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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  No buyers regrets - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By ric - August 8 - 10:00 am

  After much study & evaluation of BMWs, A4, CTS,Jag X,LS,SAAB, S-80 I finally made the cut to the G35 and I dont regret it at all. All the above are decent cars, but the G is far and away the best driving and looking. The power, style (garnet red)w/ all the features, aero,premium, xenons,htd seats, makes driving a plus. Handles excellent and the motor - what a gem- 260 hp, ready to rock n roll.

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  I once loved it, but its a terrible car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Chris - August 8 - 4:30 am

  Let me start by saying I love the look, feel and performance of this car. But thats where it ends. I have had problem after problem after problem with this car. Heres the list - power locks, speakers, CD changer, navigation system, cruise control, steering wheel audio controls, brakes, brake calipers...and thats just what was replaced! They cant figure out why I get noise from my moonroof and water on the floor when it rains hard or the ticking from my dash when I step on the brakes on a hot day. As much as I love to drive this car...I cant wait to get rid of it. I have owned three Chevys, a Pontiac and a Mazda before this. All of them COMBINED did not have this many problems! Hopefully its a more reliable car now that its six model years later. After all of the problems Ive had with the car as well as dealing with Infiniti themselves, I will NEVER purchase another Infiniti or Nissan product.

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  sweet v6 - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By matt - August 8 - 2:20 am

  This is a very well built piece of machinery. The tires that came with the vehicle were terrible but other than that I give it an A+

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  Awesome G35x - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By DicknSusie - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Its just awesome! Its as fast as my 1988 Corvette and has a trunk!

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  Beautiful Gas Hog - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Sergio Lopez - August 3 - 12:53 am

  Bought my G35 with 25000 miles on it fell in love with its styling. Took a test drive at the dealer and noticed a problem with the rotors, big time noise as the car move forward, the faster it went, the louder it got. Told the sales guy to replace the rotors and they did. I then decided to put 20 inch rims on it - WOW! It looks incredible. People just stop and stare 3000 miles later my rotors went south on me. Another thing is the gas mileage is horrible. If youre a lead foot then I hope you have deep pockets. Remember it only takes 93 octanr and at $4.10 a gallon OUCH!

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  OMG!!!! Yes Yes - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Infiniti G - August 2 - 11:53 pm

  Bought used with 12k in 2007, now has 42k &love it.Has every available option.Tight twisty roads are a dream to drive.Made many people scream railing into a corner then laugh like a kid with thrill that the car stayed planted firm and ready for more. Amazing brakes will force the blood to your cheeks.Dealer support is far superior to my piece of junk BMW.Called dealer to see about a warning light and techs very helpful, just needed brake pads (oem only $82),brake sensor is well designed also has built in tool on rotor that will release rotor in seconds.Installed cold air intake, it added noticeably more power on bottom and sounds sweet!No problems.Bose audio is great with no distortion at loud levels.

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  108K Miles Later... still a blast - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By vissionaire - August 2 - 8:49 pm

  Purchased our G new off the lot nearly 6 years ago. Premium package, no nav. The car has been a rock and has survived our abuse and aged quite gracefully. No major repairs needed to date. Fuel consumption is probably the only major knock against the car, everything else is quite good. This car is my daily driver, and I drive it hard. I prefer sportiness over cush rides, but still like a bit of luxury so this car really fit the bill. The handling is excellent, the balance is good, and easy to know where the limits are. Now that the car has aged and the values have dropped quite a bit, I would suggest anyone looking for a fun daily driver or second semi-practical car to look into the G.

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  One of the first owners.... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By kurtnsac - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I put about 350 miles on my new white\black coupe in just three days of un filled driving fun. The power of the coupe is much smoother than the sedan. Handling and response is very good. They fixed the light on the clock so it is a bit brighter than on the sedan. The seats are fantastic, and the sound system is second to none. The ride and handling is very German in nature. A lot of car the $$. This is much sporter than the BMW coupe which has more back seat room and a tad bit better fit and finish. If you get a chance to drive one, you will want one.

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  The New G Coupe - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jeff wilson - August 1 - 2:00 am

  11/5/02 Got my coupe yesterday. Never bought an infinity before but it was a very pleasant experience. The Car is beautiful. Theres nothing like it on the street. Mine is Black with graphite interior 5 speed auto. Build quality is excellent. I was surprise to see that rear seating room is big enough for a six footer..... The Car is powerful,it handles better than a 2000 Mustang GT and as good as a C-4 model vette. Since the roads are fairly poor in New Orleans the ride is a little bouncy. However, if you are use to driving a car with any type of sport suspension its not a not a bad ride. Buy one and you wont be disappointed. The Brakes are great.

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  BMW BEATER - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By vlo - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Ok. I have test driven tons of luxury sedans(ie 2003 lexus es 300 and bmw 330 stick shift) and none come close to this one. My car is fully loaded: Blk ext, Blk leather int., premium package, custom wood, pop up nav, winter package, aero package, aerodynamic package, perma plate, limo tint on back windows and chrome wheels. All of that plus a phenomenal engine for low 40s. I get more stares in this car than my friends in their boring BMWs. This car feels like i am driving a stick shift with 260 HP/torque. Now I could complain about the gas but the engine is bigger than most small trucks, esp that whack 3 liter bmw x5.