1999 INFINITI G20 Review
1999 INFINITI G20 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Inspired handling. Infiniti customer service at an entry-level price.
Cons
- Entry-level price quickly climbs when adding the requisite luxury items. Motor donated by the Nissan Sentra SE gives up too many ponies to the competition.
What’s new
The G20 returns to the Infiniti lineup after a two-year hiatus. This entry-level compact is based on the European- and Japanese- market Primera, which has garnered a great deal of acclaim from the foreign automotive press.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 INFINITI G20 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$185/mo for G20 Base
G20 Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Infiniti has had a pretty thin lineup for the last couple of years. The original G20 departed the ranks in 1996, leaving a hole in Infiniti's entry-level slot, and was followed to pasture in 1997 by Infiniti's small-but-luxurious sedan, the J30. With the badge-engineered I30 and the slow-selling Q45 flagship as Infiniti's sole offerings, the company needed a quick fix to bring people back into showrooms.
The new G20 is the car designed to breathe some life back into an Infiniti lineup that, along with its parent company Nissan, has been in serious trouble for most of this decade. Like the original G20, the new model is based on the Nissan Primera, a compact sedan sold in Japan and Europe. Also like the old model, the new G20 comes with the same 140-horsepower DOHC engine found in lesser cars like the Nissan Sentra SE.
The main thing that separates the new G20 from its predecessor is its increased wheelbase, which gives the car a slightly larger passenger compartment and cargo area, and the solid beam rear axle that replaces the former car's fully-independent front and rear suspension. This backward step for the rear suspension is a result of the cost controls instituted to keep the G20's production expenditures down.
Infiniti is aiming at the young, affluent 25- to 35-year-old demographic that snaps up hordes of Audi A4s, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class models every year. This small Infiniti promises shoppers a stimulating and luxurious experience. Prospective buyers, however, may be concerned by the fact that this entry-luxury model has the lowest horsepower and torque figures in its class, the slowest acceleration times in its class, and one of the stingiest standard equipment lists in its class. Leather upholstery, power seats and power moonroof- all of this costs extra, which pushes the G20 over $25,000. This is not what the young, style-conscious crowd in our neighborhood is likely to find appealing.
The new G20 is an attractive set of wheels with uninspired underpinnings. There is nothing wrong with the car itself, but the marketing and hype that surrounds it may leave buyers nonplused when they find that the G20 has little to offer over the Nissan Sentra SE, which has the same engine, suspension and steering, while costing substantially less than the Infiniti. We know that the Infiniti dealer body is respectful and courteous to the consumer, and that the warranty coverage at Infiniti is better than at Nissan, but we can't help thinking that better deals can be had elsewhere.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 INFINITI G20.
5 star(84%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
49 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
What An Underdog
Deon, 09/27/2008
1999 INFINITI G20 Touring 4dr Sedan
This car has been everything I could have possibly asked for. I used Edmunds for the reviews, and they have been dead on. This car is built for longevity, agility and very good fuel economy for todays times. It's not a car you see very often, so it's almost like having a limited edition Infiniti. I bought this car with 142k on it, within almost one year, I have now reached 171k... not a … single problem. Regular maintenance... I use full synthetic oil, amazing the difference it makes on performance. Great car, great value, classic Infiniti style.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Awesome
charles stuart, 11/01/2010
1999 INFINITI G20 4dr Sedan
Purchased as a car to drive until i found what i wanted. well-this turned out to be what i wanted. plan to keep as long as it keeps giving me quality ownership
4.5 out of 5 stars
Infiniti
FantasiePhoebus, 05/05/2010
1999 INFINITI G20 4dr Sedan
This was my first car and I am so glad I got it even though it has had so many problems. Still a fantastic car! Just take care of it so these problems don't happen!
5 out of 5 stars
I love this car!
Dr. Skillz, 06/29/2010
1999 INFINITI G20 4dr Sedan
The G20 (Nissan Primera) is a wonderful, bulletproof (do your research on the SR20DE) vehicle to own! The handling is superb (check out its racing heritage in the BTCC). I have the Autumn Bronze color, which receives compliments all the time. Other than routine oil changes, I have only spent money on brakes, rotors, pads, and upgrading the exhaust manifold to headers. This car will not … disappoint you in terms of reliability. I love driving my G20. The sound system is great. Its road manners are excellent. The community at G20.net is wonderful for learning more about this beautiful car. The car advert says it best: "Born in Japan. Educated in Europe. Now Available in America."
1999 G20 Highlights
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $185/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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