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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  So far.. awesome!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By SeanG - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a loaded G35 (everything but the navigation sys), and I love it. Its got a great ride, a great look, and great pickup. My wallet will be hurting a little with below average gas mileage. But other than that, no complaints. Ive had people admiring my car so far every day. Thats a nice feeling.

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  The New Ultimate Sports Sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mboxer - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Have owned my G35 for 3 weeks now and all I can say is this is one heck of an sports sedan. Total satisfaction.

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  Best return for the dollar! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Skyline fun! - January 3 - 8:16 pm

  Excellent drivers car especially with the MT. Gas mileage was good 25 mpg with mixed driving. I knew what to expect when purchasing: the G is a performance sedan with a fair touch of luxury, but emphasis is on performance. If youre looking for granny luxury, look elsewhere, the G is meant for drivers.

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  Good performance for the $$ - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Maurice - January 3 - 3:00 pm

  Impressive to drive (wife likes it a lot after driving Buick LeSabres most of her life). Great acceleration with 5 speed automatic. Like the sunroof and leather (heated front seats). Brake dust, particularly on front rims, is annoying. Brake pads also needed replacing before 20,000 miles.

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  Great look...but tons of problems - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Redhead in MKE - January 2 - 12:36 am

  I loved the G35 style long before my purchase. I found a G35 sedan and couldnt pass it up. Im in WI and knew a new all-weather tire would be a must and for the first winter is was no problem getting through the snow (with new tires and 150# of sand in the trunk). This car looks great, but I have never had to put soooo much money into a car before. New brakes at 45K, then less than @ 60K had to replace passenger side lower control arm and now at 66K have to replace driver side lower control arm. And on top of it, Ive lost control of the center counsel. I will NEVER BUY Nissan/Infiniti again. I expected better quality from a luxury vehicle!

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  Almost perfect - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Art - January 1 - 4:23 pm

  Upgraded from an old Acura CL recently and purchased a used 07 G35 Sport 6MT. The power of the engine and RWD really make a difference. I am never going back to FWD. Although I originally was shopping for a coupe, I really like the sedan better. Performance and handling are great and still have room for the kids in the back. Lots of space and high end materials inside. Excellent Bose stereo. The nav works great too.

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  Very Happy - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By No - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I picked up my G35 about a week ago. There are a few interior styling glitches that need to be addressed. Overall, I am very happy with the car.

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  I Got Sea Sick Driving -Radio for Deaf - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Snowwhere - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I live in snow country and I wanted an upscale car with 4 wheel drive that had enough power to pass with authority on 2 lane roads. This car fits that description very well. Despite this I owned this car for only 427 miles and 4 days before I bailed! Im now very happy with my Subaru Legacy GT Ltd with a much better balance of comfort and power.

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  Great Car - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By GVTrai58 - December 27 - 2:53 am

  I bought this car for my wife and it is a kick to drive. Very powerful and precise. The car handles like it is on rails. The only thing I would warn anyone about is this car is a luxury sport sedan with an emphasis on sport. The car is stiff and unforgiving on bad roads. But this is the price you pay for superb handling on good roads. So, if you want a true sport sedan, this is your car. If you want to quietly float over bumps on the road this car is not for you.

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  Our first luxury car - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By GT69 - December 24 - 2:10 am

  My wife and I bought the G35 as a "retirement" car in anticipation of taking long road trips. We have been extremely satisfied with the comfort and convenience of this car. We particularly like the navigation system and other technology features, such as the color back-up camera and CD changer. This is our first "luxury" vehicle and we enjoy the feeling when we hand the car over to the parking attendant at our favorite upscale restaurants in Atlanta.