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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  Great car for the money - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By getswollen - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 350z in May of 2003. For whatever reason I never considered purchasing a g35 coupe. BIG MISTAKE. Long story short after much deliberation I traded in the "Z" for the coupe. I counldnt be happier with my decision. The performace #s are to close to even be a factor. Here are the main reasons for my decision: -Bose system in "Z" sucked horribly -better ride quality in the coupe with the same handling capabilities -much better fit and finish -Infiniti customer service! -every piece of cargo traveling in the car with me doesnt slide around right behind my head. -stores more than one grocery bag EXCELLENT CAR!

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  purchased 2/28/04 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By ristau5741 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  vehicle technology has changed alot in the past 10 years, even the past 5. I love the near luxury, smooth ride, low road noise, and all the features that make this car a great vehicle to drive. I got in at the 2.9% promotion, with the sticker price (was looking at under 30K range) this car was a no brainer, and turned out to be a great deal, a little higher down payment than Id like, but worked out to less than $500/mo. Ive had the car less than a week, and just hit a hundred miles, every day I enjoy driving this vehicle more and more. This vehicle line, the infinity g35 series is going to be a very popular car when word gets around.

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  WoW - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By BSCL1 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Just traded my Lexus IS 300 in for a G 35 Coupe. All I can say is WOW! The G 35 has all the performance that the IS lacked.......acceleration, tight precise handling and responsiveness. Its interior is roomy and comfortable with excellent supportive seats. The exhaust note is incredible! I actually find myself turning down the very good Bose stereo just to listen to the engine! This car is also a head turner. I almost feel a bit embarrassed driving this car as I see eyes following the car as it drives by.

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  Love it - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By MSG - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with the car. A total blast to drive and a real bargain too!

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  Wow!!! What a car!! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By rwporto - December 28 - 12:40 pm

  Just picked up my 07 G35 Sport 5AT this weekend. What an AMAZING car!!! I have three young children, and they all fit extremely comfortably in the back seat, unlike my prior Volvo S60. Word of warning...this car teases your right foot. Get it on the highway and it wants to go. Have to admit...I give in to the tease :) Highly recommend this car. Great price, beautiful styling, upscale and spacious interior.

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  Outstanding Value and Perfomance - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By willjam - December 27 - 10:00 am

  My vehicle is Emerald Mist, Premium, Xenon, Wood, NAV and Winter packages. I have not regretted purchasing this value. My dealer experience has been outstanding. The car has performed flawlessly. It has only been returned for it first oil change at 5000 miles. This is my first foreign car. I have always owned american (domestic) vehicles -- Pontiacs, Buicks, Lincolns and most recently a 1999 Chrysler 300M. This car has been an eyeopener as what a truly nice car can be -- acceleration, braking are without comparison. The interior room is amazing since the car has small exterior dimensions. I would strongly recommend this car.

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  2005 infiniti g35 6mt - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Michael Valdemira - December 23 - 2:53 am

  my driving and ownership experience with my 2005 infiniti g35 6mt is always a pleasure and fun. i love the car and every aspect about it. the only thing that can be improved is the fuel economy, besides that i have no bad comments about the car.

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  Amazing Car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By ForumPete - December 22 - 6:10 am

  I just got this car a couple weeks ago, but have been driving it for a couple of years. This is pretty much the most fun car Ive ever driven, second only to my 70 Cuda! Also the most beautiful car Ive ever seen. I simply love it!!

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  A Fun Ride - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By chbjr - December 18 - 10:00 am

  What a fun car to drive. I have the upgraded performance package and it is worth it. The handling is precise and comfortable. Power and torque are good, although I would like more lower end torque. The brakes are a little touchier than what I’m use to. I’m finding that the gas mileage is good in both the city and on the highway. I get great comments about the looks of the car. The car is fast and the engine is capable of getting almost all of the speedometer. This was a great buy for me.