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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BMW who? - 2003 Infiniti G35
By TJJr6 - May 27 - 2:00 amWhat a value in comparison to the BMW.
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close but...... - 2003 Infiniti G35
By g35owner - May 21 - 10:00 amI think your opinion of this car depends on what kind of car you are coming from. Exterior design - the car is stunning, a work of art, a head- turner. Interior design falls under a new episode from the Three Stooges. Some points to note: Contrary to what you have read, the 6 speed is not a slick shifter. It is notchy; it vibrates. I think that explains why it came after the automatic; it needs work.
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Great enthusiasts car! - 2005 Infiniti G35
By Cliff - May 19 - 2:40 amI purchased this G35 4 DR 6M sedan privately in 2006. I had been watching the reviews through the magazines and was really impressed with the style, quality and performance for the money. When I drove the car in a road test, I was sold. It had 24,000 km. I have now driven it for over 3 years and still love every time I sit in the seat. It now shows 82,000 km on the clock and I have not had any significant issues to deal with. Sure the mileage isnt great, but it didnt buy it for its economy; but more for its performance and agility. Turn off the VDC (vehicle dynamic control) and you can turn this docile elite sedan into an adrenaline rush of acceleration. I love it as do passengers.
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Fun Sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Patel - May 18 - 12:00 pmI wasnt in a market for a car and I have always owned Nissan, but always wanted a G35. I bought my G35 for $3000 at 155000 miles because I know they last for very very long time. It has all the services done for the mileage on the car, Fully loaded nav (with 2008 updated disk $190), sunroof, reclining back seats, cd changer. I love how this thing drives after having a 155000 miles on it. It is still aggressive, when you step on it it moves. I have taken this car up to 125mph on a track with out a problem. All the feature works great without any problem. Even at 155000 miles, retail on this car is $11000. Over all I couldnt have asked for more, for the price I paid, it is a steal.
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I Love It! - 2005 Infiniti G35
By Chrylrx - May 17 - 2:40 pmI have owned this vehicle for a couple of years and I love it. Not only does it look great, the performance is right up there with cars that cost a whole lot more and I have never had any trouble with it.
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Best car I have ever owned! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By terry - May 17 - 10:00 amI have been buying cars about every 2 years for the last 32. I have owned BMWs, Porches, Corvettes, 300Z, IROC, Lexus, Honda, Toyota, ... This car combines the look and feel of the finer qualities of these cars. It is fun to drive with great handling and good quality (not quite to the German standard but at a much lower cost). I have tested a coupe and you can bet what my next car will be! As far as the rear wheel drive, I drove through 3 large snow storms with little difficulty and the traction system worked better then the BMWs that I traded. This is by far the best deal on the road today.
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so far so good!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By twin0202 - May 17 - 10:00 amJust Bought my 03 G-35 used @ 20k miles - absolutely in love. Was looking for a sporty but safe sedan, and found it in the G. Its been serviced for all the recall/TSB reports before i bought it, and hopeful its worked out most of the kinks. Its fun to drive and exterior body style is ahead of the game.
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best for the price - 2003 Infiniti G35
By elias - May 17 - 10:00 ambeautiful car with a beautiful ride and plenty of power
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Silver Bullet - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Ray3354 - May 17 - 10:00 amThe car is the most fun car I have ever owned. I presently own a BMW 3 series and a Mustang 5.0. I previously owned a 1993 Mazda Rx7. The G35 wins hands down as the best car I have ever owned. It can be a sports car or you can relax on the highway, throw it into 6th turn up the Bose 225 watt system and just cruise.
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The Ultimate Dream Machine ! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By zebraxing - May 17 - 10:00 amI just completed 1000 miles on my diamond graphite / graphite coupe ... boy am I pleased. Everytime I drive around the pride of ownership is ultimate. Got one without the sunroof for that extra head room (auto/leather .. no premium package). Near perfection.
