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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THE G ROCKS!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
By D4DJS - September 26 - 10:00 amI was shopping for a sport coupe and I had a few in mind (Mazda RX, Nissan Z,Lexus SC and the IMPRESSIVE G35!)I test drove all of them and it was simply love at first shift with the Infiniti! The G35 6MT was very responsive and it handled like a dream. It actually came down to the G or the Z! I went with the G for these reasons- back seats which created a lot more room for me @ 62", sunroof and a great luxury, sporty exterior design. Ive only had it for about 6 weeks and I have no complaints. The G was definititely the right choice for me. :o)
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G35 6MT - 2004 Infiniti G35
By bb - September 26 - 10:00 amGreat ride for the buck, a blast with 6 speed. Fun to drive, plenty of power & great brakes for when Im going too fast, which is important. One of the best looking cars on the market at any price.
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Excellent Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
By ivorypearlg - September 22 - 3:06 pmThe Infiniti G35 is an awesome car to own as it is to drive... If youre looking for a automobile in this class, I would consider this car to be among the top...
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More than I expected!! - 2004 Infiniti G35
By david@florida - September 20 - 2:00 amWent in to buy a G35 sedan but was lured away by the coupe. The difference in money was a no-brainer. I cant get over all this car has to offer...power, more power, superb handling, style, and did I mention power? Im around cars all day long, so Im not easily impressed. The G35 easily impressed me.
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G35 for Nic - 2004 Infiniti G35
By dae4nic - September 20 - 2:00 amI have enjoyed my brief but exciting experience with my new 2004 G35. This car is awesome and fun to drive. Its handling is superior and it takes off before you even begin to accelerate.
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Love My g35! - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Boo G35 - September 20 - 2:00 amThe interior of this car is so slick! For the money, i think it is the absolute best in its class. I get a lot of compliments. Its fast and cute, which is all I need. Im a former Acura RL owner and I like my smaller G35 much better.
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very nice luxury sport - 2003 Infiniti G35
By john :o) - September 18 - 10:00 amrides great and handles even better, the power is awesome
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WHOA! - 2003 Infiniti G35
By moundbayou - September 18 - 10:00 amI suddenly find myself not arguing with the wife about running out for milk or ice cream. Id like to take a day off from work just to run this mutha. Once I saw the price I knew that Id found my true soulmate. If you buy a Beemer instead just to say you have a Beemer, yousa fool.
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Infiniti G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
By Gil Lester - September 15 - 10:00 amThia car responds to a driver that knows how to drive well. A day in this car is very comfortable. Very well designed and alot of lookers.
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Everyone else, just pull over.... - 2003 Infiniti G35
By tqsurw - September 12 - 10:00 amI drive stick shifts, period. After testing a range of European sticks, and liking best the Audi S4 but despising the steep prices of the lot. On a whim, I cruised by Infiniti in my I30 after another test. Heck, might as well take the G35 for a spin, though the sorry thing--I thought--offered no manual option. If I could be typing this from my G I would, because its that good. The five-speed tiptronic thrills this stick-meister. The shift from 3rd to 4th will lose any 4-speed auto out there, regardless of engine size. The G WILL propel you to 140mph in a half- mile and beat (if you can drive) any comers, from Beamers to V8s at the light. With grace.
