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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  Nothing Better - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By JSRivard - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is the best sports sedan out there for under 35K. The design and exterior fit and finish is second to none. Even the underbody is beautiful with air diffusers and 0 lift aerodynamics. The Interior is average for the price range, it could have a better feel to the materials. The power and handling are where this car really shines. 260hp, 260lbft and all aluminum sports suspension make this car a blast to drive. 0-60 in 5.78 seconds will beat BMW 330 or Audi A4. The 6speed transmission is one of the best Ive driven, with quick, positive, short throws. .26 Coefficient of Drag and 110 foot 60-0 braking are incredible for a 4 door "family" sedan.

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  Unbeatable VALUE - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Donald in Florida - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the car a little over a month now with no problems at all. In my research I learned that the brakes produce a lot of dust, and may wear quickly. I concur with the brake dust comments thus far. While I paid extra for most of the available options, anyone could own this relatively high perf car for around 30 grand. Just try to come close to the performance measures of this car with anything else in this price range. Ill save you the time, you cannot. I love when the little Honda punks roll up next to me and try to take off fast when the light changes...slight push on the pedal, and See Ya!

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  The Motor Trend Car of Th e Year - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By GeorgeCoach - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun I have ever had driving a car. I literally have to force myself to get out of the car. I bought the car in early August of 2003 and have 2,000 miles already. Everyone stares and wants to know about my hot new car. Women flock to the car and its a sleek sexy machine. Buy orlease just get it.

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  Very Poor Brake Quality - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Tim Jones - December 5 - 10:03 am

  I have owned a 2005 G35X for only 21 months and it has cost me over $2,300 (no tires yet!) in maintenance expenses. Front brakes have been completely replaced and rear pads and rotors need replacing very soon. This is a very nice car to drive, but be prepared to spend big bucks in maintenance if you lease!

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  Bluetooth is poor - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By D - December 2 - 8:26 pm

  Be informed Infiniti provides a list of compatible phones that will work with the G35 on their website. The selection of cellphones is poor and when infiniti was contacted they could not explain how they would keep in pace with new cell phone offerings amongst the various carriers. I was not informed of this prior to purchase and have found it to be a disappointment, due to the fact my freedom of choice in selecting a cellphone has been eliminated.

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  Ultimate luxury for the price! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Tony - December 1 - 4:13 pm

  This car rides like a luxury car, handles like a sports car, and takes off like a motorcycle.

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  Luxury Sports Car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Larry Levine - November 30 - 4:00 pm

  This car is for someone who demands luxury but wants the fun of a sports car. The exterior is sharp. I have many people taking a second look. It is fast,roomy and has some nice features. I previously owned a Lexus GS 400 and I know I made the right decision to trade in the Lexus for the Infinity.

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  Wow!! What a Ride - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By DrewI - November 29 - 9:13 pm

  Finally pulled the plug on buying a new 2008 Journey with the Sport package, nav, premium. What a blast to drive and what a beauty to look at. Better yet, this probably is the most intuitively designed drivers cockpit that Ive seen. My friends who have BMWs are still trying to learn how to work their nav while Im burning CDs onto my in-car jukebox without a users manual. Amazing! The best steering wheel you can imagine. If youre thinking about buying this car, do it.

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  Great car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Al Husa - November 29 - 8:10 pm

  Get in and drive the hell out of it!! Great performance and handling---the traction control REALLY works great! Excellent paint and interior quality! The tire pressure indicator will really improve tire mileage----if you pay attention to it!!!!!

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  All Round Nice Car. - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Chiwawa6 - November 26 - 7:36 pm

  Outperforms in all expectations. But it also only gets about 22 mpg. Instrument panel could use an upgrade.