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:

• 

  A Joyous Ride - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By JasonS - July 15 - 5:16 pm

  Ive had my G35 for exactly a year now. It has been an absolute blast to drive (straight line it might not be the fastest, but cornering and grip with some summer tires on it and its second to none). Unfortunately, Ive put almost 20000 miles on it and the way gas is going that part has not been fun. If Premium ever hits 4.00 in NJ i think ill be forced to trade it in seeing as that Im only getting about 20- 21 MPG lately. But if you want a great ride and to push your car to the limits, this is the car you want

• 

  Best car Ive owned - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By budb - July 13 - 9:40 pm

  This is literally the best car Ive ever owned, for me anyway. And that includes Lincolns, Hondas (incl. S2000), corvette, z car. The styling gets comments every day and its been out for 2 years, the engine is superb, I dont even miss my S2000 except for the cloth top. I dont know what other reviewers are looking for who are rating this low for gas mileage, but I routinely get 18-21 mpg, including a good bit of town driving. OK, Id like them to move the seat switches (and add memory seats, but I understand thats a problem with a 2-door). The trunk holds my golf bag and more, much more with the rear seat folded down.

• 

  Red Rocket - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By DianeMN - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It has a solid ride, great stereo and plenty of horsepower. It could be a little quieter inside but its a great car.

• 

  Infiniti G35 Coupe - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By hookdrivr - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I have driven this car for 2200 miles and I still have an ear to ear grin on my face. Acceleration is smooth as is the ride. Great exhaust note! Brakes are tremendous, though you have to be smooth on the application as they can be touchy. I should have gotten the 6speed manual trans as I find myself using the manual shift feature all of he time.

• 

  I love it - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By mpsselene - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I have nothing but good things to say about this car - its wonderful - however gas mileage is probably only 17 mi per gallon - its only fault

• 

  wished i lived in california - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Dave Archibald - July 4 - 2:00 am

  this car is fabulous on dry roads or wet, but dont try taking it in the snow. Rear wheel drive while great for the performance end is difficult in winter conditions. The latest review was listed in October 2003, want to see from December. This is my wifes car, but we both love to drive it. When it snows however we gotta leave it in the garage. Im actually upset with Infiniti now that the AWD version hit the market. Its for sure the AWD was in production when they introducded the G35 but the dealers really played dum!

• 

  WOW - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By WOW - June 28 - 11:30 am

  I brought this car for my daughter. I wanted something to last her through college. Last Sunday my husband and I was on our way to the store and got hit by a 2007 G35 that was T-Boned by a drunk driver going a 50 miles a hour. There was 300 yards of debris and both G 35 was totaled, but the safety features saved our life. If we were in any other car my husband would probably be dead. I will be replacing the car with the same model.

• 

  All Aboard the Infiniti Rocketship! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By mofril - June 28 - 9:20 am

  Was back and forth between Acura TL-S and Infiniti G35 and am so glad I went Infiniti. So much power, love the rear wheel drive, features galore and probably got a better deal than I would have on an Acura. Navigation is great, real time XM traffic will change the way you drive and the built in hard drive is a killer feature. The new styling and revamped interior really make the G35 standout among the competition. Its also nice to pull up next to Audi A4 owners and blow them off the line! Such a fun car, I still cant wait to get in and take off every day.

• 

  Satisfied G-man - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Eric Balzer - June 26 - 6:40 am

  Ive waited 30 years to find a car that gives me the same kick to drive since my cherished 67 Mustang 289 and my 73 Challenger.You can have your Beemers, Volvos, Saabs and Audis, all of which I test drove, but nobody supplies more bang for the buck than Nissan. I know some people think sedans arent "sports cars", but think again. This car is hotter and more stylish than its coupe sibling. All of my gripes are minor ones; a cup holder for cups no one can locate, no pass through for the trunk, no rear wiper and silly location for some of the controls (Skyline right handed?). Stack this against turbine like torque, solid tracking, real comfort and support and 27 mpg on the open road!

• 

  Satisfied G-man - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Eric Balzer - June 26 - 6:40 am

  Ive waited 30 years to find a car that gives me the same kick to drive since my cherished 67 Mustang 289 and my 73 Challenger.You can have your Beemers, Volvos, Saabs and Audis, all of which I test drove, but nobody supplies more bang for the buck than Nissan. I know some people think sedans arent "sports cars", but think again. This car is hotter and more stylish than its coupe sibling. All of my gripes are minor ones; a cup holder for cups no one can locate, no pass through for the trunk, no rear wiper and silly location for some of the controls (Skyline right handed?). Stack this against turbine like torque, solid tracking, real comfort and support and 27 mpg on the open road!