1999-2002 Infiniti G20 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Infiniti G20. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Infiniti G20.

1999-2002 Infiniti G20 Review

Nissan's luxury division relaunched its front-drive, near-luxury compact sedan for 1999, after a three-year hiatus. Slightly larger than before, with sleeker styling, the second-generation G20 promised 2.4 more inches of rear leg room. Under the hood was a slightly revised version of the original 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 140 horsepower. Either a manual gearbox or optional four-speed automatic transmission could be installed. Standard safety features included front side airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, and antilocking all-disc brakes. Base and sportier Touring (G20t) models were offered. The Touring edition added a rear spoiler, fog lights, limited-slip differential, automatic climate control, and slightly lower-profile tires (of the same 15-inch diameter). The G20t also got grippier seat fabric. An optional Leather and Convenience package included leather upholstery and automatic climate control. The G20 competed against the Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS 300, and Volvo S40.

Year to Year Changes

2000 Infiniti G20: Only a few upgrades were evident for the 2000 model year. The four-cylinder engine gained 5 horsepower, and both transmissions got revised gear ratios to help performance. A new remote power trunk release was operable from the dashboard or key fob. New features also included a one-touch up/down driver's window and retained accessory power. A new cell-phone/satellite assistance/communication system was optional for the Touring edition.

2001 Infiniti G20: Unchanged for 2001, the G20 continued to suffer from low sales. Options included heated front seats and a Leather/Sunroof package. The in-vehicle Communications System was similar to GM's OnStar, with a satellite/cell-phone link but no dashboard display.

2002 Infiniti G20: Infiniti dropped the sporty Touring sedan for 2002, in favor of a new Sport option package that included leather upholstery, a power sunroof, and 16-inch alloy wheels instead of the usual 15-inchers.

1999-2002 Infiniti G20 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Automatic-transmission performance

Instruments/controls	Engine noise

Visibility	Passenger room

Exterior finish

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Performance is a problem with the G20, partly because most entry-level cars in this league have a V6, not a four-cylinder engine. Peppy enough once it's up to speed, the four-cylinder's relative lack of low-speed torque translates to lackluster off-the-line acceleration. Lacking spirit for around-town driving, a G20 with automatic needed 10 seconds to reach 60 mph. The automatic tends to change gears with a jolt and is slow to downshift. In contrast, the slick-shifting five-speed helps progress a bit and adds to the sedan's sporting nature. Fuel economy beats the near-luxury norm. When new, test sedans averaged 22.8 to 26.9 mpg. Handling is agile and front-drive assured. Stable and maneuverable, a G20 is right at home on twisty roads--nearly as nimble as some costlier rear-drive sports sedans. The ride is surprisingly absorbent for a compact. Braking is swift and sure in emergencies and routine driving alike. Vocal when worked hard, the engine never sounds pleasant. Tire roar is noticeable on coarse pavement, though wind noise is low. Compared to most rivals, interior space is limited--a bit crowded with four adults aboard. Front and rear seats are comfortable and offer good support on long trips, but rear leg room is only adequate for larger adults. All-around headroom is tight with the optional sunroof. Gauges and controls are exactly where expected, while the available automatic climate system is welcome and easy to operate. Visibility is excellent. Interior storage space is good. Standard 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks augment a usefully roomy trunk. Exterior fit and finish are excellent, but the cabin has a faint economy-car look and feel even if equipped with leather upholstery.

Value for the Money
More a dressed-up compact than a true near-luxury car, Infiniti's well-equipped four-cylinder sedan is not a great value when compared with a similarly equipped midsize Accord or Camry. Because some G20s were discounted when new, some tempting used-car prices might be found.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Infiniti G20	Rating

Performance	3

Fuel Economy	6

Ride Quality	4

Steering/Handling/Braking	6

Quietness	4

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	3

Total:	43

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1999-2002 Infiniti G20 Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Coolant leak: The expansion plug on the right-side intake manifold may leak coolant requiring installation of a revised manifold. (1999)

Fuel odors: A rotten-egg odor from the exhaust may require reprogramming of the engine-control module. (2000)

Poor transmission shift: The key may be difficult to remove and/or the shifter may be hard to move from park due to a bent spring in the shift-lever mechanism. (1999)

Poor transmission shift: Unless the transmission cooler is thoroughly cleaned following a transmission repair, the newly serviced unit will likely soon fail. (1999-2002)

Power seats: The power seat may not move fore and aft because the drive cable breaks. (1999-2001)

Starter: Starter may grind, particularly when cold, due to loss of lubrication. Replacement starters have high-temperature grease. (1999-2000)

Vehicle noise: A clunk from the rear of the car when driving over speed bumps or curb cuts (when the back seat and trunk are empty) is fixed by installing revised springs and shock absorbers. (1998-2000)

Windows: Windows may stick and make a popping noise if not used for more than a day due to problems with the rubber window guides that must be replaced. (1999)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$1,015

Alternator	$1,035

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$910

Brakes	$565

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$0

Constant Velocity Joints	$1,750

Exhaust System	$775

Radiator	$710

Shocks and/or Struts	$990

Timing Chain or Belt	$400

NHTSA Recall History

: None

1999-2002 Infiniti G20 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1999
G20	$4,500-5,200	$3,700-4,300	$1,600-1,900

2000
G20	$5,500-6,400	$4,700-5,500	$2,300-2,600

2001
G20	$6,600-7,500	$5,800-6,600	$3,000-3,500

2002
G20	$8,000-9,000	$7,200-8,100	$4,100-4,600

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1999-2002 Infiniti G20 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	102.4

Overall Length, in.	177.5

Overall Width, in.	66.7

Overall Height, in.	55.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	2923

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	15.9

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.2

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.5

Rear Head Room, in.	36.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

In all G20 models, a 2.0-liter dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine mated with a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. Output was raised from 140 to 145 horsepower for 2000.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc I4	2.0 / 122	140-145	132-136	5-speed manual: 24/31 4-speed automatic: 23/30	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Japan

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1999-2002 Infiniti G20 Review:

Infiniti G20

Infiniti G20 Road Test

Infiniti G20 Reliability

Infiniti G20 Prices

Infiniti G20 Specs & Safety

Infiniti G20 Photos

Infiniti G20 Full Review