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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  Excellent Vehicle! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By idr2000 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the price. Very smooth and powerful engine with good gas milage. Alot of features for price. Highly recommended!

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  bmwisajoke - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By JPO1216 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Drove several cars in search of this vehicle. Technically, this is my wifes car. She loved the body style and was sold. I had to do more research. Dont waste your time at the BMW or Mercedes Dealer. This is the best car I have ever driven. Took it in for a routine checkup and Infiniti service dept is fantastic. Blast to drive, powerful, EVERYONE stares at traffic lights, interior is plush. Back seat is roomy enough for two six foot adults to sit comfortably. Put the A/C on full blast and take off of an exit ramp. There is no difference in performance.

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  True Luxury Sport Sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By pfschim - April 25 - 10:00 am

  The new Infiniti G35 offers me a true luxurey sport sedan with tremendous performace at a great value. The 260hp RWD performance and handling are in seemingly absolutely perfect balance. The G35 offer truly eye popping acceleration when pushed. Aesthetics, bon interior and exterior are wonderfully thought out. Looks, Speed, Handling, Comfort and Value ... Great Package !

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  What a buy - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Flyguy - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Incredible car for the money. Lots of power with comfort and classy look.

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  G for GREAT - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By scottbui - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Infinitis finally got their market straight in term of what a sport luxury sedan is all about. The V6 is very smooth when you needed to accelerate under any conditions.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By clu - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I owned a BMW (3-series) before my G- 35. The G-35 is BY FAR the better car. It was cheaper, looks better, has MORE options, and handles GREAT!!!!

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  For a More Balanced View - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By g_vision - April 16 - 10:00 am

  If your last car was a chevy, then you will be impressed. The more experienced buyer will note pluses and minuses. Yes, performance, offset by lower gas mileage. Yes, handling, offset by more road noise. Yes, cool instrument pod/ventilation. No will include pixx poor 220watt sound system, ugly brake dust, gas cap on right side, hidden mirror control.

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  Nice Car with Good Balance - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Erik - April 10 - 5:30 pm

  I was torn between buying an A4 3.0 (2005) or this car. I am happy with my choice except for a few things. The car does not have a gauge that tells the average miles/gal I am getting. Its pretty annoying trying to calculate it! There for some reason are little rattles in the interior cabin. When I go over bumps and play the stereo loud I hear them the most. The last thing would be the brake dust and the fuel economy. I was not expecting Honda civic gas mileage however I wasnt expecting it to be this bad. The acceleration is good but I dont feel as good as everyone makes it out to be. Overall this car is great for the AWD and added power. This is perfect for me, a college student w/no $.

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  Overall Excellant - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By roland762 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my G35 sedan for 2 months and its a fine ride. But you only learn things about a car youve drooled over for a year after you get it. Things I dont like: side pockets on doors are too deep and narrow, 2 glove boxes really too small to hold anything, auto seat adjuster poorly located. Steering wheel controls are difficult to use in the dark until you get used to them. Things I like: SPEED(Already got a ticket)Wow!, Fuel economy, 24.5mpg if you dont hammer on it, Great looks! Corners like its on rails. PS, Dont get the sport suspension unless youre a road racer cause the standard suspension is plenty stiff.

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  Fast and furiously fun to drive! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Nashvegas - April 7 - 10:36 pm

  Ive had this 07 G35S 6mt for just over a week and its a just as much a thrill looking at it parked as it is to drive. I have all the available options (tech, premium, navigation packages, 4WAS, factory spoiler, splash guards, cargo net). Shifting out of 1st is getting easier and the low-end gear power is awesome - I wouldnt consider the 5 speed automatic for this beast even with the paddle shifters. My wife drives an automatic but enjoys this manual. Its very quiet on the interstate and the suspension is tight but not harsh - just what you need for a true sedan sports car. The quality is great from fit to finish - just hard to keep it under 4000 RPMs during break-in.