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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  This car runs better than my Lexus SC - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By JessicaC - October 22 - 4:33 pm

  I just traded in my Lexus SC 430 2005 for the car for room. Not only does this car way less but the drive is more sturdy- i can make fast turns without any turbulence or feel of loss of control of the vehicle. This was definitely the best buy for the money and of course "durability". I was upside down on my Lexus but Inifniti of Davie did right by me as a consumer that I had my neighbor and two family members buy their vehicles there. Test drive the m45- the interior is gorgeous on that car!

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  I love this car! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Woodsy - October 16 - 3:50 am

  This car is great. It is very stylish and the exhaust sounds amazing. I turn heads all the time. Other people think the car costs a lot more than what I really paid for it...our secret! lol! It has excellent performance...280 HP and 270 lb/ft Torque.

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  2005 Coupe Auto - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By raizelgs - October 14 - 9:23 pm

  Car is a joy to drive. Acceleration and handling are superb. Styling is eye-catching. I did not buy the wing. It looks like an ironing board left on the trunk Trunk is small, but not tiny. Plan to buy snow tires in the northern states. High performance and rear wheel drive make for a slippery car with wide tires. I smile every morning when I see the car.

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  #1 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By MONICA 2 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Clutch failed at 3,500 miles. Many pood design features. Will never buy a car again without a knob for the radio. Spaceship center console is confusing and counter intutive. Several controls (e.g. trunk switch are inconvienent. Emergency Brake takes extreme force to engage. Looks great. Will not go in the snow with summer tires. Wouldnt buy again.

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  Overall Review in my Opinion - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Eddie W - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Ordered this car today (aka Japans Nissan Skyline 350GT). Quite impressed with the test drive for its performance. Those of you have hard time deciding this car and the 3-Series should considered this. Same class, cheaper with more powerful engine and you can fully equiped this car for a 4000-6000 less compairing to the 3 Series.

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  Performance AND Luxury! WOW - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Martin - October 13 - 1:33 am

  First I drove the Lexus IS 250, Saab 9-3 Aero, Acura TL and S-Type, Honda Accord (v6), and Audi A4 (v6). ONE test drive in the G35x and it was a done deal! The dealer let me keep one over a weekend and I didnt want to give it back! Purchased the S option with paddle shifters. Talk about fun!! This weekend drove 70 miles to and from my fathers house for the holiday: and if my wife had told me she left something (anything) back at my fathers house I would have repeated the trip instantly just for fun! BMWho?

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  Easy on the eye and the soul - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By gadabout - October 9 - 7:56 pm

  Unbelievable. The whole experience of the G35 Coupe 6MT is unbelievable. From the purchase, to the first drive. I have found that G35 family has luxury in mind as blends it perfectly with preformance. I am a mid twenties new family guy and this car still has a purpose. It can seat four in comfort so you can use the pratical angle on the wifey. Shifts on the 05 are smoother than that of the 03-04 and power delivery in each gear promotes spirited driving. This car has the beauty to turn heads everywhere and since is it relatively a unique brand, people will come up to you asking what it is and dropping compliments left and right. Only thing flawed is the dipstick. Recommended for anyone!

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  Easy on the eye and the soul - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By gadabout - October 9 - 7:40 pm

  Unbelievable. The whole experience of the G35 Coupe 6MT is unbelievable. From the purchase, to the first drive. I have found that G35 family has luxury in mind as blends it perfectly with preformance. I am a mid twenties new family guy and this car still has a purpose. It can seat four in comfort so you can use the pratical angle on the wifey. Shifts on the 05 are smoother than that of the 03-04 and power delivery in each gear promotes spirited driving. This car has the beauty to turn heads everywhere and since is it relatively a unique brand, people will come up to you asking what it is and dropping compliments left and right. Only thing flawed is the dipstick. Recommended for anyone!

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  Jack of all traits - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Jeff Sanders - October 7 - 9:00 am

  The 2005 G35 sedan w/sport suspension,auto and premium package is a well balanced automobile! I presently have a 2003 BMW 530i sport, premium, w/auto. The G35 is smooth and powerful. The lines on the car are well executed! The Gs performance and overall completeness are second to none within its class and beyond! This autmobile should be considered highly!!!

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  I love my car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By lisitalou - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my 6-speed manual coupe!! It is so much fun to drive! The seats are great and cup you when you are taking sharp turns at high speeds. The ride is surprisingly smooth too. The short shifter six speed is nice, so much more fun than an automatic. My only complaint would be the seatbelts - they hit you at awkward position and Im constantly adjusting the chest strap - but for this much fun, who cares?! I would definitely recommend this car to other car buyers. Its awesome!!!