Overview & Reviews
Think of the Infiniti G Coupe as an athlete in a tuxedo. As it shares its platform and basic engine structure with its contemporary Nissan's Z car, the G Coupe boasts the handling and performance of a sports car, but with the posh interior and creature comforts of a luxury model. It's an intriguing combination, and it gets better with ample feature content and used car pricing likely to undercut German competitors.
Through two generations, the G Coupe (like its sedan sibling) was a prime choice for a luxury sport coupe. It made for a tempting alternative to pricier European-label rivals as well as dedicated sports cars, offering more affordability than the former and a more livable and comfortable nature than the latter. At the same time, it gave up little in terms of ultimate thrills. Indeed, savvy driving enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded luxury sport coupe would do well to consider this all-star.
Note that this model essentially continues on with a new name, Q60 Coupe. It is covered in a separate review.
Used Infiniti G Coupe Models
The last-generation Infiniti G Coupe was produced from 2008 through 2013. It was available as a single model dubbed G37, which by the end of its run was available in four separate trims: Journey, x, Sport and IPL (Infiniti Performance Line).
Even the base G coupe came with xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery and automatic climate control. As the years went on, more standard features debuted, such as a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity and an iPod interface. The G37 Sport's highlights included a six-speed manual transmission, summer tires, a limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, a sport-tuned suspension and sport seats along with some of the base G's options, including a navigation system and a Bose stereo. The loaded G37 IPL introduced for 2011 came with a more powerful engine, a choice of automatic or manual transmission, sport exhaust, more aggressive suspension tuning, unique styling tweaks and red accent stitching in the cabin.
All G Coupes are rear-wheel drive except for the G37x, which has all-wheel drive. Power comes from a potent 3.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower, though in the high-performance IPL trim it was bumped up to 348 hp. Journey and G37x models came standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission featuring manual-shift paddle control and rev-matched downshifts. The Sport came with a six-speed manual transmission, while the IPL offered a choice between the automatic and manual.
The G Coupe's cabin features user-friendly controls, excellent build quality and a handsome design -- the latter highlighted by such items as leather-accented magnesium transmission paddle shifters and Japanese "Shodo-brushstroke finish" aluminum trim (wood trim was optional). The front seats are comfortable and well-bolstered, while the optional sport-styled seats offer even more aggressive bolstering (which may be a bit too snug for larger drivers). As expected, the backseat is rather cramped and best suited for little kids or shopping bags.
Initially, a four-wheel active steer system (4WAS) was available but reactions were mixed, with several drivers noting diminished steering feedback. As such, it was eliminated after 2009. For 2010 the G Coupe gained a few additional features (Bluetooth streaming audio, for instance) and saw the release of a low-production 20th Anniversary model. The following year brought the IPL version. Changes after that point consisted only of minor trim level and equipment shuffling before the G was replaced by the Q60 Coupe.
In reviews, we found that while it definitely has the luxury part of the equation down, it's the G's ability to be a dynamic driving machine that made it a stand-out for driving enthusiasts. The G's handling is praiseworthy, as this coupe attacks curves with aggression and precision, yet remains poised and compliant when driven over broken pavement. Its rapid acceleration contributes to the G's strong bang for the buck factor that was unmatched in this class.
The original Infiniti G Coupe was sold from 2003-'07 as the G35. It looked similar to its successor, but was more angular and, more notably, had a less luxurious interior, with lower-quality materials. A less powerful V6, different chassis tuning and a less stiff structure also make it a less advanced driver's car. But for the time, it was tough to beat and a true performance bargain.
As its name would suggest, the G35 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6. It produced 280 hp with the automatic and 298 with the manual. These horsepower numbers dropped to 275 and 293 for 2007 and later because of a change in SAE testing procedures -- actual output did not, in fact, change.
There were a few changes to the G35 coupe during its lifetime. Inside, it benefited from a redesigned instrument panel and improved manual transmission with a lower shifting effort. For 2006, Bluetooth and a rear-steer system similar to 4WAS were added to the available features list, while the Sport package gained a unique front fascia and a big rear spoiler.
In our reviews, our feelings toward this Infiniti G35 coupe were quite similar to those of the current car. The main, significant difference was an interior filled with several cheap surfaces and some unintuitive controls. Still, if you're looking for a more budget-conscious alternative to luxury coupes or certain sports cars, the G35 should make a great used car purchase.
User Reviews:
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Thank you Infiniti for building this car FOR ME - 2013 Infiniti G Coupe
By gvyt - May 1 - 11:58 amHaving spent the past 14 years with an ultimate driving machine and after seeing the professional reviews, I initially didnt have high expectations for the IPL coupe. I was pleasantly surprised. This is one of the few beautiful coupes that are still made. Its a well build and layed out car. When driven mildly, its a well composed tourer. When driven agressively, it provides a high level of confidence for the causal driver. At its heart is a long time award winning engine matched to a capable transmission. If youre tire of performance vehicles that are great track machines, but harsh daily drivers, you owe it to yourself to take a test drive.
