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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  One smokin fun car! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Hokie Sher - July 30 - 10:00 pm

  This is a fun, eye-catching car! I get a lot of "hey, cool car" comments all over town. Maintenance has been minimal, but do expect to pay luxury car prices for service and parts when doing std periodic servicing. The stereo is great, the sight lines are fine. I love the cars power - zoom- zoom!

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  My g35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By shubh99 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Get the car for just the engine....what a beaut!

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  2008 Infiniti G35 is a perfect combo - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Carter - July 29 - 10:03 pm

  I bought the 2008 Infiniti G35 with the Premium/Nav/Sport packages. This is by far the most fun car Ive ever had the pleasure to drive. From the excellently designed body to the excellently detailed interior, this car has it all. It has a wonderful balance of luxury and sport mixed together. The interior is fantastic with the sport package if you like the more modern feel. If you like the luxury feel more, I would not get the sport package because the seats are firm but very solid. If you want a better performance, you need to get the sport package. Either way, this car is such a wonderful balance of both worlds. Excellent car!

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  Youre trying to convince yourself. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By justintj - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as my "fun to drive" after owning several BMW 3 series. It is a very good and sporty car, but I got rid of it after two months. The ride quality, power, suspension, and transmission is adequate. However, it does not compare to the BMW name. I now have a 2002 Z-3 that I am in love with. I always thought they were too small, but its a perfect fit even at 6 feet.

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  Awesome Car! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Dan - July 25 - 11:03 am

  Bought my G35 a short while ago from a dealer and it had 60K miles on it. I have had no trouble with it. The CD player works perfectly, everything is in top shape although I have a few minor areas on the car where the paint is starting to crack, not sure how to fix it but other than that, no complaints. The interior is kind of bland but I bought a Walnut Burl dash kit from wood dash experts, has it installed by myself in 2 hours and it looks better than the wood dashes on the higher end BMWs and the such.

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  Disappointing - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By roland allen - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I really wish I just bought a 350Z instead

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  Switch-Altima to G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By B21Wayne - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Trade a 2002 Atima 3.5 SE for this car, and have been very satisfiedwith all aspects of the car so far. It is a great deal of fun to drive, with superior acceleration and handling compared to the Altima. The gas mileage has averaged about 21.5 miles per gallon, a pleasant surprise considering the pick-up of it.The Bose stereo sounds great , and am looking forward to the addition of XM sat. radio in the near future.Have no complaints at all so far, and would rate it a rousing success-a 9.5. Especially enjoy taking it on twisty roads to take advantge of the superior hanling dynamics.

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  G35 Sedan - Great so far - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By erock901 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Great car. 1st "Entry-Luxury" car owned. Compared to BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Acura, G35 was the best bang for the buck (Acura TLs standard features made it a close second). Great exceleration and handling. I didnt want to be another sheep in the flock (BMWs, Mercs, etc). The G35 still stands out in the crowd.

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  bang for the buck! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By ivorypearlg35 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  i picked up my g35 less than 2 weeks ago and have loved it ever since. well, ive loved it since i started researching about the car. to tell you the truth, the moment i sat in the leather seat for my test drive, i was sold. i literally bought the car the first day that the local dealer received its one and only ivory pearl for the month. this car performs like a sports car, but still offers luxury.

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  This car R O C K S !!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By a fitz - July 16 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS THE NICEST PIECE OF MACHINERY THAT U CAN BUY FOR SUCH A LOW PRICE.I HAVE SO MUCH FUN ON TAKE OFF FROM ALL THOSE TRAFFIC LIGHTS THAT WE ALL HATE,JUST GETTING UPTO 60 MPH IN LESS THAN 6 SEC IS A RUSH LIKE NO OTHER! IN SHORT U HAVE NEVER DRIVEN A CAR LIKE THIS ONE SO.............GO OUT AND BUY IT NOW!! P.S. CHICKS LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!