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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  Best of the Rest - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Sam - May 3 - 3:06 am

  I was not going to try this car even cause of its offbeat styling. But, I test drove it. My bad! I had to buy it. A Japanese car with German performance. No brainer. At times, I think that I shouldve bought the BMW for the brand recognition, but then I remind myself of my past unreliable experiences with the Bimmer. All in all, this is a fabulous car to drive.

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  Affordable Excitement - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By leaseman - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoyed my test drive of this vehicle. Plenty of power from the low end through the mid-range, comfortable seats and aggressive styling. The rear- wheel drive handling is hard to believe for the price. The interior appointments are more Nissan than Infiniti, but forgivable with what youre getting under the hood for $30k.

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  G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By PaulDevlin - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is excellent; fun to drive, powerful, luxurious, sporty. I have no complaints. The car had a braking problem immediately after purchase.

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  edmunds wrong about poor quality - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By ron - April 25 - 8:40 pm

  i have owned the 2005 g35 for 2 weeks and found it to be the best performing car that i have ever owned. the materials are just fine, so is the design. this car is a well kept secret.

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  G35 vs CTS & 335i - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Best BUY! - April 22 - 2:33 pm

  I comparison shopped for 2 months and compared equally-equipped vehicles. I looked at many cars in this luxury sedan category and narrowed down to the G35, BMW 335i sedan, and the Cadillac CTS 3.6L. To sum it up, the G35 was more bang for the buck, had a more luxurious feel when driving it, and looks absolutely incredible (mine is black). I love this car and have no regret.

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  Wow - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Longshoreman - April 21 - 10:00 am

  I unload these cars from the ships when they come in, but I only get to drive it to the nearest parking lot and we are not allowed to go more than 10 MPH, so I went to the dealer for a real test drive and bought in on the spot. I paid invoice thanks to Edmunds and I love the car so far. Everybody keeps asking: "So what did you pay, about $60,000" They dont believe me when I tell them.

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  Passion - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By BB - April 21 - 5:03 am

  After driving G35 on those curvy roads in Vermont, driving became my instant passion for life. This car has the ability to take down any cars on its line. Just amazing to race and go fast as furious.

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  Sad to let this car go, but... - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By litman - April 21 - 12:16 am

  Had my 05 G for 68 months. Sold it last week and got a 12 G37 sedan. I always loved the smooth, feminine lines of the 03-06 Gs. The interior was a bit squeaky and I never really liked the orange gauge lights,but I never had any mechanical issues until recently, when the car was nearly 9 years old. Then the power seat switch failed ($1,700) and the power adjustment for the steering column failed too. Personally, when electrical issues start cropping up, I ditch the car. The car was great for what it was - a sport sedan. Rear seat room was a little tight, but I feel I got my moneys worth for the car, my favorite so far. We have had five Infinitis and two Nissans through the years.

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  Heres the Beef! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Aaron - April 18 - 10:53 am

  I recently purchased this car to upgrade from a Honda Civic, and it was a great decision! Now Im happy to have a long commute to work. The speakers sound great while the traffic noise stays out. Overall, it was a great purchase.

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  A bionic cheetah - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By cheetah - April 14 - 3:23 pm

  WOW! I just bought this car and it leaves me always wanting to drive it. Performance is just fantastic. It has 75,000 miles and looks great. Interior is black leather and is sharp. You must know how to drive this car because the power can turn on you if your not familiar with rear wheel drive cars. Amazing car and I understand why it is in such high demand!