Infiniti G20

Price Paid:  $22000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 G20 Luxury

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

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).

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

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 G20 Sport

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

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!

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:  $23000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 G20 Sedan

Strengths:
- Universal home transmitter (garage door opener, lights)
- Trunk space
- Abolutely seamless shifting while accelerating in overdrive, but still not bad with O/D off
- Transition between 3rd and O/D is a click of a button (vs. actual shifting on a center console)
- Handling
- Leather/sunroof package (get the windscreen)
- Heated seats/mirrors

Weaknesses:
- Cup holders are useless; hook the center arm-rest cup holder on the passenger door map holder.
- Center arm-rest does not go forward far enough
- Remote keyless lock/entry transmitter is weak in range and sometimes you have to hit it more than once to activate

Summary:
Excellent car both in absolute value and in value for price. Comfortable in acceleration, mid-range, and at speed. No worries getting to highway speed since you take the on-ramp at 60mph anyway.

Similar Products Used:
Honda Accord - similar reliability, Infiniti has more gadgets/more fun to drive
- Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme; Infiniti much more reliable

Price Paid:  $0.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 Sport

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

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.

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:  $21500.00

Strengths:
Leather, sunroof, keyless entry, six speaker Bose stereo, automatic climate control for a good price.

Weaknesses:
Engine power and cup holder. Also, the trunk is kind of heavy.

Summary:
Great car for the money. I love the leather and sunroof. Great warranty and road side assistance plan. I wish it had a few more horses and the cup holders are god awful, but other than that I''m a satisfied customer.

Similar Products Used:
None