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:

• 

  new owner - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By n kane - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Just got it two weeks ago. Ride a little busier on lousy roads than I would have liked but getting better. Mirrors are small - I knew that before purchase. Gas milage is what was expected. Everybody I know with a 3,400 lb maxima gets + 20-21 mpg, so I expect less. Beige (Willow) leather interior looks richer than the black. Would like to have wood trim option without package. Wow am I picky!

• 

  Better than a 350Z for your money. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Actor Great Guy - October 16 - 10:00 am

  A pure pleasure to drive,in the city or on the open road.Great lines on the body,a nice rear end,since most people will see it as you past.At 280 H.P.what a hoot.I have the color Diamond Graphite,with dark charcoal leather int.A great combo.I get a lot of looooks.A previous z owner.I had a 300zx 1990 for 13 years.A great car,I hated to part with it.I look at the new 350Zs,but for the money the G35 was the obvious choice.

• 

  Best Car Ive Ever Owned... - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By jhanlon475 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Of course I have to be fair and admit that I bought it to replace a Honda Civic with 100,000+ miles, and that Civic had replaced a Volkswagen Fox with 130,000 miles. I have been referring to the Infiniti as my first adult car. It met my criteria for an "adult car" (it had four doors)and my wifes limitations which were few ("you can buy anything you want so long as it has four wheel drive"). There were only a few cars that were ever in the running. The Audi A4 was out because we had two friends who lived through Audi quality issues (failing ignition coils). In the end it was the BMW 330XI vs. the Infiniti G35X. The Infiniti was just a nicer car for the money.

• 

  From one G35 to another - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By G350wner - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a sedan in 02 and loved it.It was fun to drive and comfortable .It seated four passengers comfortably.I now own the coupe its a different car.Its truely a sports car that looks good with little compromise.

• 

  6 Month Review! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By JRealtor05 - October 11 - 5:06 pm

  Even after 6 months, this car is still the best buy to be had in the entry level luxury segment. The build quality of the interior has weakened within the past 6 months and there are noticable squeaks and rattles in various spots. Also, the speakers vibrate a lot despite not playing loud music. The interior is very comfortable and luxurious but I am disappointed by the power seat controls on the inner seat because you lose things between the seat and console with no hope of rescue. Still very comfortable on long drives with a relatively smooth, sporty ride. The styling still turns heads when you drive it. Lots of compliments on the car. Fuel economy is consistent at 19 mpg but it is AWD.

• 

  Great value, but... - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By stradale - October 10 - 2:13 am

  This car is a blast. It handles superbly, revs quickly all the way up to 7500, and offers superior comfort. For the money it cant be beat. However, its a little rough around the edges. The throttle hangs when you release it and then the RPMs drop suddenly, limiting responsiveness. Engine vibrates noticeably at higher RPM. Sunroof seems to create some wind noise at >70 MPH.

• 

  Why buy a Z - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Mikeis1 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I have looked at many cars from a 330 to a 2002 sc430 and a corvette I was in the market for a $35,000 car that is fun to drive. I have found it the G35 is a blast and I am enjoying it everyday I am trying not to put miles on it but that is hard to do.

• 

  Better than a 3 series - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By mickey b - October 1 - 10:20 am

  Vehicles handling and acceleration, is comparable to the 330i. Comfort and roominess is superior to same. Lexus has nothing that compares in this price range.

• 

  GreaT!!! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Jasmine - September 30 - 2:36 pm

  Amazing acceleration, 280 horse power and the sound of the engine and exhaustÂ… Worth every penny. Strong, sexy, fast, quick, reliable. I still dont understand why it is not as expensive as it should be, but good for me. Its been 9 months Ive been driving Ininiti G35 Coupe, and I appreciate each and every minute of it. This car is better for those who know about cars and appreciate a powerful engine. Bose sound system is very good, support suspension makes it even sweeter. This is just a great car, its performance will amaze you. SmoothÂ… For those who know how to drive stick shift and dont mind driving in the traffic, manual is much stronger... I test drove it, and was amazing.

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By JeffH - September 30 - 12:10 pm

  I was in a severe accident in this car, and I walked away without a scratch. Very very reliable safety features!