Infiniti G37 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy (2024)

The Infiniti G37 is something of a high-point in Infiniti’s history. Introduced in 2008 as a renamed version of the second-generation Infiniti G35, the G37 gave the company a much-needed boost. Japanese brand Infiniti is Nissan’s premium offshoot, with the same kind of relationship to its parent company as Lexus has to Toyota.

It’s fair to say that it had a slow start after its launch in 1989, and the succession of rather bland Infiniti G coupe and sedan mid-size models it produced during the 1990s didn’t sell especially well. The first Infiniti G35 – introduced in 2002 – upped the momentum. With a more distinctive design and a switch from the front-wheel drive layout of previous Infiniti G models to a rear-wheel drive/AWD layout more in sync with its key rivals, it did better business.

The second-generation G35 – which shares many mechanical parts with the Nissan 350Z and 370Z sports cars and was sold as the Nissan Skyline in its home market – was launched in 2006. It raised the bar again, with curvaceous styling and a more upmarket, high-tech look inside. Finally, Infiniti had a car that seemed like a true rival for the BMW 3 Series, not only in the way it looked (there’s a definite hint of BMW’s “Hoffmeister kink” in the side window line) but also in its balance between sportiness and luxury.

Arriving two years into the G35’s production run, the Infiniti G37 swapped the G35’s 3.5-litre V6 (available with a maximum of 306 horsepower) for a 3.7 V6 developing 330 horsepower (328 horsepower in the sedan). First on sale was the Infiniti G37 coupe in 2008, followed by the Infiniti G37 sedan and Infiniti G37 convertible in 2009. The convertible is based on the coupe and, in common with many convertibles of the time (including the concurrent BMW 3 Series) has a folding metal – rather than fabric – roof. Great for security and blocking out winter weather, not so great for cargo space when folded, or keeping overall weight down.

Prices for the G37 when new were comparable with Audi and BMW counterparts, with an MSRP starting at about $34,000. Available as a two-door coupe or convertible, or four-door sedan, the Infiniti G37 came with a choice of rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Most versions have a seven-speed automatic transmission but G37 Sport 6MT models have a six-speed manual. Rear-wheel drive is the default drivetrain – look out for G37x models if you want the extra reassurance of all-wheel drive.

In 2014 the Infiniti G37 sedan was renamed Infiniti Q40 and the G37 coupe and G37 convertible models were renamed Infiniti Q60, with only tiny changes in spec. They, in turn, were replaced by all-new Q50 (coupe) and Q60 (coupe) models in 2015.

Here’s our guide to the Infiniti G37, covering which models you can buy, which are the best and worst versions and what to look out for.

Infiniti G37 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy

Frequently Asked Questions
Infiniti G37 Pros and Cons
Infiniti G37 Generations
First Generation (2008-2015)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Infiniti G37 years are the best?

Since the Infiniti G37 was only produced for a single generation, there’s not a huge difference between the earliest and most recent examples, but post-2011 Infiniti G37 models are generally regarded as the best choice, because they included some upgrades over earlier cars. These include the switch to a more robust oil gasket, as earlier cars have a different design that can cause low oil pressure and potential engine failure. Cosmetic changes over the car’s lifespan were minimal, but a refresh for the 2010 model year introduced a new front fender, grille and headlights for a slightly sharper look. There were also improvements to the infotainment and navigation systems on later cars.

What are the worst Infiniti G37 years?

Like most cars, the G37 had some improvements over its lifespan, so the worst Infiniti G37 years are the earliest – in this case the 2008-2009 cars. We’re talking small differences, though, because the car changed little during its seven-year production run and it has generally proved reliable. Very early G37 coupe models have a five-speed automatic transmission – a drivetrain that’s not quite as smooth or efficient as the seven-speed automatic introduced in 2008. One of the most troubling issues is a cracking or melting dashboard, which is a common theme across all model years, regardless of how well maintained the car has been, although pre-2011 models seem to be the most afflicted according to customer reports on carcomplaints.com. The only real solution – and it’s a costly one – is a replacement dashboard.

Is a used Infiniti G37 a good deal?

