Infiniti G20

Price Paid:  $22000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 G20 Luxury

Summary:
Best kept secret!! Get one now before they discontinue. This car rates the highest in reliability from Consumer Reports.
Got this car below invoice at 22,000 out the door. I got the luxury model (millenium Jade)instead of the sport because it looked more expensive with more chrome and leather. However, I like the 16 inch wheels and spoiler of the sport model. (planning on getting aftermarket spoiler anyway). Well built car, gas mileage is good, very good handling, AT shifts smoothly, engine is smooth for a 4 cylinder. Most car magazines slam the weak engine and I knew this prior to buying the car. Speed is not a priority for me where safety, handling, and reliability is a big factor (this is where the G20 shines).
After driving it for a week and have 500 miles now, the engine is actually very lively (I have Auto trans). At 145 hp and 133 lbs torque, it is not a sports car but the power is pretty flat accross the RPM range. Good acceleration. Don't believe the car mags. Drive one and you will like it. However, the car seems a lot faster after breaking it in (after 500-1000 miles). So test driving it new may feel a little slow. I really love driving this car and this is coming from a person who owned a V8 1994 Q45.
(traded the car in).

Strengths:
- Smooth and quiet engine and transmission
- Nice leather and dash layout
- Solid build quality
- Infiniti Brand and reliabilty record
- Side airbags
- Awesome handling
- Again, reliability

Weaknesses:
- Not enough wood trim
- Center armrest too short
- No temp gauge inside car
- Remote key is weak and inconsistent

Similar Products Used:
Audi A4 - more expensive, not reliable
Subaru Legacy GT - Nice car, a little pricey, weak power
2001.5 Passat - Nice car, more expensive, not reliable

Price Paid:  $0.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 Sport

Summary:
I decided to sell my 1996 Maxima 5 speed SE while it still had value. I was looking for a small, affordable, five-speed sedan, with nice creature comforts (roof, leather, high quality sound, etc.) I was able to find it on carsdirect.com for about $1500 less than invoice! It is probably the best deal out there for getting these features in a quality car. And the handling is spectacular (much more fun than the Maxima)! My only regret is the power (it is definitely a come-down from the Maxima), although once you are moving, it feels plenty quick. I also would not recommend it to anyone over 6.1. I am 6.1 and am pushing the limit on fit, leg room, etc.

Strengths:
Features for cost Sound system Handling Feels very solid and well-built Warranty and dealer experience

Weaknesses:
Leg room for larger drivers Acceleration from stop Sport model comes with spoiler

Similar Products Used:
I looked at a number of other small, four door 5 speed sedans. Not impressed with Saab 93 (felt small and didn''t like feel), Focus (felt cheap!), Neon (ditto), Volvo s40 (felt too cramped), Camry, A

Price Paid:  $24000.00

Summary:
Excellent car for the money. I think consumers forget that the I30 is a Maxima. This car handles better than a BMW but is not as fast. I have a fully loaded luxury model and that is all I would reccomend. The G20 is a Luxury car let''s treat it like one, order it with the Leather seats, Moon roof and 6 CD player. The 4 banger provides ample power but not neck snapping torque. The handling and ride is what makes this car great.

Strengths:
Infiniti quality and luxury for a great price.

Weaknesses:
No true weakness, it could use better cup holders and a more engine power.

Similar Products Used:
BMW 3 Series, Corvette (not very similar to G20)

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 G20 Sport

Summary:
This car is one of the best kept secrets on the road. The combination of build quality, amenities, reliability, styling, performance and price make it a difficult package to top.

I have been driving my 2002 G20 Sport with 5-speed manual transmission for about 3 months and have nothing but praise to report. I used the Internet extensively in researching the vehicle I would eventually purchase. The only negative thing that came up in review after review was lack of power.
"Why doesn't Nissan drop a V6 into that thing?" Well I've always been partial to more compact - fuel efficient cars from Europe so I didn't put too much stock in those claims. A much anticipated test drive confirmed what I suspected......Plenty of power.

