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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  Excellent... - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Daime - March 14 - 8:43 am

  Love the car. Be prepared to lay out a lot of money on tires if you buy the sport tuned suspension package. I got 16,000 miles out of the first set of tires and had to spend $1,500.00 for new Michelins. In the long run it is worth it because the car brings me great happiness every day. The only complaint that I have is the right rear brake has squeaked since the day I drove off the lot and the dealer has been rather unresponsive.

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  I LOVE this car!!! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Jeannie - March 13 - 6:53 pm

  I just bought this car yesterday and I LOVE IT! I have been looking at Infinitis for over 2 years and am glad I stayed with them. This car has power beyond dreams, comfort and style along with elegance and class. I only wish tinted windows were part of the package but I will be taking it in on Monday! I have driven a Durango for the last 6 years so the mileage isnt a huge issue and the power makes it well worth it!

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  Excellent Fun For Your Dollar - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By G Whiz - March 11 - 3:33 am

  7 Months & 5,500 miles into this car and I am as happy with this car today as the day I picked it up from the dealer. Test drove BMW 325 before purchasing the G35 Coupe. And here are the main reasons why I picked the G35. 1) Looks, the G35 is very unique, stylish and classy. BMW 3 Series is also very stylish and classy but come dime a dozen in my city. 2) G35 had a very noticeable acceleration and torque advantage. 3) The G35 was approx. $2K less and insurance was also less expensive. 4) Cornering and handling on both cars are excellent. They do have different feels to them and in this category Ill rate them equal.

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  Almost There - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By tcarroz - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 330ci for this car because I was having mechanical problems with the BMW. I enjoy the car but have had a rattle coming from the dash and the passenger window that are really annoying and the dealer has not been able to fix. Worth the money and you do not see them everywhere.

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  Nice and Sporty Entry Level Luxury Car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Justinr321 - March 9 - 7:53 pm

  I bought this vehicle after I totaled my 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse. I wanted something very nice but not too expensive considering I was only going to finance something for about 3 years (I didnt want to keep my next car very long). I ultimately decided on a used luxury car and found this. It is a great car. It is fast, very comfortable, drives smoothly, luxurious, and actually gets ok gas mileage. I like it much better than my Eclipse. Drives amazing at 66,000 miles.

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  Vrooom! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Karthik Raja - March 7 - 10:50 am

  I bought this car after trying the BMW 328i, the Lexus IS 350, the VW Passat , and the Nissan Murano. Lets just say there was no contest. The Passat and the Murano were nice but not in the same level, the Lexus was heavy and at times I almost had to shake the car to move, and the BMW though handled well, wasnt as much fun as driving this or even half as decently equipped. This car impressed me from the get go. It handled well on the curves and on the straight line. It is smooth to drive, and I can hit 75 effortlessly. The interior is extremely sleek, the Japanese finish is a nice touch and the seats are very comfy. The backup camera takes trust but it is easier than I thought to gain.

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  Hard to beat! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By G - March 6 - 5:36 pm

  I bought a 2006 G35 sedan 6MT new in December of 2005. I now have 61k on it and its doing great. Very quick, smooth V6, 298hp. The only rear drive manual car I could find under $40k that had any performance to it. I previously had a 1999 BMW 328i with performance and luxury packages. Loved the car, but had electrical glitches? The Infiniti is worry free and the dealer experience has been great! Light grey (stone) interior stays dirty though. Im buying a new 2009 G in the fall... to bad it wont be the G37 sedan!!!

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  Almost perfect! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By rn79870 - March 3 - 5:13 pm

  Absolutely great to drive. I love the transmission and the rev match downshift. Driving down a longer hill, tap the brakes and the trans moves down a gear and the assists in braking. Love it. It is the smoothest transmission IÂ’ve ever driven (includes MB, Cad and Lexus). Seats are very comfortable. Interior is very quiet, and wind noise is close to non-existent.

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  Gimme the driving life back - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Sonny Boy - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent & affordable performance sedan that goes wherever you desire leads. A bit "plain" in the interior material used but looks fine if youre more into performance than luxury. With the interior room and price, Ill pick it over a bimmer 3-series any day.

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  You should know what you really want - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Shree - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving this for about 8 months or so. It drives good, atrracts good attention from public. Nice car to impress women. My feeling on this car is they should have well tested the car and few things are missing. Like no memory seats, no mute button. Some squeeky noices from the dash. The plastic is cheap