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 bang for my buck - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By PQGary - February 16 - 8:20 am

  I really enjoy this vehicle. Ive owned it for just a week now and have not gotten tired of driving it yet. This car is strong, reliable and comfortable. I look forward to seeing how it will evolve over the years. Great powertrain used in many vehicles that provides options for those of you who like to customize.

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  Wicked nice car ;) - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By alderran - February 15 - 7:40 pm

  Not the fastest car on the planet but a nice balance of power, handling and luxury. Had an 03 sedan looked at some other models but came back to infiniti and picked up a 06 coupe.

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  Ita all about the ride - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By cud jones - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I loved this car the moment I sat in it. 3 months after getting the car I took a 2800 mile road trip from Chicago to Yellowstone and back in 4 days. Set the cruise at 80 and car acts like it is parked on the side of the road. Through the mountains it was glued to the road even at twice the posted limit. I can drive this car for hours without fatigue. Excellent power at “real word” revs. Great value for the money compared to BMW or Lexus

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  Better than my Lexus GS430 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By DWayne - February 8 - 9:50 am

  I love this car, i have had it a year and NEVER get tired of driving it! I am a 38 year old that has had 5 Lexus models and this surpasses all of them! I cant wait till my lease terminates and i get the new M45 AWD and if it is half as great as my G35 coupe then Infiniti is back I had a 1993 Q45 when they first came out and loved it but Infiniti went soft and i went to Lexus but now i am back!

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  Head said BMW 330i, heart said G35 coupe - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By JB - February 8 - 1:03 am

  On paper, the G35 has the BMW 330i beat. but the reality is slightly different. Both are very good cars but the BMW is - technically - better: the handling, build quality and interior are simply better - BMW have had many years to perfect this car. Also, although the G35 has more out and out power than the 330i, thats misleading. The peak torque arrives at a lower RPM in the BMW which means in practice that the G35 is not quite as fast from a standing start. Once it gets going (above 4000rpm), the G35 is very fast but isnt as much fun or as easy as the BMW to "point-and-and-squirt", especially around town. All said, I bought the G35 because I didnt want to be another BMW driver...

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  Sweet Drive - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By coolwheel - February 6 - 4:40 pm

  Before I decided for this car I considered the Audi TT, Corvette and 350Z I decided for this because the 2 extra seats in the back, my only complaint is that the clutch is to stiff compared to the Audi,BMW or any other card I have driven and it is placed to far from the seat I am 511" but I think I got the best money can buy for this type of car I love and enjoy driving it.

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  2006 Infiniti G35x w Premium - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Jared - February 5 - 10:23 am

  I really do love this car. I did a lot of research after owning a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer. I was after a clean modern looking car with the gadgets. It has premium Bose with the sub. Get it. It has the bluetooth which I like. I know it didnt have an ipod adapter but knew of a unit I could buy for $100 online and had Best Buy install for $50. This is a must too. You can control your ipod through the steering wheel. Overall, great pickup, performance, good in snow, good reliability so far. I bought it used and may have picked a different color other than grey. Thats it. Love this car. Now my wife wants one.

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  Perfect - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By chefkbk - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This is absolutely the most fun a person can have in an automobile. I first fell in love with it through magazine reviews. I then saw it in person which solidified my initial feelings. I drove it, and then I became obsessed. Im a very impulsive buyer and couldnt wait to order one. I had to search several dealer inventories and finally located my car in Chicago. I paid list price for the car sight unseen, and I have absolutely no regrets. Save the 2k on the nav system, youre not going to have time to pay attention to it while your driving. Cant wait to purchase an all wheel drive version.

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  Its a G thing!!!! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Bama - January 22 - 10:33 am

  I was dead set on a BMW 3 series, but I thought the price was a bit much for a car without power tilt. I looked around and finally came across the G35. I drove from Reno, NV to Roseville, CA to test drive it. After driving out of the parking lot I was sold. Ive had the car since 17 May 2007 and I absolutely love it! The power is beyond what I wouldve imagined. Handling is superb. The sound system is great! For $10k less than the BMW I wanted, I could not ask for a better car!

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  Great Fun, Family, and Business car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Hamm - January 20 - 10:00 am

  The G35 Sedan is a great answer for blancing requirements for Fun, Family and Business utility. FUN - great stick, incredible braking, very nice suspension and dynamics. I assessed Acura TSX, Maxima, BMW 3 and 5 series FAMILY - More space than the BMW 5, adeqaute substitue for the spacious Volvo 850 I traded in. Rear seating drivetrain hump is less obtrusive than most. Easy fit for my 64" frame. Business - luxury brand, amenities and features. Interior a notch below BMW and Acura. OVERALL - very pleased at this point with the value equation. Found the sales experience to be first rate believe service will be similar.