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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  Lakeshore Slate G35 Journey - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By J. Gonzalez - August 21 - 5:30 am

  My wife and I purchased the car the last week of Aug. The G35 was an excellent choice over the Lexus E350 and BMW i528. The car handles well and is fun to drive, also like all the features which are easy to reach. My 9 year old son loves it the most and prefers to sit in the front seat. Worth every penny!

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  Good Car some minor imperfections - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By NickA - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Driving this car is absolutely amazing, I have the 2004 g35 coupe and it is great. There is only a few imperfections, one there is some cheap plastics on the interior, the leather on my seat ripped by the side, which seems to happen on MANY coupes. However, the power-train is amazing, the engine as well. Its not 100 percent reliable, but much better than American coupes, and German coupes as well, this car is for someone who wants performance, reliability, luxury, and too have fun while driving it. It is not very practical though. It is for two people and occasionally can seat 4 depending on their height. otherwise great car and WAY better ride and interior than the Z car.

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  Stacies Review - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By stacie - August 16 - 5:30 pm

  The car is beautiful and fun to drive. Receive lots of looks. It is fast. The downside: Lots of road noise. Always losing small items beside the seat and the console - almost impossible to retrieve items due to design. Tires only last about 18K miles - something I wish I had known prior to purchase.

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  nice car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By d.woods - August 15 - 9:43 am

  Having driven this in all kinds of weather i find it gives a very safe feel in all aspects except for the fuel mileage which is not what you are led to believe at time of purchase

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  Looks that kill - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Jimmy C - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I love this car it is totally awsome...Fast and sleek. Quite inside and a stero that is to die for.

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  my 2 cents - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By micheal anderson - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Ownership satisfaction is less then what I expected. At full stop the car vibrates. The steering wheel vibrates at any speed. Mediocre stereo system and poorly designed temperature control. The heated seat is just a joke. Only half of it is heated and your butt is warm but your thighs are cold. No standard rear view mirror dimming control. I got 12 to 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway consistently. I got the car thinking the AWD feature will add safety and performance for the New England winter but it does so with many sacrifications, especially the gas mileage is unexceptable.

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  Best of the Best - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Johnnie Jones - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This Infinity is sure to have a definate impact on the consumer looking for a good handling car. This isnt a BMW but its money well spent. Ride, conering and interstate crusing are top rated. I was in the market for a BMW 530I and changed my mind for this Infinity G-35 with the sports package. I havent looked back since. Actually , the looks alone are worth it as people seem not to know exactly what it is yet.

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  Great Car ! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Gary - August 12 - 10:26 am

  I rented one to go to Las Vegas and fell in love with it. Very comfortable and a joy to drive. I came home and bought one. I have only driven Fords up until this car, I wont be going back..

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  G35Coupe03 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By gman03 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  The car peforms well and is fun to drive Rear wheel drive gives the car a seat of the pants feel so you feel one with the car.I would like to see a manual oil presser gage with this car not just a light.Maybe manual volt meter also.The car is guite but still has a good engine sound to let you know what your are driving,Best Buy for the MONEY. Another words if you want to go faster you going to have to Pay more.Great car though.

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  Love the car, Hate the tire pressure - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By nanc - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I love my G35 coupe. The only problems I am having is the tire pressure light coming on....this is very annoying and has happend 3 times already. Glendale Infiniti sucks dont ever go there! they are rude and dont care about you...also my brakes are very very sqeaky.