan! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By RichF - June 25 - 11:06 pm

  The 2005 Infinity G35x embodies what a luxury sports sedan should be--a sports car in a luxury sedan package! The 4WD handles nimbly with terrific acceleration, with the car going exactly where you want it to go. Steering and braking are sure and precise. Its a blast to drive! But the sports performance does not compromise the 4 door luxury comfort. Head and leg room are better than other cars in this class, and cargo room is much better than others. With the Premium package, the full complement of luxury features is at your finger tips, from keyless entry and starting, to heated seats, dual thermostat, to reclining rear seats. And, all this value for a price that cant be beat.

• 

  Julies G - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Julie Garrett - June 25 - 4:36 am

  This car is fun to drive and I love it, although without any doubt, vision while in reverse is severely impacted. I also feel that the transmission shifts a bit roughly given the category and have been told by three passengers that the front seats were narrow and uncomfortable, especially on travels lasting over 60 minutes.

• 

  Black Blur - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Zipper - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Love this car!!! I havent had this much fun driving in many, many years, if ever. So glad I passed on the BMWs and Mercedes. They were fine in the test drives, but this car beats them so easily that its not even close. The styling is so beautiful that I still break into a big smile every time I walk out into the garage.

• 

  I LOVE MY CAR - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By slg111 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a car that is a lot of fun to drive. It also gets you noticed. People love to look at this car. I have a couple quibbles with the interior -- window too high, cupholder set too far back, and metal on stickshift heats up during the day making it hard to put your hand on it after work -- burns. But these are very minor design flaws that in no way diminish the absolute power and finesse this car has. Love it!

• 

  Mid Life Crisis Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jules - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I have owned SUVs for the last 18 years, and cant really say why I all of a sudden wanted to make a change to a smaller more sporty car except that it sounded like fun. I used to own a Datsun 280ZX before my daughter was born that I loved. I thought the Infiniti really resembled that car body style. All I can say is this is by far the best car I have ever owned. Its sporty, fun to drive, FAST,and I absolutely love it !! My husband had a 55 Chevy he loved to race around when he was young and had to sell to buy our 1st house but this car has brought back a little of his racey side and he thinks this car is fantastic!!What more can I say ??!!