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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  Best Car for the $ - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By aceizwild - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the Luxury Leather model with Premium, Sport, Aero, Sunroof,Xenon, etc. in black/black...car is hot!...Fast, stylish and all this for under $35k...considered A4 3.0 and BMW 330Ci but could not compare for the price...Also, I get the performance of the 3 series and size of the 5 series...cant go wrong...only issue I have is car idles at 400 RPM when in drive at full stop...this wouldnt be a problem except i notice a slight vibration as if the car is struggling not to stall...anyone else notice this?

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  Great decision to buy G35X! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By stevenjamie - December 9 - 11:30 pm

  Researched and looked for almost 6 mos before deciding on the G35x. I drove the BMW 3 series, Lexus IS 350, Honda Accord, Pontiac G8 GT & Toyota Camry... and by far, the Infiniti G35x outperformed all of them. It was the only one I walked away from being "blown away" by. Also, for the money compared to the 3 series, it is a steal!! You are not going to find a sports sedan with all this offers for a better price. Period! Im 64 and Im very comfortable in the G35x.

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  03 and 04 G35 Coupes - Still have both in 2013 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By ay9i - December 9 - 4:18 pm

  4 vehicles in the household, BMW, Infiniti QX4, and 2 G35s - an 03 and 04. Have had many other brands. We have kept our G35s all these years as they are a wonderful blend of performance, appearance, and luxury appointments supported by an outstandingly reliable and safe, fun to drive sporty car with usable back seat and cargo/trunk. The only problems - ever - are minor electrical over 9 and 10 years. Door lock actuators on both cars failed ($150 ea) and radio/climate control head repair ($400) on the 04. Both vehicles have about 70k miles garaged but driven year round including rough Canadian winters. Simply unbeatable combination of value, quality, reliability, luxury and fun.

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  Great Car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Walter Pidgen - December 8 - 1:10 am

  Great Car. It turns heads wherever you go. At last a car I can feel comfortable with merging onto the freeways. Fantastic power and control.

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  Infiniti G35 one fun car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By T. Reed - December 5 - 11:56 pm

  Great car and tons of fun. It feels solid on the road and handles well on the turns. Has plenty of get up and go.

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  Great Buy - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Wilam David - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the Infiniti G35 and it is Amazing. It handles better then my old BMW 330xi. The Infiniti has a better stero system then in my BMW. It has All Wheel Drive to.

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  2007 Infiniti G35 x - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By ronde62 - December 3 - 2:10 am

  I bought this car about 18 months ago after owning a G35 2003 coupe. This car is more practical, comfortable, and downright faster than the last car. Infiniti really got this one right! The perfect blend of sport and luxury. I can drive the family on a road trip in comfort, do the daily commute to work, and tear up the road when I get the urge.

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  g35 takes the cake - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By will mansi - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I think that the Infiniti G35x AWD is the best entry level sports sedan out there. I have test driven the bmw 330 and the acura tl, and the G blows its competition away. It is truly a luxury sports car that will make you look forward to getting behind the wheel!

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  Annoying problem - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By roble - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I loved my G35 sedan with premium and sport package for the first few weeks. I figured out how to get the best sound from the Bose with Bass at -1, Treble at -3 or 4, fader at RR1. I had to have the dealer install a foam kit to fix door rattles from the front speakers. Im putting up with the inadequate suspension thats too harsh when driving slow over uneven pavement and jostles you around when turning slowly over a raised surface. But I have little squeaks and rattles that come and go in the right door or dash that cant be pinpointed. Very annoying.

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  Oops I did it again - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Car Jinxed - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car for the looks, performance, and value. Unfortunately, since I bought the car it has been in the shop. The car has a pull to the right that Infiniti is unable to resolve. I had issues with my last vehicle purchase - will I ever get a good one?