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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  Highway Cruiser - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Sid S - February 7 - 3:40 pm

  We Love this Car! This is our 5th Nissan product and the Best yet. Started with a 240sx and worked up through Altima, Maxima and finally to the Infinity G35x. The move from the Maxima to the G35 was like coming into the Light. The car is tight, nimble and fast... almost too fast for my wife (but she really loves the "pickup") she just has to be somewhat carefull with the "Fast pedal" In the pasty weeks Ive driven it about 1000 highway miles and love tooling up and down the Merritt Pkwy in CT going to/from Boston. The "G "holds the road and goes where and when I want it too. For me, dollar for dollar its the Best Value out there. Even better than the Maxima- which was a great value.

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  It Is All True - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Garnet Fire - February 7 - 10:00 am

  In two months of driving my G35 I have determined that the reviews are accurate: this car is fun to drive and the best value by far (I compared Audi, BMW, Saab, Volvo). Yes, you trade power for fuel economy. The G35 is the fastest and tightest car I have owned; the suspension is surprisingly tighter than my I30t, which was sport. I cannot imagine how firm the sport suspension would be in this car.

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  G35 Coupe 6MT...enough said - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By gboi - February 7 - 5:13 am

  What else can you say about this car. The performance is absolutely amazing for the price and can hang with other car on the road for almost 20 grand more. Always looking forward in driving the G, catching people in the corner of your eye turning heads and hearing people tell you that youve got a sweet ride! No regrets.

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  G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By candyvp - February 6 - 7:33 am

  Fun to drive(handles like a go-cart); dependable; would recommend to others; my first Japanese car; would purchase again; enjoy being able to make appointments for service 7 days a week; only downside is brakes every wear excessive (all replaced within 18000 miles!).

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  Awesome car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Tone - February 3 - 8:30 am

  Car was the best purchase I have made. I am 20 years old and previous to this I had a acura rsx which did not have the low end torque i was lookng for. This car gives me everything I need. Performance is great, ride quality, and looks great inside and out. I test drove other cars in its class bmw 330 ci and lexus 350 and both cars just did not but out the amount of power car the g 35 does.

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  All I Need - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By RLee - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This car has all the things I was looking for. Fast, responsive, and comfortable. The rear seats recline! Why buy a 3 Series for more money?

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  G35 2005 - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By TUPSHAW - January 26 - 12:06 am

  I had the G35 2003 and the 2005 has more pickup due to the new trans. The 2003 had a delay in the acceleration. There is more room and the ride is better on the 2005.

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  See what old people think of this gem. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Grumpy Old Man - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Best head room for car of this size. 61 driver, others had less head room. Fun to drive, best car Ive owned at age 63.

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  NOT ALL THAT - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Scott Mc - January 21 - 10:00 am

  ItÂ’s a fun, powerful car that handles well. But there are many little things that add up, making it just an OK car overall. No memory in the seats, poor interior fit and finish, very soft paint (every tiny pebble chips paint). After a year there are more interior rattles than the local dealership can address.

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  Wow - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By difordo - January 19 - 6:26 pm

  Bought as a grey import in Dubai, had to have it after seeing it at the used car dealership (20 miles on the clock). Looks gorgeous, a hoot to drive - accidentally got the performance package, which I guess spices it up even more. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a stylish coupe in this price range - its certainly far classier than a Beemer.