A used Infiniti G37 can be a good deal if you have a fairly specific set of requirements. It doesn’t give you the same wide range of models to choose from as many rivals, but if you want a mid-size, high-powered coupe, convertible or sedan that’s sporty and well-equipped, a G37 could be a fine option. Running costs may be a little on the high side, because combined fuel economy is low (about 20mpg), and it’s worth finding one that has a good service record, because repairs can be pricey. An Infiniti G37 is likely to cost about the same as an equivalent Audi A4/A5 or BMW 3 Series to buy and, depending on spec, it should be at least as well-equipped, if not better-equipped.

Infiniti G37 Pros and Cons

Pros:

Powerful 3.7-liter V6 engine
Well-equipped for the money
Enjoyable to drive

Cons:

Limited range to choose from
Low mpg
Ride can be harsh

Infiniti G37 Generations

First Generation (2008-2015)

The coupe was the first Infiniti to wear the G37 badge. It replaced the previous G35 coupe in 2007, featuring an all-new interior, exterior and suspension, and a 330-horsepower 3.7-litre V6 engine. In place of the previous car’s conservative look came a more curvy, sensuous exterior design with distinctive boomerang-shaped taillights.

The interior was a major upgrade, with more upmarket materials and a center console with a high-tech design and a seven-inch display screen at the top. By today’s standards, it’s busy and switch-heavy, but it’s more impressive than its predecessor’s functional interior. The Infiniti G37 sedan was introduced in 2008 and, at this point it only received the new engine (with 328 horsepower) since it had already existed as the new-generation G35 (with the aforementioned exterior, interior and suspension upgrades) since 2006.

The Infiniti G37 convertible – an open-top version of the coupe with a folding metal roof – followed later in 2008. Early G37 coupe models were available with a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission – the five-speed auto was replaced by a new seven-speed auto at the same time as the Infiniti G37 sedan was introduced.

The Infiniti G37 is available in three core trim levels – base, Journey and Sport 6MT – and all are well-equipped, if not up to the standards you’d expect of a brand-new premium model. From launch, base trim included 18-inch alloy wheels, climate control, satellite radio, HID headlights, leather upholstery, and electric front seat adjustment.

G37 Journey models have added features such as a satellite navigation system, automatic headlights and a rear-view camera. On top of those, G37 Sport 6MT models have a sportier look and feel thanks to a six-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, uprated brakes and tyres, 19-inch alloy wheels, bespoke suspension settings and a sportier look for the front bumper and side sills.

Two option packs could be specified for G37 when it was a new car: Journey or G37 Sport 6MT. The Technology Package added advanced safety features – intelligent cruise control, an adaptive front lighting system and pre-crash safety belts. The Premium Package included an electrically powered sliding glass roof, upgraded Bose audio system, iPod connection, Bluetooth, heated front seats and door mirrors plus more. The optional Sport Package for the auto-only Journey model added most of the G37 Sport 6MT's features along with solid magnesium paddle shifters.

Four-wheel active steering (AWAS) was an option for RWD Journey and Sport 6MT models – it can turn the rear wheels slightly to increase stability at high speed and maneuverability at low speed. In 2009, Infiniti G37x AWD models were added to the range. These feature Infiniti’s ‘ATTESA E-TS’ (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system.

A facelift in 2010 brought new headlights, front grille and bumper, with the foglights now moved to the bumper. There were some minor interior upgrades and additional or updated features, too. Overall, specs improved slightly with each model year, while a number of limited-edition models were available. Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) models were a permanent addition, introduced as part of the 2010 update. These feature a 3.7-litre V6 with 348 horsepower, along with upgrades to the steering, suspension, and exhaust, plus cosmetic tweaks inside and out.

Much of the appeal of the Infiniti G37 lies in its potent V6 engine and sporty demeanor, as it’s not as smooth or quiet to drive as an equivalent Audi or BMW model, or quite as spacious or premium-feeling inside. Overall quality is good, however and Infiniti has a decent reputation for reliability. The G37 is not without its problems, of course. On all versions, the dashboard can crack and degrade to an alarming degree, while some owners have cited issues with electric windows as well as blocked sunroof drains causing water leaks. The V6 engine seems to be generally robust but, as with any car this age the brakes, suspension and steering components can cause trouble, depending on how well the car has been maintained.

Happily, these cars are still affordable, though they aren’t as easy to find used as they once were. A G37 in good condition with fewer than 100,000 miles on the odometer, should cost anywhere from about $9,000 to $15,000, and maintenance costs are much lower than those of contemporary rivals from Audi or BMW. Convertible and IPL models can sometimes sell for a little more. Manual versions are rare, but don’t seem to command much of a price premium.