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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  Exhilarating !!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By David T. - November 10 - 10:00 am

  If you turly want a automobile that will make driving fun again. The G35 Coupe will give you that satisfaction. My Coupe has all the bells and whistles, including GPS. From Comfort to power this car has the best balance of any car Ive owned, and Ive owned all the big named autos. Im also surprised by the room. I have carried on several occasion four adults in comfort. This is a great feature. I can say enough at this time. Ill have to review again after about 20,000 miles.

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  g35 sc 6 speed - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By gjr23 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  great looks. excellent performance. it makes me feel like people are looking at this car even when they arent!

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  I love my G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By sheppard - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had a 93 300zx since 93 and love it so much i kept it when i bought G35 coupe 6mt. Nissan has been so good to me i had to go back with one of there cars. it is better in every way over my old Z car and i payed less now that is progress!

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  Almost a year and Great! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Mosoman - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought in June of 2002 and have 19,500 miles. Still a rocket on the road. Handles incredibly and accelerates to beat most other autos.

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  Well Balanced - Fast, Dependable & Sexy - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Auto Enthusiast - November 1 - 6:03 am

  The G35 does everything well. And its design is subtle - not overstated like many others in its category. Test drive one and youll agree. Well made. Fun to drive. Good looks.

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  I LOVE this car! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By CTKath - October 28 - 8:53 am

  When my son suggested that I look into the Infiniti G35x for an AWD car, I admit, Id never heard of it. I was leaning toward an ES330. I am so glad that I listened to him - I adore this car! Everything about it - the engine, the styling, the color (Lakeshore Slate). I am so proud to be driving it. I didnt go for the wood interior and Im glad, I like the brushed aluminum better. I like the size too, not too big (I traded in a 1999 Avalon) and not too small (I was test-driving a C320 4matic). I did get the satellite radio, but am considering not subscribing anymore because I dont get enough use out of it. My oil change was a snap. No problems - love this car!

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  Top of the Line Luxury Sports Sedan - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Almatti - October 27 - 3:43 pm

  Compared all of the competition: Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, BMW 328xi, Lincoln MKZ: no comparison for the money. Great handling, instant response and power, all-wheel drive on demand, simple luxurious interior, superior braking, terrific 10 speaker Bose sound system, and fanastic looks (black on grey (slate) leather). Got the Premium package w/o NAVI. It has all the toys you could need. Just getting to the initial break-in, the car is a "rocket" and solidly planted. Real fun to drive with the 5 speed auto with sport mode and manual shifting. Great turning circle, no torque steer, and if you manually shift, hold on!

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  Awsome car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Red Baron - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Stunningly beautiful car. Handles everything I throw at it. The car glides at high speed. You can feel just enough of the road and are held firmly into the bucket seats. The Bose stereo sounds excellent. You cant find the combination of styling, 280hp engine, and excellent handling in any other new car at this price. The interior is better than the 350Z. Functional back seats allow short trips with kids and medium sized adults, which adds a little practicality when compared to the Boxter/350Z/Z3/LS430. The G35 Coupe is superior to any domestic competition - Corvette/Cobra if you consider all aspects of drivability and technology.

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  Great 4 passenger sports car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By former 260Z owner - October 27 - 10:00 am

  So far the experience has been great. I test drove BMW and I felt the G35 coupe to be more fun to drive and better looking. I looked at the 350Z and found the combination of a usable trunk ( 2 golf bags)and a usable back seat ( 2 kids) to be a mutch better value in the g35. The car handles like a true sports car. The ride could be a bit softer for the pot hole infested roads here on Long Island. Overall if you are looking for a real sports car and still need some practicallity this is a car you should consider.

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  Midlife Crisis Overcome - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By stollerlm - October 23 - 6:53 am

  I went through my younger years oggling the hot cars of my era (60s)promising myself that some day I would own one. Now in my 50s, and having done the four-door, luxury routine (mostly Lincolns), I decided it was my time. I learned of the Infiniti quality (absolutely tops) owning a four-door I35, and finally decided "what the hell" and bought the two door G35 coupe (auto.). Quality and exceptional performance (engine and suspension) that I dreamed of as a kid. Most exciting care I ever have owned.