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 Value for the Money - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Maxheadroom - August 31 - 10:00 am

  After years of driving BMWs and Audis, the G35 is a refreshing change of pace. The product is priced right and the dealer actually seems to understand the term "customer service". I traded in a 330ci (needed a back seat) for the G35, and what the Infiniti lacks (slightly!) in road handling prowess, it makes up with the monster engine and the nearly $10k price difference.

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  Screaming Z - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Land Doctor - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Fun, it puts a smile on your face. Fast, it makes you want to drive it more. Futuristic, for a 6 cyl to perform like this is space like.,

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  Infiniti Scores Big - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By playa350z - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Infiniti G35 is a remarkable car. I tested out the G35, 330i, A4, and TL and this vehicle was so much better. It has more power and the most stylish exterior and interior. The cabin is very quiet and smooth and the G35 can handle all the twists and turns. The AWD is very well and it handled very well in snow and rain and on dry bumpy surfaces. Its definetly the best Infiniti to date and the best in its class.

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  No regrets - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By LSterling - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 01 BWM 330 for the G35 after having to take the BMW to the dealership quarterly for various problems. The interior of the G35 is somewhat cheap. Additionally, I had an interior rattle on delivery that took three trips to the dealership for service to settle. The exterior of the G35 coupe is beautiful. I have had multiple compliments on the car (silver w/18" wheels)at the gas station, grocery store, etc. I must admit I loved my BWM but was disappointed with it...in fact...the G35 came out the year I bought the BMW...but I wanted to wait until the bugs were worked out the system. So far...wish I had bought the G35 in the first place!

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  2004 G35 Coupe Review - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Bocatrip - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is by far one of the best values for a performance car. It combines both performance and quality and reliability all into one with a sexy design. Its closest competitor is the BMW 3 series but it beats it in price by 6 thousand dollars (330i) as well as design.

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  This Car Rocks! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By jburme - August 28 - 7:40 am

  Began leasing my 05 Infiniti G35 (5-speed/auto)in Feb. Lots to love about it... amazing performance, relatively comfortable, decent gas mileage and it looks FANTASTIC! My fave thing is the way it handles, especially tight taking curves. Im driving the car - its not driving me...very responsive, in general. Turn the key and it roars! This baby is a real head- turner...youll LOVE it!

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  One of the best cars out - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G-Force - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my G35 two weeks ago and i love it. Its almost perfect -- great engine, handling, ride, brakes, comfort, interior.

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  Huge bang for the buck - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By ingleberg - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my G35 Sedan for the Coupe, and have never looked back. Both cars need slight interior improvement (radio & A/C controls), but overall are extremely well built, reliable and fun to drive (the Coupe really excels here). It doesnt take much looking around to realize that both cars have no competition when it comes to value.

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  G35 Coupe with all options - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Curto - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the laser red G35 coupe with every option. I love this car.

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  must buy - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By duchard pierre - August 3 - 10:00 am

  i purchase the sedan g35 and this was a vechile to have but i wanted more. so i purchased the coupe...wow what a car. the coupe has a refreshing look to inside and out. bmw, mercedes, jaguar, and lexus watch out theres a new kid on the block.