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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  Back Aches from seat - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By terra - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the car 4 times and from the beginning I was worried about the seat. I thought I would get use to it and find the proper adjustment. My back has been hurting ever since I got the car. I would give it back right now if it wouldnt cost me so much. The 18" wheels with the low profile tire rides very hard and is loud.

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  G-35 Coupe - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By lxcperformance - April 15 - 10:03 am

  Replace my 04 maxima for the 05 G35- Coupe and i love it, Form the handling to the interior design to the Navigation System. Fun to drive and gets a lot of attention!

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  Too Many Squeaks, Rattles & Vibrations - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mindstar - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Its nice looking and fun to drive, though not as sporty as I expected - maybe because its longer than other sport sedans. Manual shift automatic is fun and very sporty, but could be a little crisper. DONT buy this car with sports suspension if you have a bad back - it will jostle you around. There are variable, unpredictable vibrations, squeaks, and rattles from the dash, console, and both front doors near the middle posts. Its like the car is organic and living - it makes annoying noises.

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  Enthusiasts Car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Stephen - April 2 - 3:26 am

  Just sold my coupe...had it for over 2 years and put 21K miles on it. Gorgeous...quick...fun to drive...but the coupe with the 6 speed is designed for people that are into the car. It does carry a relatively low sales price, but the maintenance required on this automobile is similar to a 60K Mercedes. Brembo brakes...they work great..but they are expensive and wear out at around 20K miles...tires (18" rims)...expensive...and get very loud as they wear out...will last you about 15-20K miles depending on how you drive, tire pressure, etc. I always had people tell me how beautiful my car was....which made me feel good about the expenditures. Great styling....Cant wait for the 07 model

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  Needs one extra cog - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Silky DMO - March 31 - 6:46 pm

  Really there isnt too much to complain about this vehicle. Absolutely bulletproof reliability. Peppy motor combined with an above class grade interior. The wood is beautiful. The gauges and LED accent lights reflect a designers touch. The car truly needs one more gear though which I believe Infiniti subtlety acknowledged by engaging the transmission in the 08 model. Ive driven both cars and prefer the 08 for this change alone. Aside from the mileage, which is frankly poor (I average 18mpg), and the need for an extra gear, the engine does have to rev to make you feel like you are driving a true sport sedan. Furthermore, the trunk space is limited by the CD changer. In sum, super car.

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  G35X Black on Black - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By JDB - March 18 - 6:50 pm

  After driving an 02 BMW530, looked at several 07s. After 2 months my thoughts are these: Bad Fuel Econ. 13.5 city (my 530I got 17), 19 hwy. Fun to drive, great handling in the snow. Sound sys. is great, Bluetooth sync. up without any problems. Love to drive the car - great off the line pickup. Good sized trunk for the golf clubs.

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  G35X - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By sinza - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car, outstanding interior with the leather and wood accents. Very well built, extremely quiet, doors close like a dream (snug, quiet). Cabin space for driver is a bit snug and gas mileage is bad, not close to what sticker claims (I do only have 4000 miles on it yet, so maybe I need to give it a few more miles to break in). Steering wheel controls should be illuminated for better viewing at night,

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  Excitement at a Price - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By nipperman - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Pluses: Fantastic pickup, the gas pedal reacts instantly like youre astride a big Harley; tight handling; a real fun car to drive; smooth, soft leather and tight cushiony seats; no defects found; straight-forward sales experience Minuses: wind noise even at low speeds is quite noticeable--maybe from windshield or from tires; also, enginge noise is considerable; gas milage combined city/hwy only about 17mpg and needs premium to get best pep

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  G35 4-door 6-speed - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By steve nelson - February 27 - 12:23 am

  Other than gas mileage and strange location of seat adjustments this has been an excellent car. Im sure a used one would make a great purchase if its been maintained. Extremely nice car for the money. Think 5-series at 3-series prices.

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  G-35x 2007 - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Satisfied So Far - February 26 - 11:23 pm

  Have the car now two weeks, and I am enjoying the car very much. The G, I bought with AWD, (Base car is rear wheel drive), because of the winters in the Northeast and road conditions I felt was a necessity. The car is exceptionally fast and responsive, handles the road like a sports car (Miata) Must be the suspension and tire combo (17"). I think the redesign of the exterior really makes the car stunning in appearance. The interior, mine is black with the chrome, looks sporty yet elegant. I really like the way the dash is designed. Overall, very pleased.