Beginning with its third generation (V35), the Infiniti G have been rebadged versions of the Nissan Skyline line of sedans and coupes that were exported to the United States and Canada.

It was launched in September 1990 as Infiniti's first small car as an entry-level alternative to the Q45; later advertisements in 1998 for the second-generation G20 emphasized its European heritage with the tag line "Born in Japan.

The P10 featured the first application of Nissan's multi-link front suspension in a front-wheel-drive car, with an independent MacPherson strut setup in the rear.

The only options to begin with were an automatic transmission, leather interior, and a power glass moonroof; a Touring package (labeled G20t) was introduced in 1994 and featured a black leather interior with sport front bucket seats and fold-down rear seats, as well as a limited-slip differential in the transmission and a spoiler on the rear decklid.

Higher rated transmission swaps from front-wheel drive VQ or QR25DE powered cars such as the 2002–2006 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V have also been performed.

[3] The G20 was a badge-engineered version of the Nissan Primera, but because Infiniti was pitched as a premium brand, it featured a high level of equipment compared to its European and Japanese relatives.

Introduced at the 1993 New York Auto Show, the main changes for the P10 came as a midyear refresh in April 1993 (model year 1993.5), when dual airbags replaced motorized seatbelts, leather interiors came standard with power front seats, matte-black side moldings were replaced by body-colored ones, the refrigerant was converted from R12 to R134a, the audio system was upgraded to six speakers with a CD player instead of the previously-standard cassette deck, and other new options such as remote keyless entry were added.

Despite enthusiasts' aversion to the beam, several publications praised the updated G20,[4] as a technically good method of avoiding lateral suspension movement (which would compromise handling) while still offering a compliant ride.

The final second-generation 2002 G20 was assembled on January 11, 2002, and the G20 slowly phased out during the first quarter of 2002, in being replaced by the 2003 model year rear-wheel drive G35 sports sedan.

In late 1999, several noteworthy changes for the P11 came as a refresh in the 2000 model year, when the 145 crank horsepower roller rocker variant of the SR20DE engine was implemented, newer automatic and manual transmission variations were introduced, anti-theft immobilizer circuitry was added, anti-glare side mirrors became standard, and a remote trunk release was added to the keyless entry fob.

In addition to the prior G20t's limited slip differential and decklid spoiler, this model featured two-tone leather/suede sport seats, 16" wheels, and a variety of minor cosmetic modifications.

The G20 was discontinued in favor of the rear wheel drive Infiniti G35, a badge engineered export version of the JDM V35 Nissan Skyline which was introduced in Japan in 2001.

The G35 received significant praise from the automotive press and became a sales success for Infiniti despite being priced approximately US$7,000 above the G20's average MSRP of $23,000.

The earliest (calendar year 2002) North American G35s were all sedans, sold in two trim levels, Base and Leather.

There is speculation that the output did not actually change, and that Infiniti was simply taking advantage of the outdated SAE standard of rating horsepower.

When the driver uses the throttle to accelerate from a stop or constant speed, the AWD system can send up to 50% of torque to the front wheels.

Both '03 & '04 six-speed manual models had the sport option which included Brembo brakes and the Performance Tire and Wheel Package.

In the United States, Calvin Wan's twin-turbo G35 won him numerous Formula DRIFT accolades during its 2004–2007 life cycle, while in Europe, Paul Cheshire competed at many events for Team Falken with his heavily modified 2JZ-GTE powered V35, notably at the Nürburgring Circuit in Germany.

This was partly in response to a number of complaints about the previous years' brakes, which included a class action lawsuit filed in California related to premature wear on 2003–2004 models.

[12][13] A sport-tuned suspension package was standard on all six-speed manual equipped models, which included a viscous limited slip differential and the higher output VQ35DE "Rev-UP" engine (this variant, while retaining the VQ35DE designation, featured variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts; the exhaust side VVT was accomplished via the use of an electromagnetic phaser); cars ordered with the automatic transmission retained the standard VQ35, regardless of whether or not the sport-tuned suspension package was ordered.

The fourth generation G sedan was launched in November 2006 as a 2007 model with a heavily revised 3.5 L VQ35HR engine and a 5-speed automatic as the standard transmission, a 6-speed manual was also available.

The redesigned second generation G coupe launched in August 2007 as a 2008 model with a larger 3.7 L VQ37VHR, the first Infiniti engine to feature VVEL.

In late 2010 the Infiniti G25 went on sale as a 2011 model, featuring a smaller 2.5L version of the VQVHR engine to allow the G to better compete with the Lexus IS250 and BMW 328i.

The optional Sport package included firmer rear shocks; bigger front brake calipers; larger 13-inch (330 mm) rotors all around (up from 12.6/12.1-inch front/rear); and a viscous limited slip differential.

It included a full-length glass panel roof, modulated front fenders and hood, deep front spoiler and large projector headlights, polished bare metal-look paint, compact camera outside rearview mirrors, hidden door handles and large 20-inch, 9-spoke painted aluminum-alloy wheels.

[22] This also marks the first use of Nissan's VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) system on a production vehicle in the US market.

[28] G37 Convertible was introduced in June 2009 media release as a 2009 model on the V36 FM platform and is only from a design perspective based on the G Coupe.

Compared to the G37, other than a smaller engine and fewer options (no six-speed manual transmission available, no Navigation, no Premium or Technology packages in the U.S. market), the G25 was otherwise identical and features a choice of rear-wheel drive or ATTESA all-wheel drive.In 2012, the G25 was discontinued in the United States.

[33] Performance improvements included a redesigned exhaust system, sportier suspension tuning, as well as a more direct steering feel.

Design changes were made to the exterior including more aggressive front/rear bumpers and sideskirts, sportier 19 inch alloy wheels, and larger exhaust tips.