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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  G35X - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By JRC - April 7 - 11:00 am

  I wanted a vehicle with reasonable performance, all wheel drive, navigation and adaptive or intelligent cruise control. After factoring in reasonable price, (Edmunds Incentives and Rebates section saved me thousands) the list became a toss up between the EX35 or the G35X. I chose the G35X as it has been on Car and Drivers 10 best list. Great car. Infiniti offers more technology and performance for the price than any other make. My dealer experience has been very pleasant also.

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  G35 Sedan 6MT - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By G35RJ - April 7 - 6:30 am

  I was looking for a car to replace my aging Acura Legend and 3000GT. After searching for the past two years, I finally pulled the trigger on the G35. Not only did we score a great deal on the car, the car is everything i hoped it would be. Once you turn off the VDS, the car is a total beast. the raw power merging onto the freeway took me by surprise and I wasnt even out of 3rd yet! Ive driven all of the top german makers before purchasing this car. If all of their efforts went into the power train, why is it that every other car i see on the side of the highway is of german make? Test drive this car, get on the freeway, get into 6th gear @65 and punch the gas. youll be sold.

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  Fun, Reliable, Easy on the eye - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By No Stock - April 5 - 10:06 pm

  I love this car. Infinini service is excellent. They dont miss a beat. Any issues are immediatly taken care of and they even provide a loaner while the car is in service. This is my first Infiniti,although I have had 2 Nissan Maximas in the past. A blast to drive.

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  2004 G35 Coupe 6MT - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Orlando - April 5 - 2:13 am

  I bought this car solely because of how Motor Trend rated it as Car of the Year. The car is very fast, but the tire road noise from the stock Michelin tires is loud and roaring. The paint chips/scratches easy. We only put about 18K on the car already since new and had to replace the front brakes already. Considering selling it and going with a BMW or Mercedes, not at all what I expected from Infiniti. The auto transmission occasionally shifts very hard, had it checked by the dealer, but they could not repeat the problem. The garage door opener paint is fading off. The back seats are not for adults, no head room.

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  The Coupe thats worth its price - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By forman - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The infiniti G35 Coupe is definitely a bargain for its price. though the Japanese version (the Nisaan Skyline 350 GT) has more horsepower its about $$100,000.000 the G35 Coupe is roughly $$30,000.000. This car drives better than Sedans I wanted to buy like The Acura TL and Volvo S 60 R. This car is luxurious and glamorous. If you really want a bargain, get this car, if you want an overpriced coupe, go get a porsche. to sum up this review. This car is almost perfect.

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  Fantastic car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By MArk - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love it mor enow that when I first bought. Great handling, great breaking system. Navigational system is best out there. The acceleration is just plain fun. On the negative side, there is too much road noise and wind noise, the trunk should spring open when you push the remote button,the tires wear out too fast (maybe thats my driving habits) I had to replace both break pads and rotors after just 11,ooo miles. To my delight, the factory re- imburse me for the expense as they noticed a trend and wanted to keep people happy so the decided to include pads and rotors in the warranty. Awesome. It is a great car. I would absolutely buy another G35.

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  Sweeeetttt!!!! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Sweeetttt!!! - April 2 - 10:03 am

  I truly enjoy driving this vehicle. I have only had it for a few days...but they have been some fun fast and furious!!!

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  So far, so good - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Carl - March 31 - 10:20 am

  Positives: Great car, overall. Exceptional power and comfort. Good visibility for changing lanes and backing. Various climate and stereo controls take some getting use to but make sense once mastered. My AWD X model is great in snow and the best thing going for slippery roads. The G35 is much more stable in dicey road conditions than my former Audi Quattro. Negatives: Optional mud guards do not prevent stone chips from occuring between the rear wheel wells and rear doors. Paint quality is a bit shabby. Dealer service rep (Elk Grove California) was not at all helpful with respect to addressing a couple of issues that I brought up during the 3,500 mile service.

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  put all the ponies in there - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By phatman - March 29 - 10:00 am

  smart design and ease of operation very erogomicly designed.this is a homerun for nissan design team.

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  first infinity - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By brucenyc - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up the car after test driving the honda accord,audi a4,acura tl,and the bmw 3 series.This is by far the best drivers car of the bunch. My only complaints are the lack of punch at about 50mph and the dealership played games with me on the price,but thats just a new york thing, i hope!