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:

• 

  G35 Coupe - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By prlede01 - February 9 - 2:20 pm

  The G35 feels like a luxury sport car in every way. Comfortable bolstered seat holds you in place as the car take tight curves and high speeds easily. Great acceleration especially at high speeds. After two year, I have had no problems. Handling, acceleration, comfort, great looks, it has it all.

• 

  G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By G35 LOVER - February 8 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS AN AFFORDABLE, FAST CAR. IT IS EXTREMELY FUN TO DRIVE. GREAT LOOKS AND COMFORT TOO.

• 

  Great Car - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By rabbht - February 7 - 1:23 am

  Had a Mercedes ML500 that was dead in the garage 3 times with only 23000 miles on it. Had to change cars. I had Infinitis before and they were all great, never any problems and great dealer service. This g35x is the best one yet. I love driving it and it has so many great tech items on the car.

• 

  G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Kowboy - February 6 - 10:00 am

  A great enginered auto...puts BWM 3 and 5 series to shame...handling and performance is outstanding..found 0 flaws when delivered...

• 

  Heeeeehaaaaaa... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Joonbug - February 6 - 10:00 am

  May I tell you - this is an AWESOME CAR to drive! In order to purchase a car, I had taken the time to test drive several cars (A4,Passat, I35,IS300,TL and 3series). Even with a second drive, the end result was the same... hands down, G35 was the best out of all of them. The car has a solid feel to begin with. Its acceleration and the ability to take on corner is absolutely amazing. Yet, even though it has a very sporty look and ride to it, it is nevertheless, very comfortable to drive. It feels as if youre driving a sports car but with all the amenities of a fine luxury european sedan.

• 

  Still dont see many of these - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By kernszys g35 - February 4 - 4:53 am

  I have had my coupe for 2 years now and never get tired of driving it. other than short brake pad life and brake dust the car is an absoulute gem It has handled the tough new england winters with out a hitch (the 4 ws50 blizzacks were an absolute must) Gone through 2 sets of rear tires and one speeding ticket.an absolute pleasure to own!I plan to go for the 2007 model!

• 

  blow ure doors off - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By auusssi - February 2 - 2:00 am

  fast style comfort will beat a svt ford mustang cobra in the rain, add a exhast and some wheels and uve got a sweet car not that the stock borla isnt good enogh for exhast

• 

  Pure.... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By OnuSigep - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I test drove everything from Mazda Millennia to BMW 3 series to Cadillac CTS. This was by far the best all around car, especially for the money. I have a black/graphite with every factory option except the Navigation. The car rides smooth, it looks sharp, and it is a blast to drive. The mpg is low, but comparable to other cars in the class. I am very pleased with every aspect except the common complaint of the analog clock, which I dont care about. The Bose premium sound system is incredible and incredibly loud! This is one fierce car.

• 

  Fun To Drive - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By spotty - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Sporty and stylish, really gets the looks. Great fun to drive. Best auto buying experience in my forty years of buying cars.

• 

  No regrets! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By DIane - January 31 - 7:20 am

  I just purchased my infiniti and I am already extremely pleased. I looked at several other competing models and frankly none was as good a value or as attractive to look at. The car performs extremely well and its like driving a piece of sculpture. It is just beautiful.Lots of standard features that others wanted extra for.