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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  Bought it used and love it - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Nito - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 2008 in 2010 to replace my 2006 ML 350 because it wasnt very fun to drive. This G35 has been so much more fun. Dont know what I was thinking when I bought the MB. I hated driving when I had it. This car has restored my love of driving. Best car Ive owned so far.

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  06 G35 Coupe/ Sport Tuned Suspension PKG - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By lees06g35 - January 14 - 1:10 pm

  I have only had this car for a couple of months. This by far is one of the most attractive cars on the road. I find my self wanting to drive this car every chance I get. I get nothing but compliments by everyone I see and know. If I were to buy all over again, Im not sure if I would opt for the Sport Tunes Suspension. It can be a little stiff and noisy. It communicates every flaw in the road. It sticks like glue it the curves. Interior quality is good. The orange display seems a little out dated. I have got use to the Intelligent Key. I find myself reaching for the ignition im my second vehicle with no key. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and would do all over again.

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  Vroom! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By lighthouse206 - January 14 - 12:13 am

  Had the car less than a week, but so far so good. Has amazing V-8 type power - nothing short of a rocket ship! Everything about the car is beautiful from the curvy lines (yes, you can really tell the difference between the 06 and 07 WHEN they are near each other - the 07 is far more elegant) to the luxurious interior. Infiniti has a car that performs like a BMW yet is as luxurious as a Lexus - all for $5 - $10K less than those guys. Its an incredible value.

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  In Love - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Natcham - January 13 - 10:13 pm

  What a beautiful car! I have had my 2005 6MT for six months now and the excitement and exhiliration of driving it has not worn off one bit. The engineering that goes into this car is amazing. Six air bags, vicious limited slip, 19" GORGEOUS rims, 300bhp, killer exhaust note, and styling that absolutely turns heads (including my own). The leather seats are gorgeous as well. My hardest decision was what color to choose. Ultimately, it was the Ivory Pearl. Just stunning. On the road, this thing does not even lean in the corners. Grip is phenomenal. I do 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. Difficult to drive in a 70 mph zone without speeding. Travelling at 90 mph feels like 45. You can have your Mercedes or BMW!

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  More than expected - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By cjro2002 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my G35 last week and I have never driven a better car. It gets better everytime I drive it. It puts BMW and Lexus to shame.

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  This is the greatest coupe ever built - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By taylorscottb - January 7 - 2:00 am

  The Infiniti G35 is the greatest coupe to ever be built. It will smoke the hell out of any GT in its price range. Period.

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  I Love This Car! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Pixiegirl - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love driving this car! The handling is superb. I love the way it takes the curves on the road.

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  Awesome car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By C.H. - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I am not sure what I like more, the powerful engine, the superb handling, the awesome brakes, or the comfortable interior. Once I am behind the wheel, I dont want to get out. Its great looks just get greater every time I look at it. Everyone thinks I paid a lot more for it - its quite a bargain.

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  Best Sports Car for the Money - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By se - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 6 months now, and I still love it! This is THE BEST sports car for under $50k. Beats BMW easily and will leave you with much more $$$. 6-speed short-throw stick is silky smooth. Power and handling are BOTH awesome. The body is beautiful. And the price is great! If you want a sports car, you must test drive this one.

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  Not as fast as Im used to... - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Used2BSTOOK - January 7 - 2:00 am

  ...but then I gave up a Honda S2000 for this, and I dont regret it. For the money, its a steal! Great performance, nice feel, great look- a nice piece of engineering.