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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  Infiniti G35 coupe - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By John S - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This car rocks! This is the true definition of a luxury/sports car. This has to be one of the best looking sport coups out there. The styling is very fresh and exceptionally appealing to every sports car fan. It comes with a powerful 280hp engine that is so smooth. I opted for the 18inch rims that come with Brembo brakes for the enthusiast in me! Great interior styling with the hints of aluminium and the carcoal leather trim This car for the price is unbetable. i hghly recomand it!

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  Good car for the $$$ - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By weezy2482 - December 22 - 10:20 pm

  This car is worth the money just in the horsepower alone. The gas mileage is not as bad as most say. I have been averaging over 20 mpg (approx 22 mpg) switching between premium and regular unleaded gas every other tank (keeps costs down). Great car!!

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  No regrets at all - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Heypetew - December 22 - 6:40 pm

  I was debating between the G35 and the BMW 335i coupe. I test drove both and both are great cars. The BMW engine is a bit more refined and the manual shifting seemed more effortless. But the G35 Sport provides 95% of what BMW can offer and is $8000 less comparably equipped. The G35 interior is top notch. The BMW interior is more industrial looking in an Ikea sorta way. I chose the G35 Sport because it is stylish, powerful, well appointed, and wont give me headaches once the warranty is over. I have no regrets purchasing this car, but wonder if I should have waited one more year for the redesigned 2008 G35 coupe....Well done Infiniti!

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  Husbands Review - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Irene Shannon - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car we have ever owned- its fast and a lot of fun to drive.Ive had people pull up and park next to me and coment on what a nice car our G35 is.

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  Great coupe for the money - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By rjones - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great fit for a tall driver. The seats are comfortable. There is room for 4 on short trips under 2 hrs. The look of the car is MARVELOUS. It has power and handles very well at speed. One of the best cars that I have driven. At 6ft 4in I have no problem with head or leg room. Comfort-Several long distance trips have been just fine. 10hrs or more. I say take a test drive.

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  Best car in 20 years - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By dom - December 20 - 2:00 am

  You can not go wrong with the g35 coupe 6 speed.

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  Fun for a Geezer - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By manuelwc - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Time takes its toll, and the day arrives when you really need a comfortable 4-door sedan to make entry and exit possible for friends over 60. It is terribly frustrating when youve always like sports cars, or at least a sports coupe. The G35 sedan is almost unique in its segment in allowing driving satisfaction coupled with the needed utilitarian features.

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  very fun car to drive - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By cosmoose - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I considered BMW 330, MB C320, and Lexus IS300. My G35coupe beats all of them in style, performance, and price. I have no regret paying MSRP for such a fine vehicle.

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  Red 6-MT Coupe Daily Driver - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By cpv35 - December 11 - 10:46 am

  After a year and a half, I still look forward to driving this car. Former ride was a Solara 5-MT leather, with TRD suspension. The G is more fun. Nice to have the power to really scoot when you need to and good brakes to slow down quickly. No failures or build issues yet. Replaced original Michelin Pilot rear tires at 23,000 mi. but expected that. Some miles are still left on the the Brembo pads and front tires now after 25,000 miles of spirited driving. Still getting compliments on this car, and no tickets yet. Fuel mileage is in the high teens around town, but got 26 to 27 consistently on a 6000 mile coast- to-coast trip last summer.

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  This car moves! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Boopez - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased Red 2003 Coupe for my son 2 months ago and I liked it so much I traded in my 2003 BMW Conv. for a 2004 Twilite Blue Coupe. It has tons of power, lots of extras, and really gets attention!