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:

• 

  Small Trunk - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jay1 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Small Trunk space, Hard to drive in the rain.

• 

  True Grit - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Dr. Rock - February 25 - 2:00 am

  The car has true grit: tenacious in curves, very fast, short stops, superb handling. A fun car to drive. Good value.

• 

  Excellent Vehicle - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By healey 100-6 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Picked up G35 w/leather and put 1600 miles on it in 2 weeks. Great car on two lane roads and on the interstates. Even my wife who preferred the 325xi during test drives is now the cars biggest booster. Too bad for her its my car!

• 

  Great Car!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jerry Sanders - February 20 - 10:00 am

  The power in this car is unbelievable. We looked at other cars in the $30,000+ price range (Audi A-4 1.8T, BMW 325i, Passat, Mazda 6, etc.) and they just didnt add up. Not near as luxurious nor as powerful. Ive been an avid car mag reader for 28 years, but when it came to actually test driving the German cars, I was more than disappointed.

• 

  Beware of Brakes - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Kris73 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Replaced brakes at 19,000 miles, read town hall discussions (on this website) before buying this vehicle. You will definitely change your mind.

• 

  Breaks Squeal - - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Sad G35 owner - February 19 - 4:36 pm

  37k miles and the brakes have made noise the whole time. They tried new pads & rotors. They say it is normal. Now out of warranty and still squealing. Buyer beware.

• 

  Over Rated - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Fergus - February 18 - 1:20 am

  Held off on commenting until I hit the 5000 mile marker. First interior is well done and attractive. However, I find the engine with the automatic is poorly done. The sport shift is comical with down shifts that dont make sense especially at lower speeds. Handling is ok, but not great, the review in edmunds is bang on - artificial. Brakes are spongy and translate road feel through the wheel which I find disconcerting. Fuel economy is brutal. I drive mostly highway and I havent broken 18 MPG even with heavy use of cruise control. There is a reason why everything is compared to the BMW... it is far superior. Finish is suspect. Already have rubber coming off my driver side door.

• 

  Another Winner - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Frank D - February 14 - 5:50 pm

  This is my 3rd Infiniti overall, but my first car. Handles great, steering wheel very responsive, decent acceleration, a head turner! Take the premium upgrade as it is well worth the price. The all-wheel drive is also a must at this price point so spend the extra $$. Although I leased this car it will definitely be purchased at lease end. Infiniti builds very reliable vehicles, I have a 2001 QX4 (65K miles) with nothing to report other than routine maintenance. Keep up the good work.

• 

  My little G - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Brilliant Silver - February 14 - 10:00 am

  its not my car but ive driven it and its great. i love the feeling i get when i sit inside and get the smell of that infinit leather! its neat looking inside and out and has plenty of room... according to the infiniti dealership, the G35 is longer than the BMW 5 series it doesnt look like it but it feel like it inside.

• 

  Job well done Infiniti - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jeff R - February 13 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 G35 coupe has been a dream to own. I almost feel like a better person every time I sit behind the steering wheel. My first impression of the car was that it was going to be way out of my budget but after I looked around I found a great one for $14,000. The test drive was sealed the deal. I wanted to see how it would handle turns at high speeds so going around a corner I didnt break. It felt like poetry in car form. After the honeymoon phase of owning the car ended, I was delightfully pleased with how well the car handled in snowy conditions. I purchased Hankook Icebear 300s for about $850 all in all and it worked just fine. Excellent car. I would totally buy one again!