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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  The complete 350Z - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Greg40MD - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The G35coupe is like the original 300ZX which I used to own. The integrated XM, leather seats, sun roof and flipdown rear seat makes this a complete Z. If you purchase a car alarm system like a Viper you can also have the automatic door locks that the G35 lacks. The memory seats is the only item it lacks and I can live with that.

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  What a car! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By FEPhilippi - May 28 - 10:00 am

  While it may not be the class leader in interior quality, this car certainly makes up for it in other areas. It is certainly amazingly fun to drive. The exhaust note is amazing. I own the six speed manual. WHAT A CAR! Ive loved it ever since I saw the first G35 coupe. Very sleek and beautiful design. While the interior may not be on par with mercedes or BMW, consider the price difference. The Mercedes CLK is NO WHERE as fun to drive or as affordable. You would have to get the CLK500 to get anything near the G35s performance. The 330Ci is just soo common. It isnt as nice, in my oppinion, as the G35 which shouts out sports car!

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  G35x sport package - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Charles - May 26 - 4:36 am

  Dealership brought out our 2005 TSX lease and looking for something with more torque and horsepower. Came down between TL-S or G35x, finally decided on a G35X w/sport package, premium pack, and nav. We didnt want to go through the rattling problem with Honda cars. Love the sporty look of the G35X with the 18" rim and the safty of all-wheel drive living here in jersey. So far no complain, we had three honda automobiles and this car feels much tighter build. No more rattle from my previous two cars (tsx and accord). Looking forward to drive it everyday. Cant wait pass the 500 break-in miles and let the throttle open on the highway.

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  Too early but... WOW!! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Roger Mussa - May 24 - 10:16 am

  Searching for a car for over a month. Coming out of an 05 BMW 3. Considered Lexus IS, BMW 3, almost got a Volvo S60. Had a last minute change of heart and drove the G35, fell in love immediately. Best bang for your buck bar none. Standard stuff much more than you need and pay for elsewhere. Beautiful in and out. AWD nice, finish, smooth ride, comfortable.

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  Great Value - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By TKAustin - May 22 - 2:00 am

  As a previous BMW 3 series owner, Ive found the 6MT a great value. The engine can be a little loud during acceleration, but otherwise the car is great. I would recommend getting the summer tires, rather than the M+S versions (unless you live up north). When cornering aggressively, the grip seems to loose it occasionally. (I also wish they offered the car with a wider tire option with the sports package- 215s just seem a little weak compared to the available power and competitive offers).

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  tyu - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By john cronical - May 22 - 2:00 am

  excellent overall vehicle high quality comfortable interior, fine lines, quiet ride excelelnt brakes head turner

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  Infinitis greatness - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By LUMLEY - May 21 - 9:23 am

  I have had 5 infinitis since 1991. I am brand loyal, because i trust the quality as superior to any domestic manufactured products. I currently have a q45, i35, and the best of class g35. As long as the brand is manufactured in japan, it will always be my #1 choice.

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  loving my 6mt - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By nevdull - May 17 - 6:50 pm

  this review is for the 6mt. just topped the 15k mileage, and everything is running peak. no problems, other than the city mileage estimates are way off ;-) this car is absolutely fun to drive. every day. excellent luxury performance car. of course its not the fastest off-the-line, but it can hold its own. and did i mention how beautiful this car looks?!? of course, its terrible in snow. i purchased 18s and snow tires, and it helps, but only a wee-bit. just starting to think about moding. looking into a body kit (top secret/gialla). would like to add a supercharger. great platform to build off of, but obviously on the $$ end. definitely not required to mod though, personal pref only!

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  Fast almost-luxury - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By idahoivan - May 17 - 5:43 pm

  Car is now 9 months old with 17K miles. Still great fun to drive, but with a few quibbles. Front passenger window shakes at 45+ mph. Radio reception is OK compared to 98 Acura TL I had before. Have smashed my hand between the gear shifter and the ashtray door when charging my phone in the ashtray (ouch!) Would highly recommend as a used car - so much fun!

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  What a car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By treeguy - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Great car,turns heads-fast acceleration,very tight steering,Bose soundsystem w/RDS excellent package, love the dvd navagation-am new to area so map and birds eye view on lcd screen very helpfull. Navigation system fairly easy to use. Very nice styling & lines-interior leather done very nice and comfortable