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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  This car is hot! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Lady Run - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Fast, fun to drive, worth the price and lovely to look at. Watch out for speeding, it feels as smooth at 80 as it does at 30. Great attention to back seat details, like adjustable seats.

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  Beats my old Boxter - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By baldeagle - June 10 - 2:00 am

  A nice combination of acceleration handling, and just enough room to be practical without boring. Good interior. Beautiful exterior styling. Ride a little harsh with the 18" wheels. Be careful with them...theyre easy to scratch.

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  Fun drive - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By lakelizrd - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned my G35X for a little over two months. Some 2300 miles later, I can say the G35X was a great buy. Its a kick to drive, I would love it it she had another 20-25 horse, but I love the feel and sound of my infinity. I was told that Infinity dealers dont deal, but I bought mine at 750.00 under invoice. So all in all Im not sure where a guy could find more fun under $30,000? Well legally anyway.

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  Best car Ive ever had - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By lip11 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Even after a year of ownership, I still love to drive this car!

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Review - June 9 - 2:53 pm

  After having five BMWs (3 & 5 series models) I was tired of having various problems (mostly electrical) that different dealers seemed unable or unwilling to fix. I bought the G35 because I wanted a rear wheel drive car and have been very surprised. In over 18,000 miles of driving I only had a problem with the CD player, which was replaced quickly and under warranty. The car is not quite as composed in handling as a BMW but it still does well and the engine provides a lot or performance for the money. The amount of space in the car is also great and the seats are comfortable. I am planning to buy a new model G35 for my next car.

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  Exceptional, needs slight improvements - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By loving it! - June 4 - 10:00 am

  fun vehicle to drive. very responsive and handles like a dream. the driving experience is awesome. Only 2 main drawbacks: 1. location of the seat controls, it feels like you are sitting on a wallet and can get uncomfortable on longer drives. (when they fix this i will gladly pay to have the seat replaced). 2. gas mileage. Dont expect to get any better than 18 mpg of regular city/highway driving. even a little less if you really push the car. even with these 2 issues the car is nothing short of spectacular. i would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a performance sedan that is reliable and fun to drive.

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  G Values - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By hcsultw - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car, Great performance. Just Great! I had this car for a month now and I still get goosebump every time I drive it. Plenty of power and room for the family.

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  GREAT SEDAN w/Performance - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By John - May 29 - 1:10 pm

  The car is comfortable, handles well, corners at 30 mph are fine! Sleek looks, an all around great package!

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  This car is Sick - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By 777 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  My husband bought this car, I personally love driving it. It is bigger than a 3 series, drives just as well if not better than a 5 series. The first night we drove it, we drove in a severe blizzard, it drove so smoothly. No slipping, no worries. I feel so safe in this car, but it also has an amazing sound system. Get the basic sound system. No need for the more expensive one. Heated seats are a must.

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  GrOoVy! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Crayzee - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Amazing car. Have the G35 with everything cept the Nav system (not worth 2k) and Sport Package (couldnt use those tires in the snow. Perfect ride, perfect features. Makes driving an great experience wether driving the empty turnpike at 80 or stop and go on my city commute to work.