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:

• 

  Breath of Fresh Air - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Ifiniti04 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Stylish Elegant/Classy Fast Sound of Motor (roars...) Gas Saver compared to my previous 2001 VW Passat. Price vs. full package. Reasonable.

• 

  One Month Review - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By gmk519 - August 16 - 9:00 pm

  Ive had my G35x for a few weeks now. It is everything I expected. Outstanding performance with very luxurious features for this market segment. Prior to purchase I looked at 3series, A4 3.0 Qttro, Passat GLX, and Volvo S60. All with AWD, all similar price range. But none came close to performance of the G35 (except the 330 which cost thousands more). More importantly, the complaints made about the 04 model have been addressed in the 05! Steering wheel controls now illuminate, horsepower is up to 280, and the steering wheel telescope is now power operated with memory seat. If you want a head-turning sport sedan with AWD for around $35k (includes premium package)...check out this car!

• 

  For Driving Enthusiast - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Jake - August 14 - 7:00 pm

  2006 A/T coupe. Purchased in 4/09 for $23K with 27K miles. Since its important to know what kind of person is writing the review: 24 years old, no kids, fresh out of college, girlfriend and no house payments. Also have a 95 Acura Integra 2dr. This car is perfect for anyone looking for an amazing sports car that is a great everyday driving vehicle. This thing handles and performs so well that I was able to keep up with two friends on sport bikes on a twisty back road. I researched cars for months trying to find something that was what I wanted for a reasonable price. I looked in to the Audi, BMW 3 and Lexus IS 250. This car for the price won hands down.

• 

  UNHAPPY CUSTOMER - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By JENNA - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Regardless of everything that you may read, you must read this. I am sooo frustrated w/ this car appropriate words can not even explain. My G35 coupe has a consecutive problem with stalling and not starting. For a car that has only 4000 miles on it, it has been to the dearlership for service atleast 6xs a month. I cant wait until I get out of this lease (the sooner the better). I would not recogmend this vehicle to anyone. The next time I want luxury and quality service I will go to BMW or LEXUS.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By TSSDORIC - August 12 - 10:00 am

  You know the SAAB TV Commercial where their vehicle "sticks" (graphically) to the road? Well, the G35 is THAT CAR! She holds a cloverleaf exit at 60 mph if youre so inclined and accelerates when and if you need her to, emulating some of the greatest vehicles on the road today! The BOSE sound system provides superior sound reproduction and shes got an ease of in-cab control!

• 

  new g35 - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By coryz - August 11 - 11:13 pm

  overall this is the best car that i have ever owned. it still gives me the sports car experience of my past cars but with the luxury type ride when i want it, but without being ultra luxury since i want to still have a fun driving experience.

• 

  What a great buy! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By what a great buy! - August 10 - 6:26 am

  After spending some time looking, my wife and i bought the same G35 Sport (2008). Comfort, handling and technology. All superb. If your into music entertainment systems in your car, you"ll find the "technology" package to be impressive. Not to mention a very quick 306 engine and race car like suspension. I cant wait to get past my 500 break-in miles to see what i really have!

• 

  Excellent Sports Sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Chris Brua - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought G35 sedan after test-driving most in its class. Exterior styling appeals to me except for doggie door on trunk (changed for any car built after 9/2002). Performance exceptional for a V6 automatic. Saw no reason to pay an extra $10K (33%!) for BMW 330i. 330i is more refined and has a nicer interior, but G35 has more room, better styling, and a better sound system. First Infiniti Ive owned. Build quality seems good though it developed a rattle in the dash after two-weeks that was there for a day and then gone the next. Would love to have gotten the 280hp coupe (with a manual trans), but my lease was up and I needed a car ASAP.

• 

  WOW!!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By SVX1992 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  There is a soo much to say about this car! Youd have to drive for yourself to understand. I love eveything about it.

• 

  think twice before you buy - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Look Good, Think Twi - August 7 - 4:33 pm

  The G35 Infinity is reliable. The Bose system is excellent. The front end is solid but the steering is poor. The engine has some power but the high-end torque is non-existent! If you like the exterior styling then this is the only good said about the G35. Everything else falls below average. If engine, steering, suspension, brakes, vision, and all the other characteristics about any car are all good then one would think that the car is all good, right? Wrong! And very wrong at that! It is how everything works in coherence that is of 100% importance, and this car (G35) has nothing working in coherence! American, German cars will be honest with gas mileage, Infinity will not. Think Twice!