Used 1996 INFINITI G20 Consumer Reviews
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Best built car ever
We bought 1996 model new and aside from tires and a couple of batteries, over ten years of daily use, it has been completely trouble-free. MPG on the highway is in the low 30's on regular gas. Standard sound system is very listenable. Only irritation is that this car was not equipped with any sort of cup holder, a fairly amazing omission, considering its cost and year of manufacture. Nonetheless, I'd like nothing more than to find another brand new one that's been lost in storage over the last decade. A great car.
What an excellent car
I bought this car used in 2006 with about 117000 miles on it. I drove this car everywhere in the country. I used to do straight 1000 plus miles of driving on this car and I never had any problem. What a reliable and great car. It had close to 2250000 miles on it and it was getting old. Finally we had a major blizzard in the midwest recently and my car got stuck on the uphill and it started spinning wheels. I tried it too hard and it finally took me to home and next day it died. I don't know if it was a coincidence or it was its time, lost engine compression. Finally, I took it to Salvage Yard and sold it at the rate of scrape metal. The sweetest thing is it died on my parking lot.
A good car
Bought it brand new, now has 92K miles on it. No major repairs except for brakes and coolant valve replacement at 70K (cost less than $100). Just found out the front engine mount was broken. This has been a very low-maint. car. Dealer charges way too much for repairs and parts, thus I use other mechanics. But other than that, this has been a great car to own and to drive.
Very satisfied
Bought it used 16 months ago with 127000 kms(about 80000 miles) on it. Very happy with the reliability, responsiveness, acceleration(especially after I put in a K&N filter), sound system and styling (still LOVE the look of the car). Gas consumption could be better, given that it's Plus(98.5 Octane).
GREAT performance sedan
After looking for an Accord or Integra 4 door, I settled on the G20 Touring. Loaded up with options, it is $1000 - $2000 less than Hondas. The reliability has turned out to be perfect. I can't believe another writer had only ONE problem in 50,000 miles and gives this car a 4 out of 10 rating.
G20
This is my wife's car, I am more of a truck guy. The car is reliable for the most part. One time the spark plugs actually broke. I don't know how it happened but the car would spit and sputter so I looked it over and found the culprit. Other than that I have a broken collarbone right now so I drive it, and it is very comfortable we even drove it to denver without a hitch. Over all the car is a good but far from great.
Very Comfortable car!
In July I saw an ad on Craigslist for a '96 Infitini G20 for $750. I called, went to look at it, took it to my mechanic and bought it the next day for $500! It needed a few things to pass inspection, then after a 200 mile trip it needed exhaust pipes replaced. It seems to be good now, it has 189,7xx miles on it so it's no real surprise. But for a total cost of $1300, I love this car!
Lots of Love for my G20
I bought my 96 G20 three years back with 118,000 and now have 160,000. It's been a great little car. I have had to perform a number of maintenance jobs on the car including a new water pump, new front axle and boot, new crank pully, and strangely one of my rear wheel bearings went bad. Other than that just regular maintenance. So it's not without it's faults. The car is quick, reliable and handles very well. It's fun to drive and for what you get for the price you can't beat it. The engine (Sr20) is one of the best engines of it's time.
Reliable, reliable, reliable
Better than my Camry, then Accord, and reliability of G20 coupled with super deal made it a no-brainer. Walked out the door with a new car with a 60k warranty for $12k even plus taxes. Dealer has always been great. Only failures were ABS relay at 58k under warrantly, wiper link at 84k, replaced clutch cable then, too. Other than fluids, only $340 maint costs in nearly 6 years! Still on original battery, clutch and brakes at 93k, and I tend to drive hard. Passengers cannot believe a car with 90k+ is so quiet. Interstate mileage 32-33 mpg at 70-72 mph average speed. Will hate to replace it when I give it to my son.
Not bad for 500 bucks
I got this car from my cousin after she was rear ended, so the insurance totaled it. It was just a trunk lid and some light. Fixed it up for 80 buck (good old u-pull it). It had 167000miles and I had all the maintenance records. It has never had clutch, or suspension work. The only problem I have now is that the clutch is slipping, and the tach does what it wants to. Not bad since it has 202000miles on it now. I also don't know how you people drive but I don't jack rabbit start or drive in a lot of traffic so that is why I still get 24-28 in town and 34 to my best of 38 on highway wit regular. All I have to say maintenance, maintenance.
'96 Infiniti G20
I bought my Pearl White Infiniti G20 brand new in 1996 and I'm still driving it after nearly thirteen years and 269,700 miles. It has been an excellent car and quite reliable. No rust at all, no rips on the interior, original paint still shines. Very comfortable seats. Plenty of room in the trunk. I had to replace the engine at 190,000 and the transmission not long before, but still a very pleased G20 owner. The G20 runs strong but acceleration is slow. I plan to keep maintaining it and driving it locally. It would probably be fine on a long trip but now I have a new vehicle that my family prefers.
Great first car...
