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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  just plain slick - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By producer - March 16 - 2:00 am

  bought this puppy on a whim and dont regret it for a minute. Fast, reliable, good looking, loaded with features.

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  utopia - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By steve e - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is a dream. Beautiful performance, incredible handling, innovative styling inside and out, and a luxurious cabin including spacious rear seats. This car has it all. It is fun, fast, and just plain cool all at the same time.

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  Awsome G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By hitnhrd - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!. Its fast, comfortable, fun and No extra nic- nacs!. This car ROCKS!

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By PA Rott - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Great Car I owned 2 G20s they were great buck lacked power, got an I30 a little too large. This is a perfect car.

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  my car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By rbflabrett - March 11 - 6:06 am

  This is a great vehicle to drive much like the 350z an all around great car

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  Terrific for Four! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By raj - March 3 - 3:00 am

  This is my second G35. I had a 2003 G35 6MT until May, 2006. I find the 2006 to be a little more refined, a little more mature, and a little less edgy than my 2003. It is a superb tourer for 4 people, providing a great blend of space, comfort, and performance. Initial indications are that the fuel economy will be at least as good as in my 2003 (about 22-23 mpg overall -- I dont usually have too much stop and go traffic to deal with).

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  G35 one GREAT car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By al - March 1 - 10:20 am

  Ever since I set my eyes on this vehicle, I could have never gone into another dealership... unless it was an Infiniti. This car is comfortable, fast,gorgeous,stylish, and a car with one of the 10 Best engines in the world! It can NOT get any better then this.

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  G35 Sedan Loaded - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By bobz G - March 1 - 12:56 am

  I bought a black G35 sedan from Infiniti of Chantilly. Got the works. Although the stereo isnt digital surround, it still was the best in class. great tech features, good bass, hard drive to store all your cds. The car gets fast, quick. Feels like 40 when youre doing 70. Bought the active steer, suspn.s a little stiffer, but it handles great. Nav is decent, back up cam had better features than others. Still havent used the Intell. Cruise Control, but its too much fun to drive. Was initially leaning towards a Type-S, but the feel of RWD and the Studio on Wheels sealed the deal.

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  G35 4-door 6-speed - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By steve nelson - February 27 - 12:23 am

  Other than gas mileage and strange location of seat adjustments this has been an excellent car. Im sure a used one would make a great purchase if its been maintained. Extremely nice car for the money. Think 5-series at 3-series prices.

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  G-35x 2007 - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Satisfied So Far - February 26 - 11:23 pm

  Have the car now two weeks, and I am enjoying the car very much. The G, I bought with AWD, (Base car is rear wheel drive), because of the winters in the Northeast and road conditions I felt was a necessity. The car is exceptionally fast and responsive, handles the road like a sports car (Miata) Must be the suspension and tire combo (17"). I think the redesign of the exterior really makes the car stunning in appearance. The interior, mine is black with the chrome, looks sporty yet elegant. I really like the way the dash is designed. Overall, very pleased.