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 Performance Sedan - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Solo Mike - December 31 - 3:26 pm

  I autocrossed this car twice so far. The handling and acceleration are terrific for a sedan. This car is so versatile. Trunk space for long trips, quiet comfortable distance cruiser, and wolf in sheeps clothing on the street. The exhaust growl when accelerating hard is just right.

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  Love the G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By jcalhoun68 - December 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a great fun to drive car.

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  Long Term Evaluation - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By ALEO - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car almost one year ago and it is still as fun to drive as the first day. I still receive compliments from people in gas stations parking lots and traffic stops. But.. Gas Mileage is worse than expected. The 19 MPG city goes down to 15 MPG once you add A/C and stop & go traffic. The quality of the materials and body integrity are marginal. Recalls are galore. Stereo had to be replaced and the "Check engine" light comes out some times.

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  Quite pleased - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By JP1 - December 6 - 6:23 pm

  It came down to the Infiniti G35, Nissan Maxima/Altima, Subaru Legacy GT, Pontiac Grand prix GTP, or Mazda RX8. I had to have an automatic with 4 doors due to business and marriage. I test drove the RX8, maxima, altima, and G35. The RX8 was fun but the engine just didnt do it for me with the auto so I drove the max and altima. I enjoyed both cars. The Altima(3.5l) pulled hard but the interior was sub par. The max was a luxurious vehicle but the torque steer was too much. The G35 ran hard and firm. The trick is to get all of your research done before hand and bring it with you. I was able to get the 04 G35 with prem/sport/aero/trk mats/spl grds for 31500

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  Great car - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Phoenix - November 30 - 12:40 am

  This car is very fast and it looks great in black. The sports seats are very tight. Im waist size 32. This car can be much more efficient if the top gear is much taller. Unless youre living in a very hilly city, there is no reason to have the RPM above 3K at 70 mph. It feels very wasteful, and it is very wasteful. Another major problem are the tires. The front tires start to feather out and make a lot of noise at around 10K. I had to replace them even though they still have a lot of tread.

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  Excellent value, minor annoyances - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By snowtrax00 - November 25 - 2:38 pm

  The car is quick and the engine sounds good but the transmission is rough shifting into reverse. The manual mode shifts with a bang almost every time. The brakes are spongy, warp easily and dont last long. The exhaust has rust problems and the gas mileage is alright but could be better. Handling is pretty tight but the car is skinny so body roll is more noticeable than others. The leather is soft and comfortable but rips easily. The interior is nice but looks dated and has a few squeaks and rattles but most cars do.

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  My G35 - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Stacy - November 25 - 10:10 am

  We love our car. it is very dependable, and also very sporty and cute. We love the updated style. Our only complaint is that the paint seems to chip pretty easy. Otherwise, its been a great car, so far.

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  Tremendously fun, rediculously thirsty - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Funnest and sexiest car Ive ever driven. However, the price you pay is 13-15 MPG, and I dont drive heavy- footed at all. My drive to work is 2/3 highway and 1/3 surface roads, and I can barely squeeze 220 miles out of a 15 gallon tank of premium unleaded. I wonder if anyone else gets similar gas mileage... way below the vehicles rating of 17 city/27 hwy MPG.

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  Hot Rod - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Thunder cloud - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I knew from the minute I saw and read about the car with my automotive background their was no car that is close to the G35 before the critics had got their hands on it. Ive had mine for 8 months already and get compliment after compliment from my clients and friends. The car really is a joy to drive. I would recommend the car to anybody. The service is lacking. But I do love my G35.

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  Seems to be better with age - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By paulo6 - October 30 - 12:50 am

  Just hit 4K miles and got the 1st oil change. I got the Sport package. The car seems to now loosen up a bit, giving it a higher FUN-TO-DRIVE. My 2006 6MT was more fun to drive, but this 09 xS edition is slowly catching up