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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  Thrilling - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By badgerfan6 - February 28 - 4:43 am

  I just got my G35x about 2 weeks ago. Wow! I read the reviews so I felt confident with the purchase, thought I knew exactly what I was getting. I am happy to say that I received much more than I anticipated. The styling is classy, the quality is impeccable and the power this car delivers is "infinitely" beyond my expectation. The G has an impressive center of gravity that makes the car stick to the road in the corners. I love all the techno gadgets as well including the nav and hard drive for storing my music on board. The voice commands and the Bluetooth wireless for my cell is my favorite feature. The fob key entry system rocks. This car delivers a flawless experience, end to end.

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  Family Sport Sedan - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By BSmith - February 27 - 8:13 pm

  This is an excellent choice for anyone wanting a performance sedan thats usable in daily life. The performance is stunning, but it seats four comfortably and has a reasonable trunk. The suspension is more sporty than luxury. Selectable comfort/sport suspension settings would be nice. Overall, this is one of the best cars you can get on a "normal" budget.

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  Best car ever. - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Phillip Castro - February 25 - 6:33 am

  I got this car in Feb. 06. I looked at the BMW 330Ci and this car blew it away just on the HP alone. I fell in love with this car, its exterior and interior look was more modern then that of the BMW. I have not regretted my desision since.

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  G35 6 speed - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Calvin - February 21 - 8:26 pm

  Its been 2 years since I brought my G35,,, dont drive during the week because I use metro live in Washington DC... But on the weekends when weather is nice a brother gets loose... RED is her pet name. The power of the 6 speed manual is something else,,, it darks in gears 1-3... Love it... Please dont tell my wife or Geico...

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  Best Nissan Product Yet! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By cd_moreno - February 20 - 6:40 pm

  WOW! That is all I can say, this is my fourth Nissan product Ive owned. When I was in the market for something new, I knew G35 was at the top of my list. I picked up a G35 X with the newly delivered Sport package. What an amazing vehicle. Tight suspension, steering, incredible features, fun to drive. Gas mileage is really bad but I dont care because every time I drive this car the smile on my face is priceless, acceleration is amazing and even though this car is extremely heavy, it hides its pounds. Incredible styling, beautiful to look at. The best purchase I have ever made.

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  Wow! Drive it before you buy an Audi/BMW - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By LRV - February 13 - 11:40 pm

  Absolutely fabulous, and a huge step forward from the 2003 G35 my wife drives. The interior is just below Lexus level, but not by much. The premium navigation/commmunications package is truly wonderful. The engine has rocketship thrust, even if its a little unrefined compared to BMW, Lexus and Audi. I have been averaging 20 mpg on the highway, and am driving like a regular guy-- nothing too crazy, and not like Grandpa. If you can, get the sports package just for the seats if nothing else. Bar raised!

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  Fun Sedan - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Dennis Pack - February 13 - 5:23 am

  I owned Maximas for 10 years prior to buying the G35. I wondered what the big deal could be between the two. What a mistake, the driving experience between the two cannot be compared. The G35 is extremely agile for a 3400 lb car. I find the interior quite pleasing, especially after looking at some 3 series BMW interiors. The VQ motor is a jewel, not real strong out of the hole but really pulls well through the rest of the RPM range. Cornering with the "midship" design platform was quite pleasing and for the first time, actually made me realize that the car would allow me to corner faster than I wanted to. I am extremely pleased with the G35 and my wife loves it too.

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  Im still in love - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Friscomama - February 12 - 8:23 pm

  Ive had my car now for almost a year and Im still in love. The gas mileage is about 21 mpg around the city and approx. about 25 highway.

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  Just go and drive one with all the toys - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Dallas - February 12 - 11:43 am

  I have been driving high performance Benz and BMW for years, but had the itch for more room and luxury without giving up performance. I am past the days of status statements with automobiles and started my search from behind the wheel test driving cars with a budget of 55K. In the end the G35S was the car, it delivers more luxury and features than the BMW 5s and better performance and features than the Benz Es, all for just under 40K with all options.

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  Wow!!! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Rene - February 9 - 5:26 am

  Great looks moving and standing still. Just a nice car all over. Once thought about owning one. My dream come true.