When I got my G20, it needed some work (new tires, struts, instrument cluster, battery) but aside from those repairs I have not had any trouble at all. It's great to drive and I enjoy the long distance trips in it. Could use a little more power under the hood but it still does great and doesn't cost me a lot at the pump. I'm very happy with this car and looking forward to making it a show car in the future.
MY BULLETPROOF G!
i ran this car into the ground!! i bought it as an alternative to the honda accord of the same year because everyone in my area had hondas.. i found the leather to be flimsy (not even close to the quality of acuras)and it ripped easily. its small size and zippy engine made it fun to drive in the streets and around corners but its no race car at all but its definitely an accord beater! i never had any maintenance on it for the 3 years i had it. i bought it with 60,000 and put close to 200,000 miles on it before the engine went and i was a poor owner so i imagine with regular maintenance it would last forever!
Infinity G 20
my car is the base model. At 86000 I am doing my first major repairs (brakes and rack)-cost to replace parts with Infinity brand is quiet expensive. The car is fun, has alot of power for 4 door small sedan.
Best Little Luxury Car
Purchased it as a dealer demo,now close to 60000 miles with zero problems. Fantastic value overall.
A good buy, highly rated
I have had my 1996 G20 for a couple of years now. There have been no major problems with the car. Infiniti replaced a motor mount and an oil gasket under powertrain warranty (5/60). The 5 speed manual transmission is the best choice for the engine. You dont need to get the annual / mileage maintenance done at the dealer, it is rather expensive. Car-x and other facilities can service the car, the engine and powertrain are generally interchangeable with the Nissan Sentra.
The best small car
Absolutely no problems ever. It's just the perfect little car. Great in town and on the freeway. Perfect transmission with a lot of power for a four. I don't think I'll ever give it up, but if I do, it's going to be tough to find something as nice. The body is conservatively sleek. The newer models spoiled this classic design, which is typical of most elegant car designs.
Best I ever drove!
I have had this car for more than five years and I still look forward to driving it every time I get into it. The four piston engine is a hoot and goes and goes and goes. Suspension is great and the car is a delight to own. I have now accumulated almost 65,000 miles and never had any repair required. No new brakes, exhaust nothing went wrong ever. I changed the oil and filter, air filters, plugs, tires and the battery.
Excellent
Bought this car brand new in 96, and have not spent one penny on repairs. The heating/cooling fan switch did need to be replaced in 1999, a small repair which was covered by warranty. Other than that, its been perfect. I've only changed the oil a couple of times a year, and the air filter once. That's been it.
Excellent Car for the $$$
Nothing but a good experience with this car
A VERY RELIABLE COMPACT SEDAN
Purchased new. It's a very solid, reliable sedan. The G20 has crisp handling and excellent steering and brakes. The 5-speed manual makes the most of the engine, which is flawless. Higher revs suit this engine, which redlines at 7,500 RPM. The interior is comfortable.The front buckets are supportive. Excellent 6-speaker in-dash CD stereo, and the climate controls are good. Other than routine maintenance, this car has never needed repairs, and the Infiniti dealerships treat you like gold.
G20
Great car, comfortable, easy to manuever and park. Drives well on snow. Quality interior, with attention to detail...except needing better cupholder design. Been a terrific ride!
An Undiscovered Gem
This is my third G-20. #2 absolutely destroyed a Sedan De Ville that pulled out in front of me -- made me a believer in the structural integrity of the car. Handles wonderfully, combined with great ride for extended trips. No significant unscheduled maintenance in ten years, 100K mi. Original clutch, brakes, muffler. Back seat great for kids.
Best vehicle I've owned
Totally reliable, extremely well-built, easy to park. This car is best vehicle I've owned. Fun to drive and looks great! I bought it originally because it was rated as the most reliable car produced that year and I really liked its handling. It still feels new! The included music system is really well- tuned to the car so its fidelity as well as its base response is very good.
Hidden value
I bought this car new in Jan 97, it was the last new G20 in the Chicago area. The car has been incredibly reliable. No mechanical problems in 10 years, and still have original battery. Needed to replace muffler system because I drive short distances (condensation causes tailpipe rust when exhaust system is run for <20 minutes). The "market" value on this car is underpriced given its fantastic reliability. Bought it because of the highest consumer report reliability ratings, turned out to be true.
How can I part with her and expect better?
Very reliable, comfortable sedan.
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Expensive Altima
In six years have had to replace alternator, battery cable wiring harness - twice, passenger power window motor, moon roof motor, front cv joints and axles, rear speakers - twice, engine mounts, oil pressure switch, radio antenna asembly and most recently the drivers side power window switch. Very dissappointed in the lack of reliability of this little car. I'll take an Accord over this Infiniti any day.
Bad Kharma
Bought this car new. Since then have had to replace: rear speakers - twice, both cv joints, boots and front axles, positive battery cable harness - twice, alternator, moon roof motor, front passenger window motor, drivers window motor, radio power antenna assebmly. I am very dissapointed in the repair rtecord of this car. This is in addition to normal repairs and maintenance such as brakes, belts, hoses, oil anf filter changes. The depreciation of this car is also amazing. In about two years it had lost half of its value.