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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  HOT HOT HOT. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Miss_60_Amoura - March 3 - 10:00 am

  i just bought the 04 G35 after looking at the mercedes c-class and the bmw 5- series. there is absolutely no comparison. it is an incredibly stylish car with so much power!!! its a solid ride...and is defnitely for someone who wants to avoid the confromity of getting a mercedes or bmw just for its prestigous name.

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  First Impressions of 2005 G35 AWD - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Scottish - March 1 - 8:13 pm

  A great car for the winter. I just logged 150 miles on a snowy highway trip in Upstate NY. The car handled great -- it really sticks to the road. I plan to get snow tires next season (even with the AWD, since AWD drive does nothing to help stop the car on snow and ice) but the factory supplied all seasons did well. The G35X replaced a 99 Passat GLS (V6) -- a great car until suspension problems (with an $1100 repair, recall for same) and other mechanical probles at 60K made me look for something more reliable. I purchased the 2005 G35X in February and hope to be driving it well past 60K. This car is reported to have very high reliability -- better than the Acura TL.

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  Best coupe for the money - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By G35 dan - February 28 - 3:16 am

  This is my second G35 Coupe. Performance for a V6 is great. Handling is great. Styling is awesome. Looks a lot more expensive than it is. I do not drive it in winter months so I cannot comment on the winter driving. But during the summer it is my favorite ride. I did a lot of research and comparisons before I bought my first one in 2004. I do not hesitate to recommend this car to anyone looking for a top-notch coupe at a reasonable price.

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  2008 G35 Sedan - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Dee - February 25 - 3:03 pm

  I love my New G-Ride, I love all the added up grades! I was shopping around the car market and nothing caught my eye until I drove this car. I love the G35 it has everything I ever wanted in a car. The only thing is gas stinks but who cars we only live once, driving a fast car pay off in California. LOVE It!

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  sporty - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By nlare - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Nice car. Very smooth. Short throw 6- speed shifter is a blast to drive. Great cornering. Quiet at highway speeds. Stereo sounds very good.

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  the best vehicle ever - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By master auto - February 24 - 10:00 am

  G35 is one of the best sport sedan I love it.

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  2004 g35 coupe w/leather - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By AF20 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car, very reliable.I have had it for almost a year and loved it. Though at times you may hate..like during the snow and when your low on cash and premium gas is 3.50/gal. I have only had to rotate the tires and thats it. I also change the oil and filter every 3000 miles.Plus its a chick magnet :)

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  2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe - Maximum Fun - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By anaviator - February 20 - 2:00 am

  The G35 Coupe is a great value for the money. It is an absolute joy to drive and does indeed turn heads. I purchased the 6MT model with the Premium Package, Aero Package, and XM Radio. The car handles beautifully (well...in anything but snow anyway), has plenty of power, and gets decent mileage. I narrowed my choices down to the Mazda RX-8 and the Infiniti. I have no doubt that I made the right decision...

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  Japanese for BMW - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By TomSF - February 19 - 3:33 pm

  Very happy so far with my new G35. Decided on a Journey model with Premium package and Performance wheel upgrades - concerned about the "firm ride" reviews from Sport model drivers. I traded in my Lexus coupe for a more practical sedan that could fit more than two passengers and was still fun to drive. I previously drove a BMW coupe and was unimpressed by multiple minor problems though thought it was fun to drive. I basically limited my choices to the Lexus IS 350 and the Infiniti G35, and it was a close call. Lexus is more refined and reliable (based on experience), but the Infiniti was more fun to drive and thousands less, so I figured Id give it chance. Happy so far!

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  100% satisfied - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By ljubava99 - February 17 - 7:40 pm

  I bought my 04 G35 in 2008 with 35k miles on it. I love the way this car drives, lots of power, tight handling, just feels fun every time I get behind he wheel. This car made me an Infiniti fan and as long as I can afford it I will buy another when its time.