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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Not What I thought It Was - 2008 Infiniti G35
By Doc. D - September 29 - 5:40 amI bought this car used thinking that it would be the best car that I would ever own. It turned out to be ok, but was a big let down. Driving it off the lot I felt great I thought it was a reliable car for my wife. In the Arkansas rain my wife hydroplaned and ended up in on coming traffic. The so called traction that this car has is supposed to help it stay on the road but it doesnt and when the slip light comes on you are already all over the road I thought it was just my wife driving bought some $1000 tires to go on there to make sure she was safe and then it happened to me but I was able to keep control of the car. AC runs very loud.
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Great Car, Lifetime Impact - 2005 Infiniti G35
By mark2013 - September 28 - 6:25 amBack in October I bought an 05 G35x and was a great choice. Ive been through 3 generations of Infinitis and never had any problems. Since mine was bought through an auction when it was taken in for routine maintenance there were all the service records were maintained. Not saying everyone will agree about how great a G35x is but in my opinion a fun & great car compared to alot of the higher end luxury cars.
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07 G35 Sedan - 2007 Infiniti G35
By G35 Houston - September 27 - 4:56 pmThe new G is fast, and handles great. The Sport model suspension is firm without being harsh, and the paddle shifters for the 5AT are excellent. Inside all of the amenities are within easy reach, and the layout (especially the gauges) is outstanding. Sport seats are comfortable, and hold you snugly through any maneuver :-) The trunk space is pretty limited, and the rear seats dont fold down :-(, so theres room for even large suitcases, but not wide items. Fuel economy is pretty dismal, but to be fair I drive it in manual shift mode all the time, and rarely shift up to 5th except on the highway. Great car, great price, Im delighted.
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The G35 is Awesome! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By rthiemke - September 26 - 10:00 amThis is truly a drivers car. It catches many eyes and feels like a sports car from a much more expensive class. It combines class, style, luxury, and sport. Thanks Infinity for making a unique car!
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My Favorite Car Ever! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By wam - September 26 - 10:00 amThis car drives like a luxury sedan but is as fast as many sports cars. I get more looks and questions about this car than I have any other.
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the g35 experience - 2003 Infiniti G35
By golfmzee - September 26 - 10:00 amI have had the G35 since May. Wow! It has really exceeded my expectations in all areas of performance and handling. I find the styling very exciting. I always looked back at it when I park it. Prefer it to my wifes BMW 3series. Lots of looks and nice remarks from other motorists. One of the most underated cars around. Buy It!
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Worth It - 2003 Infiniti G35
By pfowler991 - September 26 - 10:00 amTakes this 52 yr old back to heart thrumbing drives......
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A Fun Car to Own - 2003 Infiniti G35
By Susan - September 26 - 10:00 amMy sedan is a pleasure to ride...handles well and has plenty of pep. The car is surprisingly spacious inside...backseat passengers frequently comment about the comfort. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is considering an Infiniti.
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my G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
By sheila chunis - September 26 - 10:00 amI bought this as a gift to myself for suffering hard times. Every time I drive it I remember how good I am to myself. It drives fast, smooth and really turns well. Everybody loves the comfort and the sound system is so lovely. It is a dream car.
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BLACK MAGIC !!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By MICHAEL J. - September 26 - 10:00 amGREAT CAR !!! HIGHLY RECOMENDED ! LOTS OF COMPLIMENTS TOO !
