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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  Strong - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Driver Boy - October 16 - 10:00 am

  What a car. I have driven them all and for the money this is the best sport sedan on the market. Love it. Outperforms sports cars priced 15-20K higher and is shows quality at every turn. Speaking of turns, it handles better than the other sedans too. Infiniti has a true winner here. Blows away MBZ, BMW, Lexus and Boxter.

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  Awesome Sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Antonio Blanca - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have always liked Infiniti for its service, reliability and luxury/price combination. With the G35, however, the automaker has built the best performing, most comfortable, beautifully-styled, sport sean in the market. And, again, backed by a great warranty, impeccable service and unfailing reliability.

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  Infiniti G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mjf - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car. Handles well.

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  N/A - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By robustco77 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car give you a feeling of being in control.Feels like you can go after anyone or thing on the streets.It stands out from any other car out they.

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  The Infinit G35 has all that it takes! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By AMOISSANITE - October 16 - 10:00 am

  For the money, this is clearly in a league all its own. Stylish, yet sporty, very roomy and good gas mileage makes this car the best deal on the planet.

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  Simply the Best - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Iane023 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is what anyone dreams about. Take a test drive, trust me itll be the best experience of your life!!

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  A Nice Surprise - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By RFS - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Buy the car!!!! Cant beat the price and quality for the money.

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  Boomers muscle car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By GIBBY - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had five Nissans over 13 years. Still have 2. Checked out new Max but 6" longer and 6" narrower than G35. Styling and handling of G35 won hands down..price not that much difference. Once speeding off highway exit I hit a quick turn and had to apply brakes with more pressure than normal the VDC kicked in and controlled the turn without any trouble. AWESOME. I was ready for a skid and a quick correction, but just glided where I wanted to go.

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  Best Auto I have driven - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By epuglia - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The handeling is superb! The comfort exilarating and a complete joy particulary for a two door-four seater. Style you ask? The G-35 rivals and in my opinon surpasses all the competition not to mention the G-35 is a definate head turner.

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  I love this car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By ErinB - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my G35 for about ten days now. Its a great car and a lot of fun to drive. I had read reviews on the 03, and saw a lot of comments about the brake dust. I had no idea what brake dust even looked like. However, I do know now. I do get brake dust on the front wheels. I do still love the car though. I do need to take it in to have the tire pressure gauge re-calibrated. Hopefully this wont be a problem in the future.