1999-2002 Infiniti G20: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Instruments/controls
- Exterior finish
- Steering/handling
- Visibility
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Passenger room
- Engine noise
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 43 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1999-2002 Infiniti G20 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2002 Infiniti G20 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2002 Infiniti G20 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 43 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| 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 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2002 | |||
| G20 | $6,200-7,200 | $5,400-6,300 | $2,700-3,100 |
| 2001 | |||
| G20 | $5,100-5,900 | $4,300-5,000 | $2,000-2,400 |
| 2000 | |||
| G20 | $4,300-5,000 | $3,600-4,200 | $1,500-1,700 |
| 1999 | |||
| G20 | $3,800-4,500 | $3,100-3,700 | $1,200-1,400 |
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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 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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: -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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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%. Sideimpact 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%.








