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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  G-35 Rocks......... - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Mark - May 4 - 7:43 pm

  I bought my G-35 on looks alone, but this car is all that and much more........

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  Enjoy it but hate the brakes - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By CarBuff - April 20 - 1:20 pm

  G35x fully loaded w/ 22.5k miles. Overall Im very happy with my 07 G35x. However after 7k miles and again at 12k miles the rotors warped and had to be resurfaced. At 21k rear brakes were replaced. This is unacceptable for a car that has such low miles. Also the sunroof had to be completely replaced after it froze-up for no reason. The service experience has been average, greasy finger prints on headliner after being returned from sunroof install, broken license plate frame and other annoyances. On the up side the G is fun to drive and I like all bells and whistles. Cant complain about the pricing either. All that said, I would buy another Infiniti.

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  In a class of its own - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By parrald - April 10 - 2:00 am

  There is simply no other car on the market that offers all that the G35 does for the same price. If this car had a German nameplate, it would be priced $10K higher than it is. Lexus and Mercedes may be a bit more luxurious, but no other car anywhere near this price range combines sportiness, luxury, and utility as well as this car does. By the way, to truly appreciate this car, the 6 speed manual transmission is a must.

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  Runs great but eats gas - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Brigitte - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I have every package other than the winter package on this car. This is an awesome performing car, poor gas milage in city - about 14 gpm and have no idea why. Stereo is only okay. I skips all burned CDs even after having it replaced by the dealership. The tires stink. I had a blow-out after 800 miles. Instrument pannel color is orange and very difficult to read during the day. It reflects on the windshiled at night. Manaual clock and steering wheel controls are not lit up. The window controls are hard to reach and so is the button to open the trunk. The glove compartments and trunk are a bit too small. I would not purhcase the G35 again.

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  The G35 Experience - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Chilliman - February 27 - 2:00 am

  After 7 yrs of being a loyal BMW owner, I love this car! Brings a grin to my face everytime I drive this car - and I have over 15,000 miles logged! A real head-turner - still get comments a year later. A real GT car - tested both 350Z and BMW330 - but loved the G35. Winter driving is disasterous without snow tires. After installing steel 17" rims with Blizzak snow tires this handles like an AWD or SUV! Climbs hills in 12" of snow! Not happy with mileage (less than 20 mpg HWY) or cheap plastic interior trim. CD-changer too slow and lousy controls on stereo/climate system. This is truly a drivers car!

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  Great Car..YES....Flawless ..NO... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By AVRed - February 25 - 10:00 am

  G35..This car is one super engine, it flies. Just drive it. The handling is better that 98% of cars on the road but I still think the BMW 330 is better. The only real knock I had on this car was the interior. The G35s materials looked cheap, lay out was not luxury. I didnt like the amber backlighting. The windows pod should be moved it pressed against my knee. Nice to have the gauge pod move with the wheel though. Price...Sweet deal here, The 330 may be nicer but not 8K nicer.

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  Not impressed - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Wilson83274 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  For the money, its an o.k. car but I suggest looking at other options(3 series BMW, Audi A4, Acura TL) before purchasing. My previous car was a 3 series and the fit, finish and overall quality of the 3 exceeds the Infiniti. I dont dislike the car, but I dont love it either - its just average.

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  Defective G35S - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By peter - February 21 - 3:33 pm

  This G35S with summer tires would not survive in a snow storm. Im battling with Nissan with a suspension, steering or tracking problem as this car is way too sensitive to road crown compared to every car Ive driven, it drives straight in the right lane but would crash into the woods next to the left lane as soon as the hands are off the steering wheel, after alignment done on it 3 times, Nissan is refusing to acknowledge this quality defect while all 3 of their loaner cars Ive driven drove without this problem, I would trade it in for an AWD especially living in the NE, a RWD just wont cut it in snow. Its worse than a Maxima SE, dont waste your money

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  Repairs very expensive - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By gary171 - February 16 - 3:46 am

  I purchased the car new 7 years ago with the optional 7 year/100,000 warranty. Ive had all service done at my Infinity dealership and total repairs not covered under warranty to date are $9300. My wife purchased the Acura TL the same day 7 years ago with the 7 year/100,000 warranty. All her service was done at the Acura dealership and total repairs to date are $3600. I love driving the Infinity----I dont care for the Acura, but the repairs are just expensive to her car. Thats really my only complaint about the car. Both extended warranties just expired last week, and both cars have around 80,000 miles. I probably will purchase another Infinity when this car dies.

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  Educated Purchase - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By ECONROY - February 9 - 5:40 pm

  My wife and I research our cars well and this one has everything we wanted at a better price than Audi or BMW. AWD, fast, handles great, attractive inside and out, comfortable for four, and has an excellent stereo. The Nav package with the hard drive to upload CDs to was a big selling point. An amp and subwoofer to make the stereo superb and this one is a keeper.