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:

• 

  Loving it ! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By D Cornellier - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I love this car ! This is not the first new car Ive ever purchased, but so far, it is my favorite.

• 

  Permanent Grin - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By atlthinker - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Who can pass up the beautiful, contemporary styling of this car?!?! Now, add to that the superb perfomance of the 260HP VQ engine and the incredible handling of this vehicle and Ive gotten everthing Ive wanted in a car! I cant say enough about how this car moves down the road with such aplomb! And, you will be amazed at the number of people who stop to ask you about your car, so be ready!

• 

  No nonsense sports sedan - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By ppnff - September 5 - 2:36 am

  Traded in a 2003 Honda Accord for this vehicle, looking for better rear wheel drive handling and ability to carry the kids around. Exhaust tone is great, subtle on freeways, but opens up to let everyone knows its presences. Simple interior layout and design, and none of the out-of-control electonic gizmos (except it does have Bluetooth), gorgeous exterior design. G35s price point makes other rear wheel drive vehicle look like price divas. Love the car!

• 

  A TRUE sports sedan - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By KT - September 2 - 4:16 pm

  Ive had my 07 g35 sport automatic for about 3 weeks now. I cannot believe how exciting it is to drive! From a technology and performance standpoint, there is no other car that can touch it in this class. You currently cannot even buy a BMW 3 series (at any price) that comes with as many options as this car straight from the factory. The car is definitely as fast as it looks. If you want fuel economy, look elsewhere. Hopefully you dont think scorching acceleration should offer 30 mpg. Im getting 18 mpg in the city and around 21 mpg on the highway.

• 

  G35 is FUN to Drive! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By jburme - September 1 - 9:30 pm

  Just purchased the Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe (5 speed/auto. So far, so good! LOVE the look of the car and the looks I get driving it! It handles very well on the road, especially evident on turns... very tight! The minute I turn the key in the ignition, Im reminded of the power (3.5 liter/V6/280 HP)I may as well have just heard the announcer say, "Start your engines!" Interior is comfy, but may be a difficult for someone a bit larger and, unless its an emergency, Id forget about offering a ride to a third person. The back seat is small! The Bose sound system rocks and it seems to be providing me with fairly good gas mileage. All things considered - this is a great car for the money!

• 

  Waited too long for the fun! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By SkippyJ - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I did not want another crappy front driver and I waited after hearing of the performance. I was rewarded-you bet ya. It is fun to blast Bimmers and the local street racers. My only complaint is the drivers seat sits too high. I got it with winter pack & premium,also added aero. The dealer cut a good deal- no games just a price that was $1800 below the MSRP. The Bose stereo sounds great-better than others have stated and finish and quality of all partsis great. I hope everyone has a much fun as I am having. I am a 6 footer and the car fits me just fine-rear seat can be a bit tight behind me.

• 

  2004 Infiniti - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Bruce Hether - August 30 - 4:26 pm

  The G35 is a perfect sports sedan that is reasonably priced. One of the best features of the car is the handling. Drives on curves like its glued. The G35 has one of the largest back seats and trunks in the category.

• 

  MY LOANER WAS BUILT BETTER - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By OTIS GLAMORE - August 28 - 11:16 pm

  THE REASON IM ON THIS SITE IS TO SEE IF I CAN SELL IT AND BREAK EVEN... RECALLS, OMINOUS SQUEEKING IN A WHEEL THAT SERVICE WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE, A DASH BOARD THAT IS FALLING OUT OF THE FRAME, PLASTIC ON PLASTIC CREAKING, INSTRUMENT PANEL "GLASS CRACKING, TRIM FALLING OFF COMPLETELY, ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND TRULY OPEC-PLEASING GAS EFFICIENCY...BUT ITS BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT!

• 

  Love my new G35 - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By El Zaphod - August 25 - 11:16 pm

  Three weeks ago I bought a new 2005 Acura TL. It was beautiful inside and out but it drove badly. Torque steer, Brakes pulled, vibration in pedal and steering wheel at speed. I just traded it in on a 2005 G35. I love the G35. It drives properly. (keep in mind I have been driving a Mecedes E Class for the last ten years so my idea of properly is RWD) I find that the G35 drives a lot like my My Mercedes but it has a lot more power and is more noisy. anyway, I love it so far.

• 

  Sport Coupe Best Bang for Buck - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By astral112 - August 25 - 10:00 am

  This car will get lots of attention and admiring glances, even from cops. Ive driven mine for six months and have had no problems whatsoever. It has scary power and handles like a dream. The only car I drove (and I tested a bunch) that compared was the BMW 330 and that cost a lot more and didnt look as good. Besides, in the G35 you dont see yourself coming and going like you do in the BMW. The back seat is actually usable and the sport styling doesnt suffer because of it. Handling and power are the biggest pros. No real cons.