The engine revs beautifully during acceleration and purrs at highway speeds. (2 solid hours this past weekend at 130-140 kph (80-90 mph) and I wasn't passing anyone - people are nuts :) The real fun though is on the twisty roads. Trust me.

The most helpful information to me was testimonials from actual owners who drive their cars everyday. People like the ones in this forum. You can detect a common theme and then make a more informed decision. Thanks to all!!

P.S. The expensive G35 replaces it next year. Hurry and get yours today!

Strengths:
-reputation for reliabity / good warranty
-lots of goodies for the money
-handling / performance
-fuel economy -regular octane too
-roomy inside / compact outside
-super stereo
-not many on the road

Weaknesses:
-cup holders could be better
-more storange compartments would be welcomed

Similar Products Used:
BMW 3-series -more money, rear wheel drive terrible in snow
Lexus IS-300 -more money, rear wheel drive terrible in snow, no 5-speed
Audi A4 -more money, not a fan of turbo, good car though
Volvo S40 -more money for similarly equipped, flimsy interior
Saab 93 -more money, poor reliability record
Nissan Maxima -too big and heavy
Honda Accord Coupe -felt big, no 5-speed with the higher trim level

Price Paid:  $21900.00 from CarsDirect.com

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 Infiniti G20t

Summary:
I LOVE this car! I''ve been reading everyone else''s reviews about the power and cupholders, and I will only agree somewhat. First, this car is not a Porsche, so don''t expect THAT kind of power. What you can expect is a very capable engine that provides a wonderful balance between efficiency and power, which is plenty in this car (w/ 5-speed manual) while getting consistent 30 mpg (even with lots of city/traffic driving. Oh yeah, and breaking the car in does in fact improve power and efficiency). I can easily fry my front tires (done it many times), and above 3000 rpm, definitely zero complaints on power! Cupholders! (can you tell we''re Americans?!) - first of all, understand this car was intended for Europe and Asia - not America - where cupholders are an afterthought. All you have to do is forego the use of the already small center console (hence the lid locks at full upright) and, viola, two very useful cupholders. Beyond that, build-quality, handling, climate control system, and braking are FLAWLESS! Seating is very comfortable. For a car with such compact dimensions, I surprisingly have more headroom than all the other cars I test drove (Accord, Civic, Camry) and I am 6-feet tall. Rear legroom is very ample (although laterally, it''s a slight squeeze with 3 in the back). Also, what sold me (beyond being a great value) was the unbelievable Customer Service Infiniti provides. I literally get the royal treatment every time I call or go in for servicing. The only thing on the car needing replacing so far was the driver''s side vanity mirror, the lighting was faulty. They took care of it, and aggressively made sure I was satisfied. Top-notch service that will make me a repeat customer, 100%. This car is the greatest package, and I got mine, a fully loaded Touring model in beautiful Millennium Jade, for $21,900 brand new! After 13,000 miles, you''d still swear it just came off the showroom floor. Zero regrets with this purchase!

Strengths:
Top-Notch Customer Service, Powerful Braking, Solid Build-Quality, Tight and Precise Handling, Tranny Gearing, Ample Ground Clearance (no bottoming out), Aggressive-yet-Classy Styling, Best Warranty, Reliability, Comfort, Ample Roominess (especially headroom), Awesome Climate Control System, I feel VERY safe in this car, ABS System (yes I''ve had to use it) is virtually transparent - there is the slightest pulsing in the brake pedal and no noise - you''d never know you just used it, Capable of whatever you want it to do, I am the envy of my neighbors.

Weaknesses:
Wide Turn radius (avoid tight U-turns), there could be some more interior storage space (although cargo space is plenty), no glove box light, the only Infiniti model that doesn''t offer Xenon headlights or that cool analog clock. That''s it: all petty complaints.

Similar Products Used:
Honda Accord (''93), Nissan Maxima (''95), Toyota Camry (''01)