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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  I dont miss the Audi. - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Floodzone - October 1 - 10:40 pm

  My 2006 Audi A4 3.2l was recently totaled. The new G35 was worth the wait. Interior and exterior quality of this car are superb and a significant improvement from the 2006 model. I was concerned that this vehicle would be a cheap "substitute" for the BMW or not live up to my Audi. NOT! In my opinion THIS car has now set the new standard, especially considering the outstanding features and cheaper price. This car is now unmatched: Fun to drive, great power, reliability, luxurious interior, tech options, AND less expensive... Negatives? While I personally would rank overall performance of the G35 best in the class, I would still rank steering precision 2nd to BMW. Fuel economy is so-so.

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  I want out! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Charlie - October 1 - 8:56 am

  I bought this car mostly based on its looks. Then I test drove it and fell in love with it. Since then I had the brake light switch replaced because of a squeaky noise. Then the clutch pedal assembly had to be replaced, because it was binding. Now the clutch is slipping at 14k, the dealer blames me although I treat the car like a baby. Very disappointed that a $36k needs a new clutch at 14k miles. So the fact that the tires only last about 18k miles, Im looking at replacing tires and clutch in less than two years. By the way the mirror rattles, the console rattles, there is rattle in the window and a few more.

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  I love driving this car! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Socal chick - October 1 - 6:30 am

  Was in the market for a 05 Audi S4 but couldnt find one in my budget. Drove past an Infiniti dealership and I was in love. This car has all the toys! Keyless entry, push button start, back up camera, navi, iPod enable, Im sure more that I havent discovered yet. This car is awesome. I was in the market for a v8 but this car does just fine and Im saving gas!

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  Never again. - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By thunderhexed - September 30 - 5:56 am

  Bought my 2006 laser red coupe used in Summer of 2009. Was my dream car, key word - WAS - until after a few months in. It was a one owner with a clean carfax. Had 31K on it when I bought it. I now have 52K on it and have already had major issues with the car. Tire pressure light keeps tripping and flashing, leather is tearing and showing wear, bose system went out (a $600.00 repair) and dont even get me started on the paint finish. The car only has 51K miles and it looks as if its been sand blasted or towed behind a gravel truck. Dealership is extremely arrogant, lazy and it takes almost up to two weeks just to get in for a simple oil change. Never again! Mercedes here i come...

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  Black Beauty - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Scott - September 27 - 4:53 am

  I cannot due justice to the bang for your buck with this vehicle. I have the performance package, obsidian black on chrome 18" wheels, fin and molding kit. Willow leather interior fully loaded with nav and 225 watt Bose system. I black tinted the rear windows. Does anyone remember Night Rider? A K&N air filter gives it about 5 more horses that pushes it to 285 hp. The car growls when I hit it. I turn more heads than a Paris Hilton video. This vehicle is solid and and true performer. I am a V8 guy normally. I went from Jag super charged V8 that put out 370 hp. I was concerned about losing that huge punch that only a big V8 can deliver at any speed. I found it! No regrets.

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  great sport/lux bargain - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By cyrilcat1212 - September 18 - 8:40 pm

  good looks, roomy interior w/all the comfort and convenience of a luxury sedan combined w/ferocious acceleration. supple ride w/plenty of grip.

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  A real gem - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Sparkie - September 15 - 2:00 am

  What a car. I have owned Toyotas, Ford, Mercedes, and this is the best car I have ever driven. I tested the Audi, the Lexus, The BMW, The Mercedes, The Nissan. The G35 is far superior to all of those, and its much less money. This car handles like a dream, corners flat. The power is exciting and smooth. The style is out of this world. Infiniti has really improved, they are not just a dressed up Nissan anymore.

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  Best deal on the planet - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By scareduck - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Road and Track was right about this car -- smooth as silk, tons of fun to drive, and handles like a dream. Lots of great little touches, too -- full auto windows, even on the sunroof. The Bose in-dash 6-CD changer is great. In short, this is the car that Infinity has been waiting for all these years to actually make their brand. I would say it vaults them above Lexus, and for the money, BMW as well.

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  not bad - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By WIlliam - September 9 - 10:00 am

  im an 18 year old, and this is my 2nd car... i also have a 2002 bmw m3. this car is first of all better looking then the nissan 350z. it drives very nicely, and the handling is great. handling is every bit as good as the bmw m3, only not as fast. interior plastic is a bit cheesy for a 35 thousand dollar car, but the looks, exhaust noice, and ease to drive make up for it.

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  Dads toy - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Jason - September 9 - 1:10 am

  As a father to be I was looking for a car that would satisfy all of the family. The G35 6MT Sedan has exceeded all of those expectations. The fun to drive factor, safety and enough room for the baby to ride in style. The power has been fantastic in comparison to a 2003 Saab 93. 88 horses makes a world of difference and it is great be back in a rear wheel drive car again. The handling has been superior with the 18 inch wheels and the sport tuned suspension. Im somewhat concerned considering we faced snow on October 25th. The snow tires are on the way.