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:

• 

  love the 6mt 2006 g35 - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By stan - April 7 - 12:36 pm

  great car, only issue is shifter that is stiff in cold weather and sometimes hard to get into 2nd gear.

• 

  Great car for money - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Danny - April 6 - 7:53 am

  This is a great car for money. I drove BMW and, BMW is not worth all that extra money.

• 

  G35 Coupe - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By chapent - March 31 - 1:06 pm

  Fun to drive. I have the sport tuned suspension and it rides rough, so it tends to rattle inside. It sticks to the road, although I understand the tires dont last long and they are expensive

• 

  Better than Most - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By macbrew - March 28 - 8:06 pm

  Im coming up on 3 yrs of driving this car and I still enjoy driving it. Bought the premium and sport tune suspension. Love the sound the engine makes. If I were not a law enforcement officer I would have gotten plenty of speeding tickets. Many people complain about the brakes. After my first free replacement, I bought some aftermarket Robestos Quiet Stops. That was the best decision...NO BRAKE DUST!!! The car still rides well after 44000 miles. I quess I got a good one because I dont get the rattles other people complain about. Ouside paint is holding up(brilliant silver) but the inside is starting to show some wear. Bought some aftermarket tires at 27k. Pd $90 a tire for some Khomos.

• 

  I love it! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Beth S. - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car combines luxury and sports sedan characteristics beautifully. The G35 is quick and agile, AND rides like a dream. The driver and passengers are both comfortable in this car. The dashboard is designed well - everything is easily accessible and convenient. This car is a pleasure to drive!

• 

  Love it - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Tucker - March 18 - 5:40 am

  Great car. Bought it three years ago, have had no problems at all. 32,000 total miles. Very fast and stylish. Always concerned with maintenance problems in any car. Have had none with this one and would recommend it to anyone. Gas mileage could be better for such a small car. I am over six feet tall and have found the car comfortable. Not overly roomy but not purchased for that. Cant think of any reason not to purchase this car. And I focus on performance, wear and tear and reliability.

• 

  Best Bang for the Buck! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Cory - March 16 - 4:53 am

  I am very particular about certain things and my car is one of them. I traded in an 06 Honda Accord V6 for this 08 G35 Sedan Sport. I did a lot of research and test driving (Lexus IS 350, BMW 335i), but I was always partial to the Infiniti G35. I love the exhaust note!! This was a no brainer. The Lexus and Bimmer were $7k and $10k more respectively with the same options. I got mine fully loaded. The car has wicked acceleration! The quality of the materials inside the cabin are better than expected. The paddle shifters work great in manual shift mode. I recommend going for a test drive, but be warned... you will be hooked :-)

• 

  Important Informtion - Brakes - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35Fan - March 15 - 2:00 am

  As a G35 owner for about 8 months I was concerned about the other reviews that mentioned new brake pads and rotors after 13K-20K miles. Infiniti just sent me a notice that the factory is going to cover ANY brake work related to wear for the first 3 years or 36K miles. Figured Id let everyone else know if you havent already heard this.

• 

  out - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By kurt schleicher - March 15 - 2:00 am

  very fast, poor gas mileage, great overall value for money

• 

  The G Ive wanted for years - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35 Fan - March 13 - 10:00 am

  The g has been great it handles beter than any car i have had.(traded 97 C280) Power is great. style is sleek rearend dosent bother me abit neither dose the interior. (better then the old c280). My suggestion is wait for the coupe so my sedan is rare.