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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  Menz - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Menz - December 10 - 1:56 am

  The 2003 6spd G35 coupe is an example of pure excellence. I have had no problems with this fine automobile since I purchased it in July of 03 with 3/4 of a mile on her. It handles confidently at all speeds. Ive had it up to 135 and it feels like youre going 80 mph. This car is worth every penny.

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  What a Car!! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By thevizkid - December 8 - 7:00 pm

  As far as my driving experience with the car goes, stupendous. The G35 handles like magic. Ive had instances where I have snaked the car through curvy, mountainous roads at speeds exceeding 65 mph, and have had no issues at all. The thrust this thing can produce can be overwhelming sometimes, say how about a very noticable acceleration when crupsing at 65mph. It feels like there is some stored power in there somewhere at times when you need that extra push! The only downside to this car is the winter weather driving. Being a rear wheel drive makes it a little rough sometimes. Also, it being a small, light car has some disadv especially with the wind.

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  2003 1/2 model - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Garyintn - December 8 - 2:00 am

  just bought mine less than month ago and love it. I didnt know when I bought it, but I have the 2003 1/2 which has some upgrades I love. The xenon lights and the Infiniti written out on the back side instead of boxed.

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  Grrrrreat engine - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By throgmorton - December 5 - 3:10 pm

  I loved the car in 04 and I still do now. In terms of the styling this car is the watermark - they messed up the lines of car with the styling revision of the grill and lights in 05 and the current model just doesnt inspire the head turning that this one had. Reliability - excellent. The only out of pocket expenses was for brakes. Handling is real tight and this car is plenty fast. The additional hp of the later year models doesnt help the mpgs. If they make this model again - with the brake dust issue addressed and the inclusion of larger seats found in the current model... please sign me up for a new one!

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  Love my Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Tammy Caldwell - December 5 - 2:00 pm

  I have owned my G-35 for 2 1/2 years and have had zero mechanical problems! Its fun to drive, easy on the eyes, comfortable and classy!

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  Great Value - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35 in Bama - November 26 - 10:00 am

  after months of research, I concluded this car is the best value sport sedan going - great power, available 6 spd manual, rock solid Infiniti build quality and reliability, all for thousands less than the Euro competitors. Sure, a 340 hp Audi S4 would have been great, but for 13K more?? G35 was just the balance between sporting performance, daily use practicality and fiscal responsibility I was looking for.

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  Cool ride - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By lawtiger - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best cars that I have owned - my last car was a TT - this one is even better and much more practical - the back seat and trunk are a plus - as is the sunroof - Infiniti has a winner in the G35 !

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  Bluetooth and Gas mileage. - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Jason - November 21 - 9:40 am

  Just purchased a g35x. Love the car. Car stands out from the rest of the pack. I opted for the black with graphite interior and really believe this is the best choice. Only thing I would like to see changed is better fuel economy and possibly bluetooth. Overall really enjoy the drive.

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  Fun car with some quality quirks - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Aaron B - November 16 - 7:00 am

  During the summer months this car is a lot of fun to drive. I have been disappointed however with the winter performance (RWD model). It has a tendancy to slide around a lot, using all weather tires that cost about 900 dollars a set. Winter tires may help, but they seem hard to find here. The mileage has been satisfactory but nothing spectacular (maybe 16/22). I drive about 75 freeway and get up to speed rather quickly on city. I have had an issue with the cd player failing. The interior likes great, but has creaks and the door paint is rubbing on the silver areas, so build quality is so-so. Exterior is amazing, though paint chips easily.

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  Almost Perfection - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By johnallen - November 12 - 2:00 am

  The G35 offers plenty. Performance, comfort, handeling, its all there. It competes very nicely against the Lexus GS300 (besides interior craftsmanship). Im sold, As soon as my dealer gets a G35 with the options I want.