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Infiniti G37 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Infiniti G37 ranks 2 out of 17 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 42 published reviews and test drives of the Infiniti G37, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2009 Infiniti G37 has pulled alongside the traditional favorite in the Upscale Midsize Car class - the BMW 3-Series.  Available as a coupe, sedan or hardtop convertible, G37 is one of the most spirited performers in a class full of great drivers' cars -- and often a better bargain than the BMW.

"The G was once a car known as the poor man's 3 Series, writes a Cars.com reviewer. "Since this second generation debuted, I've taken to calling it the smart man's 3 Series."

After a 2008 redesign, the G37 emerged as one of the most fun-to-drive entry-level luxury cars.  Last year, it was offered only as a coupe.  This year, a sedan (replacing the G35) and convertible appear.  The press says the class-leading driving dynamics of the G37 Coupe translate well to the sedan version of the car.

A G37 Convertible also makes its debut this year. Reviewers say that, like all hardtop convertibles, it gives up some of the performance of the Coupe it is based on to the added weight of its retractable hardtop.  But the G37 Convertible does an admirable job of protecting occupants from wind, and is one of the prettiest droptops on the road.

Both Coupe and Sedan models are available in a dizzying array of trims, including G37, G37 Journey, G37S Sport 6MT, and G37x AWD. Sport and Journey models come with a unique four-wheel active steering system that improves handling.  The G37 Convertible comes in a single, rear-wheel drive trim.

• "These Infinitis might lack the brand prestige of rivals from Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes, but their performance, space, and available all-wheel drive make them excellent alternatives. These virtues, teamed with prices that undercut those rivals, make G37 an excellent value." -- Consumer Guide
• "It'll still be priced competitively, of course...but value doesn't enter the picture" for Edmunds. "Instead, we're thinking about how stiff and composed our 2009 Infiniti G37 sedan's chassis feels through the lumpy corners, and how much we like the torque and drama of the 3.7-liter V6. We're enjoying the drive." -- Edmunds
• "Redesigned for 2007, the second-generation Infiniti G35 sedan was good. Really good...But now it's dead. And we don't care.  We don't mourn too deeply, you see, because the G35 has been replaced for 2009 by the G37." -- Car and Driver
• "We can now say the words that BMW fans (your humble author included) will hate to hear: Infiniti has set its sights squarely at BMW, and the new G37 is a shot that hits the 3-series square in its Angel Eyes." -- Automobile Magazine
• "The G37 is a great street car that borders on the luxury side of the BMW. The G sacrifices the performance of its predecessor for a more compliant ride, supple interior, great comfort and quietness." -- Road and Track
• "Dollar for dollar, it's hard to choose between the BMW 328i and the G37. My recommendation? Toss a coin or take them both for a test drive." -- BusinessWeek
• "The extra weight and laughable trunk space might be a stretch for enthusiasts and weekenders, respectively, but the G37 Convertible's ability to deliver the majority of the fixed-roof's strong-suits along with an open-air experience make it the sensible choice." -- Autoblog
• "There is nothing particularly inspired about the new G37 Convertible. In fact, it's a fairly rote can-opener job of the G37 Coupe." -- Los Angeles Times

G37 Performance - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 Infiniti G37 is consistently compared to the top-performing sport coupes and sedans in the world -- and it wins many of those comparisons. AutoWeek says the G37 is "lively and fun, giving way just enough when pushed to keep us interested, while maintaining that balance and comfort necessary to keep the car great to live with as a daily driver."  A huge part of the car's appeal is its engine -- the best Infiniti has built yet, the press says it combines an edge of raw muscle-car power with the refinement of a fine sport sedan.  The convertible edition gives up some handling prowess to the added weight of its aluminum hardtop.  Read More

G37 Exterior - 9.2 (Excellent)

The 2009 Infiniti G37 sedan is an attractive entry in the upscale midsize segment -- but the coupe version is a heart-stopper.  Motor Trend calls it "a Japanese calligrapher's brush-stroke gesture drawing come to life."  The convertible edition wins raves as well -- some consider it the prettiest convertible for sale at this price level. Read More

G37 Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)

Where Infiniti once trailed the luxury competition was in the fit and finish of its interiors.  With the 2009 G37, that's no longer a concern. "The new car's interior is first-rate," finds Road and Track, "pleasing to the touch and solid in feel." There are significant space differences between coupe and sedan versions of the G37. Read More

G37 Safety - 8.5 (Very Good)

The 2009 G37 Coupe and convertible haven't been crash tested by the federal government, but the G37 sedan earned excellent scores. Several advanced safety features expected on more expensive luxury cars make an appearance on the G37. Read More

G37 Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 Infiniti G37 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Infiniti covers G37s with a four-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. Infiniti's Total Ownership Experience program offers peace of mind beyond the car's mechanical quality. Read More