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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  Starship G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By johnmajor - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a 350Z and now the G35 coupe there is no comparison. This car came with all the bells & whistles except satellite radio. Full aero package, winter package (heated seats), navigation, premium package etc. This car is simply outstanding in looks, build and driveability. Lexus bought back my GX470 so I bought the G35 & a Chevy truck. The G35 drives so well & is a shear delight. Go drive one!

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  Fun car at first, but wears off! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By garry kyle - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This was a fun car to drive but the fun ands soon..... Now I want more HP! Great in the corners. Interior is OK...

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  Great Car for the Money - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By JBonds007 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Tested a 325i, 330i, I35, A4, 9-3, TL, IS300 & ES330 and a used GS400. Almost got the GS400 since it is the epitomy of sport & luxury but wanted a new car. The G35 is a great car for sport and some luxury for the price. My ideal car would have been a new GS300 or affordable 330i, however. The 330i is still the best in this class but offers too little interior space and is too pricey. Interior on the G35 is nice but isnt best in class since the gray plastic center console is cheaper than the Murano. The dealer installed wood option is also no match for Lexus or BMW.

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  Awesome - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By AirWarrior - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this car. Its a hybrid between the G35 Sedan and the 350Z,... the best of both worlds. Roomy, all the ammenities of a luxury car but all the kick-as@ power of a sports car. The aftermarket products for this car is also unbelievable!

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  wow - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By yankee fox - September 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had FWD since my 74 Audi Fox, but when I drove the G35 I loved it. Great throttle response. No lag like my Turbo Saab. What a great value for the money. This is my 2nd Infiniti and the dealer service is great. Cant wait to take it on some windy roads. I passed on an A6 to buy this car.

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  Japanese BMW - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Dasher2143 - September 23 - 11:06 am

  Ive owned three BMWs - two 3-series and a 5-series - and drive hard; my 5-series had the Dinan Stage 2 kit in it. Got tired of maintaining BMWs. Wish I had done it two cars ago. Infiniti has tons of power, handling is excellent, car is so solid in feel. If you have $50K for a BMW 550i and $3K a year to maintain it, ok, but the G35 is very, very damn close for 40% less money. Lows: Brakes are not quite up to what I am used to. Bose stereo is a disappointment. The suspension is smooth, but not as composed as a BMW over rough pavement. Highs: Power. Engine has a great sound. The design is well thought out. Good back seat space/comfort. Inexpensive maintenance compared to a German car.

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  G35 The car that sells itself - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Beezus - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for something as fun to drive as the BMW but without the hit or miss reliablity of the BMW. The Acura TL was too soft in the handling dept. The Acura TSX was too small and the dealerships refuse to bargain. The G35 has it all. It has the handling of the BMW, the space,power and reliability of the TL. Test drive the car and dont be shy to get on it. It can take it.

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  great car/ good value - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Der Goat - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I love the design of this car inside and out and the only problems I have a are nitpicky and should in no way influence anyone not to buy

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  Best of all worlds - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By The Hooligan - September 14 - 4:16 pm

  Overall, best buy in this class...period. Compared to Acura TL, but FWD was a turnoff. I have driven the G35X in snow, sleet, freezing rain, and dry...and nothing can stop it. The "snow" mode is priceless in itself! Improvements in the interior from 2004 are many, including better seats, nice gauge layout, and real aluminum trim. The best part is actually driving though. Acceleration is superb. Braking is strong. Handles well. AWD steering is heavy though, so it takes effort. SMARTKEY: worth the price to leave keys in pocket and go! MP3 player works great with burned CDs. Price is good considering content.

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  2006 Infiniti G35 - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By shane.sandberg - September 14 - 1:20 pm

  My 2006 G35 sedan is the sickest car I have had yet. I added a cone free-flow filter and took out the original box. It sounds good. I also notice some more power. The Eibach springs really help for cornering and braking along with a very nice ride, the faster you go, the smoother it gets! The traction control works well with the drive-by-wire by cutting engine power to perfectly hold a turn, when it senses the tires are hooking up again, it hammers the power back in pushing you to your seat, getting your heart rate up, adrenaline flowing, and after the turn is over, the sweats and tingles! A wild rush. The seats are wonderful. Plenty of power. Gas mileage is not too good if you get on it!!