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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  Go for the BMW 325xi - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Lefty - September 29 - 7:36 pm

  I bought a pre-owned 2004 G35x loaded, Nav, xenon, premium package, etc. I had it for 3 weeks before trading it in for a 2002 BMW 325xi, which is the car I should have purchased in the first place. The Infiniti got horrible gas mileage (13mpg) and within one week of purchase it needed new front brake rotors. Car has too much torque and cant get out of its own way. The car creaked and rattled. The BMW is a much better built car, fast, better gas mileage and a more sporty ride.

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  My new G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Kevin Beasly - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I honestly expected more out of this car. I expected far more than Nissan gave me. But thats not to say this car is awful because that it is not. I needed a second commuter car with more room than a normal sports car and its done its job.

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  Beautiful car, but expensive to maintain - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Silas - May 17 - 7:20 am

  This is a beautiful and powerful (306 horsepower) car. However, it is a sport edition which means different sized tires. This is a nightmare. Not only are the tires expensive, but I am on my third (yes, I said third set) and I only have 40K on the car. Also, the gas mileage is horrible. It averages about 14-16mpg. Terrible!

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  Nissans Inconsistency - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By ZX Zealot - March 14 - 8:50 pm

  Drove Nissan Z cars for 25 years. Loved them all. My 1990 was the most reliable, most fun, best car I ever owned. Kept it for 185K miles, 14 years. My Infiniti G35 Coupe is one of the worst, and Ill not keep it much longer. Nissan has dropped many notches on my acceptable car manufacturer list.

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  should have bought a 3 series - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By pablo24 - February 28 - 12:36 am

  any comparison between this uncomfortable, gas guzzler to a "luxury" car is a mistake. its fast, but wow, 18mpg combined and the seat controls biting my right leg and throwing my spine out of alignment make want to sell this thing today. it looks and drives fine, but anyone concerned with comfort and economics should avoid the g35x like the plague. ill be the guy who leaves it running on the dc beltway and walks off the 495 parking lot to the nearest bar. good luck...

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  Disappointed Gadget Guy - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Disappointed Buyer - November 20 - 2:53 am

  This is a great looking car with good performance but my main reason for buying it was all the gadgets that come with the car. The problem is many of these gadgets get locked out while driving. You cant make changes to the navigation system while driving. How crazy is that! Where would you use your navigation system, in your driveway? The car allows you to sync your phone book from your cell phone to the car but you cant use the sync phone book to place calls while driving. When would you use this, in your driveway again! Infiniti is doing this in the name of safety but a car companys job is not to play big brother.

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  2004 G35 Coupe Owner - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Holz - November 14 - 10:53 am

  While a fun car to drive, there are numerous troubles for a luxury sport coupe. The black paint is inferior, and worst of all, the dealer and Nissan says it is fine, though mentioning their paints require "lots of polish." Trouble with the seatbelt (jams in one position) was not handled by Orlando infinity. I now have trouble with the CD player and am convinced Orlando Infinity will say its okay.

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  HORRIBLE CAR! PLEASE READ - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Brian Stokes - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Perhaps I purchased a lemon. But in November I purchased a 04 G35 Coupe, black with black interior. XM Satellite, Navigation, heated seats. The car after having it for 3 months doesnt start correctly. In the snow it is horrible. I could not get the car out of the driveway with only 5" of snow on the ground. When I advised the dealership they told me to just get snow tires put on the car. But they did admit that the car needs to be towed in because of the performance in the snow.

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  XENON LIGHTS - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By mortarmom505 - May 1 - 10:13 pm

  This car has one major flaw which has disappointed us so much so we will never buy another Infiniti (weve owned several). Our Xenon headlights have been stolen from our car for the 2nd time in less than 6 months. Nissan knew of this problem way back... and supposedly made changes to their 2004 Nissan Maxima... however, Infiniti (which is Nissan) produced the 2004 G- 35 with the same theft friendly lights. We were not advised of this problem and feel quite indignant that Nissan/Infiniti has known about this problem yet continues to profit from the sale of expensive replacement lights. Ours hasnt been the only G in the neighborhood with stolen lights mutltiple times.

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  design - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Hilda - January 4 - 2:00 am

  design very good to look at but claustrophobic. top of door inclined toward head, ceiling very close to top of head. Pedals much too faar down and for long legged people. Rear side windows wwere cut down for aerodunamic look which cuts visibility. Rear window smaller to cut visibility. Cloth model lacks light feature for auto turn off. No beep to signal locking. Console so wide you feel you are in an airplane cockpit. Poorest feature visibiity for backing up.