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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  Glad I got it!!! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Chris C. - December 26 - 8:40 pm

  Had an 05 Acura TL. Traded it in for the 2006 G35. MIGHT have kept it if it were rear wheel drive. But needed something sportier. The G35 fits the bill. Almost got the 350Z, but I wanted something a little bigger with a usable back seat and a less harsh ride. I wish it had better mileage. But 300 horses gotta be fed. If youre thinking of buying one, the G35 wont disappoint. Truly a great car. I only had the car for 2 weeks. Ill do a follow up in 6 mos and tell you if I still luv it as much.

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  Best Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Champ - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I have been in the Automotive business for 20 years plus and was a former STS owner. This is my first Import due to the nature of my business. The G-35 is a great Car.From the straight forwardness of the dealership to the vehicle itself. The interior controls are all common sense (Domestic Mfgs take Note!)as well as the comfort,fit and finish.I love to go anywhere with this car!The ride and handling is subperb and anyone looking for a class act try a G-35. Well Done Infinity!!!

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  G35 Coupe - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By John Mozena - December 20 - 8:23 pm

  Great car with luxury features at resonable rates. The sports package drives tight and responsive. The seat belt is alittle tight across the shoulder but is the only complaint I can find. The new lakeshore blue is outstanding with the larger wheels and tires.

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  Ready for liftoff... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By powercat - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This car handles like a dream, solid and quick. My only complaints are the notchy manual shift linkage and a minor rattle in the rear package panel.

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  Awesome fun - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jinu117 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Great handling with powerful sedan at reasonable price. Defintely drviers car. A TRUE sports sedan. (up to now, sports sedan usually meant good handling decent power car or so so handling good power... not any more) Ride is plenty comfortable considering the performance (hard bumps are not as hard as before but small bumps feel a little more pronounced) Great contender for BMW 3 series. PS) The reliability rating is just guess at this point.

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  Awesome car, sad to sell - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Brandi - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my G! I have had it for two and a half years now and still have so much fun driving it. We have not had any problems with it other than recently the drivers window stopped working for a day, but now it is working again. Ive had Nissans in the past and that tends to be a bit of an issue with them. We do most of the maintaining of it ourselves and its not expensive to keep up with. We have had many adults in the backseat also and as long as you dont hit bumps too hard to where their head hits the glass, its not too bad. Been on many road trips in it and get decent gas mileage and have a blast passing people on 2 lane roads! All in all I love it!

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  Best in Class - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By jrizzo575 - December 16 - 7:16 pm

  There is no better value in the "Entry-Level Luxury Sedan" genre than the Infiniti G35. I have the Journey trim with the Sport Package. Awesome. Better than I expected. Great ride, powerful, quick and a real head turner. Interior is beautiful, too. After looking at Acura TL, 3-Series BMW and others, there is really no comparison. Only downside is MPG. I am getting about 19 living in congested Washington DC spending 50% of time in "city driving" conditions. German manufacturers beware! The G35 delivers luxury and performance that Lexus and Acura cannot match.

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  great - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By james hancock - December 14 - 2:00 am

  the only thing i would say about his car that i dont like its virtually useless in snow when you have the "anti grip type featur on" but i have never seen a car that drives well on ice or significant snow yet anyway besides an suv. overall very happy the car is a real eye catcher in twilight blue...

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  WOW - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Gene Broady - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the best of the best

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  A great sedan - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Erik - December 13 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car to replace my Jetta 1.8T that had tons of problems. I drive a lot for work (about 100 miles per day) so Ive spent a lot of time driving this car. The car is very comfortable and has a nice handling/ride balance. I personally would like it to be a bit less resistant to body roll but its much sportier than most of whats available. Brakes are pretty strong as well. The 3.5L V6 has plenty of power, and has a nice sound to boot. There are some nice touches throughout the car: the adjustable instrument panel, the reclining rear seats, dual-zone climate control, etc. The backseat is much larger than it looks. I bought it because I thought it presented a great value.