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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  Watch Out - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Watch Out - December 15 - 6:40 pm

  Dont believe all the hype folks. I admit that I was also fooled by the sticker in the window. 19/25 MPG. Never happened!!! It gets more like 14/17 MPG. Had to return it on numerous occasions concerning the transmission slipping, and the car trying to over heating on me, excessive water in the head lamps. I have to take it back today for more work. Great price for all you get but its not worth the headaches in the long run.

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  Engine longevity in question - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By donmagargal - October 10 - 8:29 am

  I purchased my infinity in 2007 with 35,000 miles on odometer. I purchased it because it was rated top in all catagories to include engine performance and low incidence of repair. Recently, I have had a severve problem with engine consuming oil (2 qts. per month). I contacted infinity dealer and they told me to replace both valve covers at $250 per cover. It was a 50\50 chance that it would cure the oil copnsumption problem. After $800 in parts and labor, my infinitety continues to cunsume oil. It appears that the only fix for this problem is the purchase of a new engine. The car is now out of warranty to include oringinal warranty and a 3 year extended warranty purchased in 2007. Trapped!

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  Never again. - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By thunderhexed - September 30 - 5:56 am

  Bought my 2006 laser red coupe used in Summer of 2009. Was my dream car, key word - WAS - until after a few months in. It was a one owner with a clean carfax. Had 31K on it when I bought it. I now have 52K on it and have already had major issues with the car. Tire pressure light keeps tripping and flashing, leather is tearing and showing wear, bose system went out (a $600.00 repair) and dont even get me started on the paint finish. The car only has 51K miles and it looks as if its been sand blasted or towed behind a gravel truck. Dealership is extremely arrogant, lazy and it takes almost up to two weeks just to get in for a simple oil change. Never again! Mercedes here i come...

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  Nice looking, thats about it. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Yemi - June 14 - 8:00 pm

  I like the way the car looks, but thats about it though. In the first year I have owned this vehicle, I had the driver window repaired, the heated seat go out, the $300 third brake light go out, the clear coat on the wing peel, the rear leather in the rear panel fall off, the $400 front brakes replaced and I average about 20 mpg on the highway and I dont have a lead foot. The gas mileage is about the same as a full-size pickup. We own two other Infinitis and no problems like this one. Good thing the car has a good resale value. I am buying a truck. The gas mileage is about the same and doesnt require premium fuel.

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  do not buy this car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By h8tinfi - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car in for service items 4 times, (1)window off track, (2)clutch slipping, (3)drivers seat broken, (4) interior falling apart, first off the warranty is horrible, I have been asked to pay for parts, and it seeems as if the drivers seat falling apart was my fault,(still waiting for parts from Japan 4 weeks, have you ever tried to drive a manual trans. with a seat that slides 4 inches front to back with a press of the gas petal) Although service department is world class (third world), I would not recomend a G35 or Infiniti to anyone! Save your money!!

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  Not a comfortable ride. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By chris19890101 - May 5 - 6:23 pm

  Everything is good about the car except for the plastic interior, hard suspension, and uncomfortable seats.

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  Dont buy! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By 2003 Infiniti G35 Lu - February 9 - 2:06 am

  After owning this vehicle, (2nd owner) for 3 years I have replaced the whole braking system 3 times, the stereo console quit which had to be replaced at $1000 and then I now have to replace the whole engine at 140,000 km. For a luxury car this is the absolute crap. I will never buy Nissan/Infinity again. Inifinti customer service is a waste of time. Dont Buy!

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  Good engine - but issues are usually expensive - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mclovin7980 - January 21 - 7:06 am

  11 yrs and 135,000 kms basic city use. Durable, however these are the issues that are costly. 1. Brakes - they wear out quicker than most cars and are expensive. 2. Radio/AC malfunction in most models is a costly dealer repair. 3. Some oil leak issues are common 4. Self repairs are not easy for this model, replacing the battery and headlights etc. Otherwise this model is satisfactory for a durable engine and I would rate it a 7/10 for satisfaction.

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  2004 Sport Coupe 6 speed - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By jbpgus - December 30 - 9:43 pm

  The purchase of this car was the worst part. I knew I would pay full price for the car, but they wanted to add on lots of after market equipment or they would not sell it to me. Needless to say I felt ripped off from the start. The car itself drives beautifully and almost makes up for the pain of dealing with the dealership. Love the sound of the engine and still fun to drive

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  good but problems - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Keith Brown - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I must say that at first sight I loved this car. But after having it for several months now. I am not in love anymore. First, since first getting the car I had an annoying rattle sounds coming from the drivers side. I brought the car in and they said they fixed the problem. I didnt get 2 blocks away, the problem is still there. Then the CD player breaks, which didnt suprise me since it sounds like a cheap toy everytime it changes CDs.Got a new CD player, the new one does the same thing so it will probably break again, but while there I got them to look at the noise again... rest of review in favorite features below