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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  Amazing car - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Genester - January 10 - 12:03 pm

  I got a 2006 G35X, and I absolutely love it. Take it from a person who hates to drive in general - this car has made my commute something I would not have thought possible - borderline enjoyable! All the toys and refinements are great, but the responsiveness and handling if this car are what sets it apart. The acceleration and braking are both extremely smooth and quick, and the ride is firm but very comfortable. Overall, a terrific car - take it from someone whos generally a skeptic and isnt easily pleased - this is a home run!

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  Ugggg, wish I would have bought an M3 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Paul Reid - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The price tag really jumped out of me on the coupe but now I realize why. You need to fine tune all moving parts in the interior just to make the car not rattle. As a big surprise I was told that my stereo was NOT upgradeable to XM Satelite radio after it was promised as an upgrade. Even the VP of Nissan-Infiniti, Mark McNabb, admits there is a situation but the dealership has done nothing to rectify the situation. Save a little more, buy an M3 or a Lexus SC thats a year or two old!

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  Ultra reliable - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Jeff - January 3 - 3:26 am

  Brought this car brand new. Seems smallish inside but very roomy even for me at 62". With only 41k miles we are on our second set of brakes... luckily they were covered under warranty. Very dependable only two trips to the dealership for the brakes. I would buy another G35 in a heart beat!!!

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  Pleasing yourself - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By xmo2rep - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I almost got another I series. It was a nice car and reliable and the 3.5 engine made it go but it did not say, "Let us steal away in the night!" The G-35 did and we did. What a wonderful car to drive...black on black it makes it so cool to look at also. The seat is so comfortable (I have a bad back) and the steering wheel wants you to hold it and hold it.

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  Great Car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Great Car - January 1 - 4:10 am

  This is the best looking car(coupe) hands down under 40k. Its fast, sleek and sexy. This machine will have you doing things you didnt know you could do. Infiniti out did themselves with this one. Get a used 2005 coupe while you still can. Caution: leave your girl or boyfriend at home when driving this coupe.

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  This car is amazing! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By r8rfan - December 31 - 7:03 pm

  Full of raw power, hugs the road and curves like a rollercoaster, and is absolutely exhilarating to drive. This car is so much fun to drive that I consider it to be therapeutic to get behind the wheel. It drives just as smooth at 120 mph as it does at 35 mph. It is an eye catcher as well. I have had people stop me in the middle of the road to tell me how beautiful this car looks. I am 64" and it is a very comfortable car to drive, with all the amenities of a luxury car (including an awesome BOSE stereo system). Infiniti hit an absolute home run with this automobile!

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  A Wide Choice - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Joshua - December 27 - 10:40 pm

  I just bought a 6-speed G35 and have to say I am so glad I did. I looked at all the vehicles in this class (C230, 325, Zephyr, 9-3 Aero, and TL) and traded in my 03 CTS and am really quite happy. Outside it looks like a million dollars. I am 66" and weigh 235 and fit fine. I am a BP agent in AZ and drive three other guys with gear to work in absolute comfort. The get up and go is tremendous, the drive taut and agile, and it stops on a dime (luckily for both my new car and a javelina outside of Bisbee). It is really a nice option if you are looking to spend 30K-35K on sporty ride that can transport four adults around comfortably.

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  Why buy German? - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By James Peterson - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Tested BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Mercedes C class, Lexus IS, and Acura TL. Size and power of larger 5 series Bimmer, and A6, and at much better price point than their lower priced series cars. Lexus was too small, Mercedes too slow, and Acura too much like my Accord. In my view, after driving the competition, there really was no comparison. This car is a rocket, brakes on a dime, corners on rails, and has a distinctive look. Great job Nissan!

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  Americas Skyline - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Omar - December 27 - 2:00 am

  After driving a 330i and A4, we decided on the svelte G35 Coupe. Car is perfect balance between sport and luxury and is closer to M3 in performance than 330i. Favorite features are exterior design, interior design, steering, handling, sexy idle sound and exhaust note. Worst features are horrible sounding Bose sound system and poor paint quality. The black paint scratches extremely easily and is left with permanent stains after a few minutes of contact with bird droppings.

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  No Regrets! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Unleashed - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I had been shopping for a new ride since last fall. Lots of choices...A4, 330i, Passat, C-class, Maxima, Altima...it seemed I would never decide. Then I was introduced to the G35. Wow, what a machine. I put a deposit on in the first day I saw it (while my wife was away on business). She started talking to me again once she saw it and felt the ride. Now she loves me again!...and so does everyone else. This car is awesome