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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  A Great Drive!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Robert Habgood - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I wanted to buy a car with a luxury feel but a sporty performance and I am not disappointed. The G35 is pure driving pleasure and has yet to let me down. The exterior look is dynamic and even the back end that some criticize has individual flair. The quality of workmanship is high and I have yet to find any "faults". The interior is not as lush as some comparative models but is very spacious which offsets any other shortcomings. Fuel consumption sits at around 20 mpg for me but as the G35 is difficult to drive in a docile manner, this does not surprise me. Overall, I am so happy, it is difficult to wipe the smile off my face.

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By macbrew - November 17 - 12:13 pm

  Turned in my 03 G35 for new Journey last week. Completely different car. This car feels bigger and heavier. Its quicker off the line but does not feel quite as sporty. Maybe because my last car had the sport package. I enjoyed the exhaust note on the 03 better. Got my 07 with all the options for under 37k. Test drove the Acura TL Type S, not bad but nowhere near the luxury or refinement of the G. The 330i was just too expensive with all the options. So far Im really enjoying this car. If I could just learn how to use all the toys!!

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  Excellent Buy, Great Performance - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By aklie - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Excellente value, great buy. It will hurt your wallet, meaning your drivers licence and tickets. Very fast ans sporty

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  Fat Guy in a little Suit - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Senor Excuses - November 11 - 10:00 am

  After too many years of conservative sweating, my wife and I decided to have a little fun with a car. The G35 coupe appealed and now its her car. Im finding too many excuses to drive it because...its fun! Not as fast as my Ultra-fast bike of yore, a lttle to small for a 6-4" guy and sucks a little to much gas, but what does an engineer know. Best "tweener" I could imagine for my wife and I. Everyone hit most of the Hi/Low points head on. Verdict - Great Time and Value.

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  Sweet - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Stack - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for 6 months and its been everything the reviews rave about. Power all the way through each gear and a head-turner too. If you want to challenge everything on the road, this is it.

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  The G35 Absolutely A Pleasure To Drive - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By ljackson - November 8 - 9:46 am

  Originally had my heart set on a BMW 335 but instantly fell in love with the 2007 G35 the moment I sat in it and floored the accelerator. I was amazed at the incredible power and attention to detail in both interior and exterior. I bought the 2007 Journey G35, Blue Slate with Stone Interior, premium package with navigation. It is truly an absolute pleasure to drive and highly recommend anyone considering a BMW to at least test drive a G35. A classy, sleek, very fast, luxury car.

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  New but Very Happy so far! Will return - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Mama - November 8 - 2:03 am

  I was very close to buying a BMW. So far I am glad I didnt! Love this car! Its beautiful and fun to drive. Lets hope it lasts!! Definitely test drive one!

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  2008 Infiniti G35 - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Wanda - November 7 - 6:10 am

  After test driving the C class Benz, my husband and I stopped at the Infiniti dealership. I was impressed by all the extras and once I drove it, it was a sale. Awesome vehicle for the family and I have pre teenagers. My oldest son is very tall and its a tad bit head bumping when you go across a hump, but it is fun, sporty, luxurious, simply perfection. Ive owned a civic, accord, prelude, saturn, expedition, suburban, mustang, quest... no comparison. Im in love with my vehicle. Im averaging 20-no compliants from me! Not one single complaint.

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  Bang for your Buck - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By mrtwo - November 5 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best bang for your buck that you can get on the market. This is a fast sports sedan with luxury appointments.

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  Best car for the money - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By jonathan2 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  For $35,000 there isnt a car that comes close. I looked at the BMW 330Xi first. It was $8,000 more and didnt have the power and some of the ammenities that the Infiniti had. You have to spend $50-$55k for a German vehicle that can compete with the G35. The Acura TL is nice but a front-wheel drive sedan with 270hp is something I would not drive. Test drove, after pulling out of the dealership the torque steer almost pulled the car into the left lane. Immediately went back to the dealer and gave back keys. Fine if you drive 55mph but if you are aggressive you do not want the TL.