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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  G35 Coupe, Love it!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Hauss4069 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the car for 3 weeks. As of now, we really like the car.

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  G35 Journey w/ Premium Package - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Mark D - January 9 - 8:16 am

  Im very happy with our purchase. Yes, mileage is not that great, but its still better than my truck, and theres more horsepower too. My lone complaint is that its primarily my wifes daily driver and not mine! But thats hardly Infinitis fault.

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  2003 G35 w/performance pkg - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Wm. Cerniuk - January 7 - 5:26 am

  Had twin turbo Mitsu 3000 for 11 years before this. G35 is a sig step down in performance. Like rear wheel drive but tires narrow for weight of car, spinning out too easy. Ext. paint is cheap/thin and chips very easily. Interior plastic parts (changed to alum on 2004) are showing wear even though I baby it, damn cheap stuff. Is this a GM car? Dealer price on Brembo pads and rotors for care is almost $4,000. First and last Nissan product I buy. Next time Lexus, BMW or Merc. No place to plug my iPod, whats up with that? No bluetooth!! Paint on gear shift wore off under hand! Cheap cheap cheap. They lie about the gas mileage, really 23 highway, not 27

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  G35 Sedan is a blast - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By JFC657 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased the 2003 G35 Sedan with the premium and winter package and have enjoyed it on a daily bases. Even though the car is a sedan it still has a sports car feel and handling. The interior is roomy and comfortable. Im 6"5 and the G35 has enough leg room and head room for me. I recommend this car for those that need the convinence of a sedan and the sportiness of a coupe.

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  Great Performer - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By LUV my G35 - January 4 - 12:36 pm

  This is one of the best handling cars I have ever had. The weight balance , front to rear is aerodynamic, transmission shifts smoothly and it has plenty of power.

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  New Driver - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Rocketman - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Great car however there are some cheap plastic bits on the inside that dont belong in a car this price. Upgraded sound system is no more than adequate.

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  Almost too good to be true - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By c.font - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Beauty and brawn. What more can one ask for in a car? Low price, perhaps? Well look no further...the G35 has it all. After shopping all manufacturers in this class and the next, there is not a car that costs less than $45,000 that I would rather own.

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  Great car for the money - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Ron M. - December 31 - 8:53 am

  I have been driving my recently purchased G35x for a month now. Overall great car but you get what you pay for. Lots of power and smooth ride, most of the time. Beware of the rattles and tick noises. When test driving tell the salesmen to be quiet and turn off the so-so Bose stereo. Listen to the car over bumps and drive it on the freeway if possible. Once a noisy car always a noisy car. I have had mine in the shop/dealer for about a week trying to figure out where all the rattles are coming from. They are almost gone, almost. The phantom rattle in the center of the dash is the most elusive. Have the car inspected by a third party brake guy before you buy, this will save you later.

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  Move over 3-series - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By rckbnkr - December 29 - 11:16 pm

  Absolutely a blast to drive, especially with the windows down listening to the mellifluous exhaust notes the handling is way better than any 3-series bimmer. Has very unique, elegant and sophisticated styling cues. Stereo is pretty darn good producing very tight bass and brilliant highs... Too many things this already great car can improve on but then again, considering the price factor, there simply is not car out there with more bang for the buck in terms of raw power and sophistication (technology) dollar for dollar.

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  2008 Infiniti G35 Journey - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Brian - December 27 - 11:26 am

  Absolutely love this car! I have the Blue slate with grey interior and 18s. From the exterior styling and color, to the interior gauges and design, to the 306 hp engine...this car has it all!! Ive never felt so exhilarated behind the wheel before.