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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  G35 Driving Experince - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Pasquale - May 16 - 2:00 am

  This can be considered a true sport sedan.Probably the best value in its class.This car is a true BMW 3Series upset.World class braking, excelleration and handling.It also has great looks and style. A great package for the money.

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  Nice i love it - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By RobertMoreno - May 15 - 8:40 pm

  The standard features are hands down an easy choice when shopping between Lexus and BMW; no comparison for the price!

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  Extremely Pleased with G35 - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Mark - May 12 - 9:26 am

  Bought first Infiniti after driving all comparable entry level luxury sedans. Expected to purchase new Lexus ES350,IS350,BMW 3-series or Accura TL. The new G35 addressed former interior design flaws with clean, upscale, functional controls. Seats comfortable and leather and trim match any car in class. The car stands out, however, in exterior styling and performance. It is truly a head- turner and Ive actually grown tired of telling strangers what type of car it is...most believe it would cost $40- $50K. 306 hp rear-wheel drive in Journey model is responsive with a throaty sound better than competitors. Only the BMW 3 models compare in class and are not worth the extra $5-8K. Safe buy.

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  Good but not Great - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Mike - May 11 - 11:26 pm

  Acceleration onto the freeway is top notch. Comfortable cock pit, but its a tight fit, even for a small guy like me. The paint could hold up to chips and dings better and you have to change the break pads about every 15k to 20k depending on your driving habits.

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  great value - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Johnnie B - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Car does everything I ask with no complaints. Large savings over competition with at least equal results. Arrive quickly and refreshed every time no matter the road. Would definately buy again

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  Very Nice - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By brad - May 9 - 2:50 pm

  I have been a Lexus customer in the past, but they have nothing that compares to the G35 Coupe 6 Speed Manual. If you are buying this car, pass on the automatic. The car has zero snow handling ability though. We got a very light dusting the day after i picked it up, and the low profile tires on the 19 inch rims (6M, combined with the RWD, could not get me up a VERY slight incline. It is a BLAST to drive though - very quick and great looking.

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  Best Car I ever Had - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Alfonzo - May 8 - 2:50 pm

  This is the best car I have ever had. I love everything about it. It has never broken down or given me any type of trouble whatsoever.

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  Diving Excitement - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By G35, prem, spt, aero - May 6 - 9:36 am

  This car makes you want to drive. I am constantly volunteering to run errands, just to drive this car. Totally thrilling, eye catching and sexy. The premium package is a must. The sport package and aero package finishes the look and feel of a true sports car.

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  This wonderful car. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Willam Peterson - May 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car last year and ity has been wonderful. I prevouisly owned a Honda Oddessy and this handles better, is more comfortable, and takes the bumbs pretty well. This car has an awsome updated Boss Stero system and it has AWD for the could winters here in Vermont. I love this wonderful car.

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  Forget Europe Cars.......... - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By L. Costanza - May 4 - 10:50 pm

  This car is the best car for the money I have ever owned. Great performance handling, and looks. Why pay the HIGH price to say you have a Beemer, or Benz? Who really cares anyway, they are just EGOmobiles.