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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  Great Handling - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Pitoneux - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I had this car for about 1.5 month now and for a sport car, at that price, I couldnt be more happier.

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  wow - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jamz - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my g35 coupe since January. The Obsidian Black is just a flat out beautiful car. What a blast to drive. Ive driven a 330 coupe for the past year, and I have absolutely no regrets in choosing this car over the BMW. Cant tell you how many heads the car turns every time I take it out of the garage. And the car performs and handles as good, if not better than the BMW. Every time I take it out, I find the long way home just to get a few extra minutes driving it.

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  Awesome car... powerfull - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By tolydj - August 22 - 8:43 pm

  Bought it wrecked, fixed it got alignment at dealer runs perfectly better than some other ones on road. Has beautiful power for a sedan and the six speed is very easy to drive. Parts are cheap. Very nice interior great heated seats. Sounds great, got a cold air intake makes very nice engine sound. Smoked the 00-04 yrs mustang gt.

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  Awesome car!!! Number 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By freddy - August 22 - 12:36 am

  first of all this car has so many power. the first time i bought it i thought i made a huge mistake. i thought i should of bought the nissan 350z. after a while i knew i made the right decision. this car had so much power it was just unbelieveable. i love infiniti g35 coupe.

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  Vroom Vroom - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By C Kelley - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I always thought a car was four wheels and an engine. Not anymore! This is such a fun car to drive. It handles like a dream and those 260 horses are ready when I am. It hugs the road even at high speeds. When I tell my friends that I bought the G35 they all say they have heard great things about the car and my friends that have actually seen the car go nuts. They want one too! In the past 10 days I have driven from LA to San Diego, Morro Bay and La Jolla. What a ride!

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  Total change - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Casseleyot - August 14 - 10:00 am

  After six DeVilles, thought I would try something more fun to drive, but thought I would have to give up comfort and luxury features...NOT! The G35 has great road feel, tremendous mid-range (35-90+mph)torque, supportive comfortable seats, and a beautiful cabin layout. It also has most of the luxury features of my 03 DHS, including great sound system, satellite radio, zoned air, heated, multi-adjustable and lumbar supported drivers seat. Even for an older driver like myself, its a lot of fun to drive.

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  Great car - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By middle age man - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Great car all around, fun to drive, the power is there when you need it, the features are great and easy to use, I like it way better then my old BMW 3 series

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  Good Car - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By wonderful - August 9 - 4:50 pm

  We leased this car in 2/07, it was a great ride and car. The only thing is that the seats were very hard and if you went for a long ride it was a killer on your back, esp. a 2 1/2 hr trip.

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  Youth Recaptured - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Barry Hubbard - August 8 - 1:20 pm

  I liked my 2003 G35 so much I traded for a 2006 just like it. The most noticeable difference: the brakes are just as powerful but no longer hyper- sensitive, i.e. grabby. Maneuverability and instant throttle response make highway or city driving a delight...at any speed (I had the 2003 up to 120 mph once - I wont tell you where - and it felt rock-solid). I enjoy the 2006s added features - high intensity headlights, dual-zone a/c, power passenger seat, and garage door opener, but theyre "gravy" on what was already a wonderfully thought out car. It "fits like a glove," seats four comfortably, and looks the way a sport sedan ought to look. At 68 I feel young again.

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  Luxurious, well-built and sporty - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By bman33 - August 7 - 8:23 pm

  I am very happy with this car. Solid ride, quiet, nice interior. Visually distinct lines on the car. Very responsive steering. Transmission shifts are smooth and close together. Coming off a 2003 Audi A6, the build and ride quality of the G35X seems much better. Averaging 20 mpg in mixed driving.