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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  Decent - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By flybackXX - June 25 - 3:33 am

  An overall decent car but not without faults. A bit too eager to jump/speed which is a bit awkward because of the not so smooth transmission. Fuel economy is horrible and Infinity needs to work on this. The upgraded stereo could be better. The nav system is probably the best and it is very simple to use. The sitting is quite comfortable but the trunk has a small opening. Overall it is an enjoyable car to drive, yet it does leave something to be desired if you compared to a Mercedes or a BMW

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  Its all about power. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By S.Elsaid - June 22 - 10:00 am

  If your first priority is power and acceleration and you cant afford a Porsche, this is the car for you. I just love the confidence feeling driving this car next to most cars on the street knowing that you can smoke them in a heart beat. Corners handling is 8-9/10 or may be I just push too much. Not as quite as a Lexus, not as reputable as a BMW and has less horsepower than the new Acura, but sure as hell faster than all of those. The 52-48 distribution is not a myth, I drove this car 2 days in an Ice storm and my main concern was avoiding the disabled front wheel cars on the road. I think Infiniti did a great job, below are some suggestions to improve.

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  Fantastic, But Not Perfect - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Thomas Windley - June 21 - 8:33 am

  Overall the 07 G35 Sedan is a superb car. Excellent power and handling and the best brakes in its class. Technology and styling make this car practical and functional. Sold a 03 Mercedes Benz CLK500 and the G35 outperforms it. BMW 335i still holds the benchmark for this class but the G35 is a better value. Cannot justify paying $10k more for a similar performing car with less room and options. Disappointing gas mileage, no better than the V-8 Mercedes. EPA of 19 & 26 is a laugh. I havent had mileage on averaage higher than 19 during the four months Ive had the car. Also had some issues with the voice controls for audio and phone. Fantastic car but not perfect.

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  best styling - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By the best styling - June 18 - 12:53 pm

  I had a choice to either buy a Lexus IS350 or a G35, but when it came to styling I choose the G35. ItÂ’s Fun to drive and one of the best coupes on the road. ItÂ’s fast, luxurious, and affordable. Every time I take the car out of the garage I get comments from everyone how nice my car is. I see myself keeping this car for a long time.

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  G35x - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By dave - June 18 - 2:46 am

  I bought the Infiniti in November of 2007. After a month of ownership I love the car. The features and their accessibility are exemplary. The iPod connectivity allows me to access all the directories of the iPod via the touch screen (and steering wheel controls). The options I bought were the Premium Package, and Navigation.

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  LOVE IT - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Shaan - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I have had no problems with it so far. It is greatr fun to drive and has tons of power and room for 4! Its handles like its on rails,although it does understeer a bit if pushed to the limit. Im up in canada so its been great in the snow, I had problems with the tires in the snow so I cnhanged to blizzaks and will change back to the stock ones come spring time

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  LOVE MY INFINITI!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Michele - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I have been researching and researching before deciding on this car. I have never gotten so many double takes when going through a drive-thru or driving down the road!! This car is a LQQKER!!!!! I hear a bunch of complaints about the orange backlights, but I LOVE them !!!!!! I dont have a problem seeing with them at all!! The clock could definitely use a brighter light though. Another complaint I had was that the side view mirrors dont have a defrost unless you get the winter package. The room in the back seat is awesome and the reclining seats, a plus!! I love driving this car!! IT FLIES~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think it gets great gas mileage too!!!!

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  Pure Joy - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Chuck - June 13 - 3:40 am

  I considered buying or leasing a BMW 3 series, but after driving the G35 I was sold. Its as much fun to drive, the reliability is higher than the 3 series and the roominess was incredible compared to the Bimmer. The 3 series is really a sub compact. The only disappointment was in the gas mileage, although not terrible, not as high as it could have been.

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  great - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By David - June 11 - 2:36 am

  great style, luxury all you could ask for. The car has horsepower and torque. I like the way the car handles and the looks I get when driving. Getting used to all the controls take some time, but the owners manual is very helpful. I would recommend this car for anyone and I am am old mopar man from years back. This car is actually my wifes car and she picked it out and I reluctantly said ok after researching it. She loves the car and the power, speed, and the style the most. This is our first car that is not a domestic vehicle and now I am convinced of the quality and reliability of this vehicle so that the next vehicle, meaning mine may be in the Infiniti design. We a re very happy.

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  Great choice - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Eric - June 9 - 11:26 am

  This car has been great to drive-plenty of zip with a great sporty sound too. The only problem was an early issue with the transmission control valve. Thats been replaced and the car has been great. It gets plenty of positive comments from people who see it.