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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  Very Satisfied - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By khr - July 25 - 11:06 am

  Infiniti did it again with a great car! I love driving this car, it handles great and I highly recommend it! I sold a 2002 BMW 325i to get this car and am glad I did!

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  Excellent Value - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By TheAdjective - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the automatic with Sport Package in December 2002 with every option except the Aero package. Wonderful car to drive -- excellent power and handling. Ive had no mechanical problems at all. I do believe Infiniti cut corners on the interior materials as Ive had to take the car in for dealer service to cure squeaks coming from the headliner area. There are still some occasional rattles around the same area but to a much lesser extent. That said, this car is an excellent value - I do not believe you can get the performance (with true ability to carry 4 adults), dealer support and overall driving satisfaction at this price from another vehicle.

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  Awesome Performance Coupe/Cheap Interior - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Bachfire - July 6 - 10:00 am

  This is the best high performance coupe on the market today. Overall performance is excellent. The 280 HP engine is superb. Car hugs the road in curves and is very fast off the line. Overall driving experience cant be beat. Manual shifting with the automatic is a real thrill. Exterior styling turns heads everywhere I go. Many many compliments. Neighbors are envious!!!! Desert Platinum color is gorgeous. Have a problem when arriving home as I dont want to get out of the car!

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  Circuite board - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Joe - June 26 - 4:03 pm

  We have had 3 infinitis and have been very happy until this G35. The circuit board controlling the AC, heater Stereo, CD etc.will not work. It has been stuck with no stereo CD and AC has been at 64 degrees for the Last 8 months. We have been told it will cost $1500-$2000 to fix it if we are lucky. This seems so outrageous to us. We feel infinite has let us down totally. This should be a recall as the mechanic said many cars of this model have come in for the same problem. We are VERY disappointed in infiniti and would never buy another if this is the way they stand behind their clients. So sorry.

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  2004 G35 Sedan - A Two Year Perspective...It is what it is. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By yleung - June 12 - 8:30 am

  I have had my 2004 Infiniti G35 Sedan for almost a year and have not had any problems yet. The car is fun to drive and performs extremely well. I wish they did a better job with the interior though. The instrumentation is decent but the faux titanium and less than stellar plastic is very inferior to the Audi A6 I gave to my wife. I expect more from Infiniti. Good thing I spend most of my time looking at the road instead of the cockpit. That said, I think the interior is acceptable, the car itself is very comfortable given the emphasis on performance, and given the price, it is a great value if you value performance more than looks.

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  Very fun ride!!! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By radardodger - June 8 - 2:10 am

  This vehicle replaced my 2005 Lexus IS 300. Most of my review is directly comparing the G35 to the Lexus, since its in the same class. The G35 seems to be a class winner in my eyes. More power and interior room than the IS 300, and Audi A4, and possibly more of both than a BMW 330i. What ever trivial gripes I have about the vehicle are forgot when I get on a back road and get to play with the 6 speed manual trans. Body roll is very minimal for its size, steering is respectively quick, and the manual gear box is simple to use, and fun to really bang through the gears :). Very nice howl of the 3.5 v-6, fairly quiet inside, but still louder than most of its class competitors

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  The total package - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Brnrbr - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is all I hope it would be. Fast. Comfortable, and cheap for the thrills. It handles like its on rails (even with the relatively small tires.....howd they do that??). Nobody should be allowed to have this much fun in a four door car. The interior is a bit underdone, but not too bad. Im just glad they put the money in the drivetrain and exterior styling.

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  "Wow" - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Miss Dot - May 17 - 6:13 am

  I just love my new Infinity. It looks so sleek and eveyone I tell what I drive says, "WOW, nice car".

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  Loads of Fun - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By loads of fun! - May 11 - 4:33 am

  I really enjoy driving this car. Being in sales and on the road alot the Sirius radio is a god send. The fast pick up getting on and off highways is great. As far as styling this car is a looker this is a sexy car even with 4 doors.

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  Performance over Comfort - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By infinitissues - May 9 - 5:41 pm

  Noisy vehicle for both tires and engine versus BMW smooth competitors. Very powerful and fast, and strong value for the money. Big tradeoffs of comfort versus noise - also expensive to fuel based on MPG + requirement of premium fuel. Interior build had issues, well known threads on interior door pull "peel" issues for finish that Infiniti dealer & corporate customer service refused to cover during warrenty period. Leather also wore poorly. Came in a fan to this vehicle, but its all power over comfort / quality. Trunk, compartments, and passenger area all feel cramped for space. Very rough ride on sport model