Best Car Reviews - 2011 Infiniti G37 Coupe

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Introduction

The 2011 Infiniti G37 Coupe is a rear-wheel-drive luxury sport coupe aimed at drivers who want strong naturally aspirated V6 performance, dramatic styling, and premium features without moving to a European badge. It is better described as a compact luxury coupe than a subcompact car. Its 3.7-liter V6, seven-speed automatic transmission, and muscular proportions make it a compelling used-car choice for enthusiasts who can accept limited rear-seat space and premium-fuel running costs.

Design and Exterior Features

For 2011, the G37 Coupe received a revised front fascia, relocated fog lamps, fresh wheel designs, and new exterior colors. Its long hood, short rear deck, swept roofline, pronounced fenders, and LED-style rear lamps give it a purposeful grand-touring appearance. The low, wide two-door body looks more athletic than many luxury coupes of its era, while the available Sport Package adds a more aggressive character.

Revised 2011 front fascia with lower-mounted fog lamps.
New 18-inch and 19-inch alloy-wheel designs.
Large rear trunk opening and distinctive rear lighting.
Available Sport Package with unique fascia, 19-inch wheels, and summer tires.

Interior and Comfort

The G37 Coupe combines a driver-focused dashboard with a traditional luxury layout. Leather seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, and thoughtful switchgear help it feel upscale, while available Shodo aluminum or maple trim adds visual interest. Front-seat occupants receive supportive seating and a convenient automatic seat-access function for the rear seats, but the back seat is best reserved for occasional use or smaller passengers.

Available leather-appointed power front seats with driver memory.
Standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise controls.
Available heated and ventilated front seats on suitably equipped cars.
Sport seats offered added bolstering and adjustable thigh support.

Performance and Handling

The rear-wheel-drive 2011 Infiniti G37 Coupe uses a 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 with 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, paired here with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The automatic includes Drive Sport mode and rev-matched downshifts; paddle shifters were available with the Sport Package. Independent testing recorded a G37 Coupe Sport reaching 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, while other contemporary testing placed the coupe near the mid-five-second range. Handling is confident and composed, especially with the Sport Package’s firmer suspension, larger brakes, and limited-slip differential. EPA estimates for the rear-drive automatic were 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, equivalent to about 12.4, 8.7, and 10.7 L/100 km. The supplied 13.52 L/100 km figure may reflect a different test cycle or real-world usage rather than the EPA combined estimate.

3.7-liter naturally aspirated V6 with 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.
Seven-speed automatic with sport mode and rev-matched downshifts.
Rear-wheel drive provides balanced, enthusiast-oriented handling.
Available Sport Package added a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and viscous limited-slip differential.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology was competitive for 2011, though it now feels dated beside modern smartphone-focused systems. Standard equipment included a 7-inch color display, satellite radio capability, auxiliary input, Intelligent Key with push-button ignition, and a six-speaker audio system. Available packages brought a Bose 11-speaker system, hard-drive navigation, Bluetooth audio, voice recognition, rear camera, rear parking sonar, and a Music Box hard drive.

Standard 7-inch color display and auxiliary audio input.
Available 11-speaker Bose premium audio system.
Available touchscreen hard-drive navigation with traffic and weather services when subscriptions were active.
Available RearView Monitor, rear sonar, Bluetooth audio, and voice recognition.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment included electronic stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags, side-curtain airbags, and active front head restraints. Available Technology Package equipment included Intelligent Cruise Control, preview braking assistance, front pre-crash seat belts, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive headlights. Buyers should verify ratings by exact body style and market: an IIHS result for the related 2011 G sedan should not be treated as a verified crash-test rating for the coupe.

Standard stability control and traction control.
Standard front side airbags and full-length side-curtain airbags.
Standard active front head restraints.
Available adaptive headlights and pre-crash seat-belt function.

Pricing and Variants

The 2011 G37 Coupe started at $36,200 USD when new, excluding destination charges. The G37 Coupe Journey began at $37,650, the all-wheel-drive G37x Coupe at $39,300, and the G37 Coupe Sport 6MT at $42,400. The rear-wheel-drive automatic reviewed here sits closest to the base Coupe and Journey models. Competitors included the BMW 3 Series Coupe, Audi A5, Cadillac CTS Coupe, and Lexus IS Coupe alternatives; the Infiniti stood out for standard V6 power and equipment value, although rivals often offered sharper steering feel or more modern cabin technology.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Strong 330-horsepower naturally aspirated V6 performance.
Attractive, distinctive coupe styling that has aged well.
Rear-wheel-drive chassis with engaging handling.
Seven-speed automatic offers sport-oriented manual control.
Well-equipped luxury interior for its original price point.

Cons

Rear seats are tight and difficult to access.
Premium gasoline and V6 consumption increase operating costs.
Infotainment and navigation technology are outdated by current standards.
Automatic transmission can feel abrupt during some downshifts.
Sport models can ride firmly and have costly tire and brake replacements.

Maintenance and Common Issues

RepairPal estimates average annual repair and maintenance costs for a 2011 Infiniti G37 at about $511 USD, although a 15-year-old performance coupe can cost substantially more depending on mileage, service history, tires, brakes, and local labor rates. Commonly reported areas to inspect include harsh 4th-to-3rd automatic downshifts, a driver-side engine tapping noise associated with the variable valve timing system, oil leaks around timing-cover or gallery-gasket areas, water intrusion from blocked sunroof drains on equipped cars, and aging catalytic-converter or exhaust-system faults. Confirm recall completion as well, including the power-window auto-reverse recall listed for some 2011 G37 vehicles.

Rating

Overall rating: 8.0/10. Design: 8.5/10; comfort: 7.5/10; performance: 8.8/10; technology: 6.8/10; safety: 7.8/10. The G37 Coupe remains highly appealing for its engine and chassis, but its practicality, fuel use, and older electronics limit its all-round score.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly reflects enthusiasm for the V6 engine, styling, and durability when routine maintenance has been respected. Concerns tend to focus on fuel expense, rear-seat room, aging electronics, and the importance of buying an unmodified, well-documented example.

Owners often praise the engine’s sound, power delivery, and high-rev character.
Many appreciate the coupe’s styling and premium feel for the used-market price.
Rear-wheel-drive handling is regularly seen as a major attraction.
Fuel economy and the need for premium gasoline are frequent complaints.
Buyers emphasize checking maintenance records, transmission behavior, leaks, and modifications before purchase.

Best Cars in This Category

2011 BMW 335i Coupe
2011 Audi A5 Coupe
2011 Lexus IS 350C
2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe
2011 Nissan 370Z

Summary

The 2011 Infiniti G37 Coupe is best for a driver seeking a handsome, quick, rear-wheel-drive luxury coupe with a characterful V6 and substantial equipment. It is not the most efficient or spacious choice, and its technology belongs firmly to its era, but a carefully inspected, properly maintained example remains an appealing performance-oriented used car with genuine grand-touring charm.