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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  2004 Infiniti G35 Sedan - LOVE IT - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By pjb1 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Very smooth and powerful engine with alot of get up and go. Love the sleek body style and appearance of the sport package. Great combo of luxury and sport with alot of features for price. Never expected to enjoy a car this much. Ive had it for just over 90 days and love it -highly recommend it!

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  I Love My G! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By blitzjb - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is a bargain for the money. From the beautiful exhaust note to the performance and power - I find an excuse to go somewhere just to drive it.

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  Nearly Perfect - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By John Mc - November 20 - 6:16 am

  Had difficulty finding "the car", but when I did, I bought it. Athens Blue 6MT with just about everything. Very stiff at first, but had become normal in 5K miles. Absolutely no problems. Fit and finish is flawless. The Nav. system is obviously a carryover from the Japanese Skyline since the joystick is on the right, making for a bit of a reach. Driver seat bolsters are little tight for a 280# person, but are molding with time. Seat adjustment switches need to be moved as do the seat heater switches. Car is a definite head turner. Infiniti did a beautiful job with the car. It is a joy to drive. Only wish LA freeways were less congested. One trip to San Diego was a kick.

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  Yeah, Its All That - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By IOSPro - November 19 - 9:26 pm

  The G35 6M is everything a car should be. Its a performance car w/ luxury, not the other way round. It has a nice growl when pushed, but quite when cruising. All the niceties are there and well designed. The car fits you like your favorite sneakers. The mp3 player is very nice and the Navi cannot be beat. I had to buy winter tires which was a drag, but the 18” do look fine. The clutch has a very quick engagement point, and was hard to adjust to after 20 years of Saab’s clutches. The environmental system is the best, arctic in the summer and toasty in the winter. VSC works very well in the rain (not tested yet in snow). Much research went into this choice, I would buy again!

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  Good Riddance - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Good Riddance! - November 16 - 10:40 pm

  Ive owned many new cars over my lifetime and I can honestly say this has been by far the biggest dissapointment I have ever had. There is nothing worse than making a $500 car payment on a car that you are not thrilled with. Yes the exterior is phenomenal, but I felt like I was dating a supermodel without a brain or personality. The auto tranny was terrible(the manual isnt much better), the interior highly UNrefined, and the suspension very crude, having plenty of grip, but too harsh for roads here in New England. I guess if you drive in warm climates with no potholes, or havent been treated to having cars with some refinement, Im sure the car will be fine for you. No hard feelings.

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  Outstanding Performance - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By royal - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Very powerfull 6 cylinder! Kicks butt! Handles very well, stops quickly. Everyone loves it! Quite the looker. I am always getting people checking out the car as I buzz past them.

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  First G35 Six Speed - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By kevinl - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Just received my 6 spd (11/23/02), the 1st one delivered to and sold at my dealership. Absolutely love this car. It is very quick and extremely responsive. I put about 300 miles on the car 1st day. Driving included city streets, back roads, and highway (MA to CT). Car’s performance was excellent everywhere. This is undoubtedly a sports car. The cockpit wraps around you, the shift has a very short throw and is very close together (takes a little getting use to), and you feel the road. This is my second Infiniti. I’m a customer for life now.

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  Infiniti G35 with Sport Package - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jcv - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Came from a 1997 BMW M3, - looked at new 330i. Expensive, boosted steering, soft suspension. Infiniti G35 sports package has none of this. Performance, brakes, handling excellent. Everyone seems afraid of some oversteer in G35 but this is PREFERRED in a fast car. M3 owners worked to get it . Interior excellent, manual passengers seat has no height adjustment. Console, roof liner could use more upscale materials, not much off BMW and Mercedes which also cut corners. Bose stereo is excellent. Considered Audi, dated design, expensive,slow. Infiniti has consistently better rating than BMW,Mercedes reliability and customer statisfaction.

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  Beautiful - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Robb G - November 12 - 2:00 am

  The most Beautiful car under $50,000 in 2003.

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  Worth Every Penny! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Nice Car! - November 10 - 10:46 am

  The new G35 is solid ride and very well built. Im replacing a 2005 Acura TL which was a rattling piece of junk. There is a world of difference and not for much more money. The style exterior and interior is great much better than the previous G35. Its very, very fast and fun to drive. If you want one of these cars, get at least the premium and tech packages and the wood package is neat also. The seats are stiff and fairly average size - not made for a large person! Its simply a great value for the money and hopefully be great quality and a great alternative to Acura who I feel is slipping in quality.