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A better price to performance ratio doesnt exist... - 2013 Infiniti G Coupe
By bgf18 - November 5 - 10:35 amI recently leased a 2013 G37S 6MT.Simply stated, this car provides the best bang-for-the-buck of any rear-wheel drive, sporting/luxury coupe on the market.ThatÂ’s it.Overall this car is about BALANCE.The Infiniti doesnÂ’t do anything the BEST, just a lot of things really WELL - and for a sensible price.The stiffer ride, vibrating shifter, slight wind and road noise, and raucous engine are all meant to remind you that you are driving a sporting vehicle, not a Lexus LS.With that said, it still is an Infiniti so it is reliable, beautiful and reasonably luxurious.A BMW 335 is a more refined car with similar performance, but costs WAY more and is completely anonymous looking (in my opinion).
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G37 Owner Review - 2013 Infiniti G Coupe
By love2drive111 - August 26 - 4:16 pmI have recently purchased a G37 Sport MT and I am a very satisfied owner. In the past, I owned a subaru wrx and have driven many other high performance vehicles. The G37 acceleration is uplifting, the handling is responsive, the brake system is solid, and the noise is addicting. The car is also equipped with an aggressive front end, massive brakes, and a smooth stance. If you have the proper means of 50k I suggest following so. Purchasing this car was a very difficult decision and I guarantee that you will be pleased with the outcome.
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Reliable, looks good, performs well - 2011 Infiniti G Coupe
By Dexter Haven - October 5 - 2:31 amI bought this car certified pre-owned in 2104 with 28k miles. I canceled the dealers extended warranty after a few days, which would have been a waste of $2,800, as I suspected. Since, it is now 2017, and I have not needed any repairs, other than new tires, which was my choice for a softer grip on the street. I didnt drive it for a few weeks and had to jump start it once. That was the only inconvenience, besides the battery on the keychain dying on me, and I almost got stranded, since they didnt tell me how to start the car with a dead fob. You take the key out of the underside, open the door manually, and insert the dead fob into the dashboard above your left knee. That should allow it to start. Then order a replacement battery on Amazon and install it yourself. Its easy to do and saves a trip to the dealer and some money. One con: the car sits too low for me and offers a poor view of the street, compared to an SUV. Getting in and out is a pain. Im 62", though. I talked to a car guy who said the Infiniti lasts a long time. Other models I have seen here, like the Range Rover Evoque, seem to always break down. So the Infinit gives some peace of mind there. I might get a Nissan Rogue, though, to have a higher perch and more interior room. This G37x a sharp sports car, though.
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So Far I Really Like the Car - 2012 Infiniti G Coupe
By jackmeyhoffer - September 15 - 8:24 amI purchased the car in November, 2011. No significant complaints so far. The acceleration is very good and the car handles well. The interior is nice and it is comfortable (except for the rear seats, which are cramped). Gas mileage isnt great, but I knew that when I bought the car. Compared to a BMW 3 series (which is what I had and which I was considering buying again), the value of this car cant be compared. It wouldve cost probably $15,000 more for a comparably equipped 335 BMW, and the Infiniti has a bigger engine (330 hp). The manual transmission is smooth and has a very short movement, which is nice. The Infiniti also uses standard motor oil, unlike the BMW.
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DONT BUY THESE CARS! - 2013 Infiniti G Coupe
By WM - March 5 - 11:21 amMy car was 2 years old and got 2 smaller rust spots that bubbled the paint then came through. It had a very large rust spot on the door. I took it to the dealer to have it covered under the warranty, after I couldnt reach anyone. They blew me off till the warranty expired and acted like they didnt know I brought the car in even though i had their info and business card. Finally i went on social media and got an instant response. I took the car back in and now they say that the rust was caused by the roads. How does it bubble from under the paint then come thru if it was a chip. Infiniti just lost a customer for life, and to think I was going to buy another one. Now the car is worthless just like their warranty.
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2013 G37 Infiniti Purchase Upgraded from 99 I30 - 2013 Infiniti G Coupe
By Dani D. - April 17 - 12:32 am -
Drive one and youll be hooked - 2011 Infiniti G Coupe
By James Costello - March 16 - 11:02 amIm on my third Infinity after owning makes from almost every major car maker, foreign and domestic. Im into cars that have style, power and luxury and the Infinity G-37S has it all and then some. Moreover, it has a price point well below other makes in the same category. None of my Infinitys have required anything more than oil and filter change over the last five years, except for a battery replacement. Fuel consumption is close to 20 miles per gallon in town(where I mostly drive), which I dont think is bad for a 350hp car. Its a real treat to drive a car with paddle shifters and be able to switch from drive to sport mode. This car comes with all the extras that most people could ever want and reliability seems built in by the manufacturer.
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