Infiniti G35 Sole Generation
VQ35DE V6 RWD/AWD. Six-speed manual on coupe and Sport. The Japanese BMW 3 Series fighter.
Nissan FM V35 platform — front-midship layout, RWD/AWD architecture, also used by the 350Z and Japanese Skyline V35. VQ35DE 3.5L 24-valve NA V6: 260 hp at launch (2003-2004), 280 hp (2005-2006), 306 hp (2007 redesign with revised intake and cams). Six-speed Aisin AY6 manual on coupe and sedan Sport trims; five-speed Jatco automatic on most volume cars. RWD standard; Intelligent AWD optional on sedans only (coupe RWD-only). Sport package added Brembo brakes, stiffer suspension, 18-inch wheels, viscous limited-slip differential. The 2003-2006 sedans use the V35 first generation; the 2007 sedan was a comprehensive mid-cycle redesign that previewed the upcoming V36 G37. Coupe styling shared with the Japanese Skyline V35 350GT but with US-specific bumpers and lighting. IIHS rated the 2003-2004 G35 the safest car in the luxury midsize category at the time. Production at Nissan Tochigi 2003-2007. Now firmly cult — 2007 306-hp sedans and manual coupes are the picks; AWD sedan ('G35x') is rare.
Strengths
- VQ35DE V6 with proper character and noise
- Six-speed manual on coupe and Sport sedans
- Genuinely competitive vs E46 / E90 BMW 3 Series
- FM V35 RWD platform shared with 350Z
- Sport package with Brembo brakes worth the premium
Weaknesses
- VQ35DE oil consumption with age
- Five-speed automatic dated (vs ZF 6HP in BMW)
- Rear seat tight in coupe
- Cabin tech now 18-22 years old
- Limited-slip differential not standard
Notable tech
- VQ35DE 3.5L NA V6 (260-306 hp)
- Nissan FM V35 RWD/AWD platform
- Six-speed Aisin AY6 manual (coupe and Sport)
- Brembo brakes optional (Sport)
- First lane-departure-warning system in NA (2005+)
Common issues
- VQ35DE oil consumption (well-documented)
- Crankshaft position sensor failures
- Front upper control arm bushing wear
- Climate control HVAC actuator failures
- Window regulator failures
Used-market budget
$11,000
2003-2005 cars $8-12k. 2006 cars $10-14k. 2007 redesigned 306-hp $11-15k. Manual coupes $13-18k. Documented VQ35DE oil-consumption history matters.
