'99 Infiniti G20TThe inescapable allure of an entry-level luxury sport sedan had us ordering a G20t before it was even available to drive. Starting in the low 20s, this four-door touts such essential standard features as power windows/door locks/mirrors, six-speaker Bose AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo, and anti-lock brakes. We upgraded to leather with a convenience package. While the standard five-speed manual would undoubtedly be the sporting choice, life in traffic-clogged L.A. means commuters prefer an automatic transmission. The touring model does provide more responsive handling without a punishing ride, making it essential to add a mild dose of sport flavoring. Power comes, eventually, from a 2.0-liter/140-horsepower inline four evolved from the Sentra and former G20 powerplants, inspiring logbook comments such as, "Accelerates like an Altima with the parking brake on." The one-mode-only transmission has received logbook digs for hunting more often than Senior Road Test Editor Mac DeMere. All told, the bottom-line price and modest performance of this upscale commuter leaves us wishing for less of the former and more of the latter.
| Base price | $23,295 |
| Price as tested | $24,990 |
| Body style | 4-door, 5-pass. |
| Engine size/type | 2.0-liter I-4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed auto. |
| Driveline configuration | Front engine, |
| front drive |
| 0-60 mph, sec. | 10.7 |
| EPA mpg, city/hwy. | 22/28 |
| Total mileage | 1757 |
| Test mileage | 1649 |
| Fuel consumed, gal | 77.2 |
| Fuel cost | $88.78 |
| Average mpg | 21.3 |
| Additional oil/cost | None |
| Routine maint. | None |
| Additional maint. | None |
| Previous maint. | None |
| Problem areas | None |
| Total operating cost | $88.78 |
| Operating cost/mile | 5.4 |
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