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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  Great car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Wayne Tiso - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The best car Ive ever owned, fast, good looking great ride.

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  Engine longevity in question - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By donmagargal - October 10 - 8:29 am

  I purchased my infinity in 2007 with 35,000 miles on odometer. I purchased it because it was rated top in all catagories to include engine performance and low incidence of repair. Recently, I have had a severve problem with engine consuming oil (2 qts. per month). I contacted infinity dealer and they told me to replace both valve covers at $250 per cover. It was a 50\50 chance that it would cure the oil copnsumption problem. After $800 in parts and labor, my infinitety continues to cunsume oil. It appears that the only fix for this problem is the purchase of a new engine. The car is now out of warranty to include oringinal warranty and a 3 year extended warranty purchased in 2007. Trapped!

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  Do not change anything - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Allen Pearl - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Im a short heavy person, and Im very comfortable. Had almost every expensive car made, and love this little go getter. Makes me feel young again.

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  WOW WHAT A CAR! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By rich - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is everything I want in a car and more! It rides fantastic- not too mushy, not too harsh. Feels like I can romp on it any time I want and it will respond. It is a total joy to drive; a true performance sedan. I like the interior- business like and clean and more than enough luxury. I think that sometimes auto critics look at the amount of wood and rate by that (but cars have progressed, and what does adhesive backed wood have to do with luxury anyway?) the engine can humm along at 2500 rpms, and then jump to life instantly when I gun it without missing a beat. Really feels good to blow past BMWs and Porsches! Love it!

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  I Love This Car! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By onotu2 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I was down to the A4, or the W8 Passat (yeah, I was going to wait), but after 5 minutes behind the wheel of a G w/sport package, I was sold. Its a lot of car for the money (when compared to the competition) and it has, imo, a beautiful yet understated design that you can only fully appreciate up close -and that includes the rear - trust me the 16 pinholed LEDs when lit are way cool. The sport package not only improved handling, but also tightened up the steering to allow for Tutonic handling. Havent really figured out the NAV, but it got me home via local streets on my first drive from the dealership - the expressway was jammed. Yep, did i mention that i luv this car?

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  I love this car!! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By infinitilover1 - October 6 - 12:56 pm

  Just traded in my 05 G for a new loaded 08. Loved the 05 but the 08 is even better!! Feels more solid behind the wheel, nice more muscular look, and the 306 hp really gives you a buzz. This is the best mid-size sedan on the market, and for the money one of the best sedans period. This is my 5th Infiniti and never anything other than routine maintenance on the others. Expect the same on this one. Check this one out for sure!!!

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  Better Than Expected - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Slim Spoda - October 4 - 10:33 am

  I went with a 6MT coupe. The car turns lots of heads and looks more expensive than it is. I constantly see people looking at the car and many say it looks like a Porsche. I considered a BMW 328 or 335 coupe, but I liked this car more than the 328 and it was about $7500 less than a comparable 335. My last two cars were BMWs, but the ones just dont impress me. The Aero Package really changes the look of the car for the better. The front seats are very comfortable for people who arent overweight. The interior has lots of nice details and storage compartments. The car has plenty of power and handles as well as a BMW, although its terrible in snow. Gas mileage has been around 24 mpg.

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  BMW Killer :) - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By WMB - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This is one killer ride! I had to wait 5 months for delivery (6MT with NAVI is hard to come by), but believe me, it was well worth the wait. This car is a great blend of a number of different things, and for the price, it simply cannot be matched. Youll hear some reviews squawk about the interior, but please understand that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I happen to love the interior. I think its sporty & edgy with a functional feel. My advice is this: simply test drive all other vehicals in this class, and leave the G for last. Always save the best for last :)

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  it feels good - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By steve g - October 4 - 2:00 am

  its fast,sleek, and lots of fun to drive. gas milage not bad for a high performer. gives me great pleasure to step on the gas when I have some teenage tailgater on my rear bumper and leave him/her in the dust. the bose sound system is great as well-when I first cranked it up, I thought there was an air leak in the front door til I realized it was the speaker by my calf vibrating my pants leg!

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  WOW - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By whizzer - October 4 - 2:00 am

  1500 miles now. Absolutely no problems with my G35X. It is an absolute sports machine - I look forward to driving it every day. The main reason I purchased this car is for the AWD feature, but that being said, no amount of hi-tech (including AWD, ABS, VDC, traction control, etc.) will overcome the intelligence of the driver in inclement weather. Nothing prevents a car slipping on ice (except for maybe chains or spiked tires). I dont drive like SUV drivers - just because I have AWD...