what cars have vq engines

[AndrewLee]

Nissan's VQ engine family, particularly the VQ35DE and VQ37VHR, is found in a range of their most popular performance-oriented cars and luxury Infiniti models from the early 2000s through the 2010s. The most common vehicles include the Nissan 350Z/370Z sports cars, the Nissan Maxima and Altima sedans, the Infiniti G35/G37, and the Nissan Pathfinder and Murano SUVs. These engines are renowned for their smooth power delivery and durability.

The VQ series is a line of V6 engines that helped Nissan dominate Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 14 consecutive years. Key models and their corresponding engines are detailed below for clarity.

Vehicle Model	Model Years (Approx.)	Common VQ Engine Code(s)	Notable Features
Nissan 350Z	2003-2008	VQ35DE, VQ35HR	Rear-wheel drive, dedicated sports car
Nissan 370Z	2009-2020	VQ37VHR	332 hp, VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift)
Infiniti G35	2003-2007	VQ35DE	Luxury sedan/coupe version of the 350Z platform
Infiniti G37	2008-2013	VQ37VHR	Upgraded performance and luxury features
Nissan Maxima	2002-2015	VQ35DE	Front-wheel drive "4-Door Sports Car"
Nissan Altima	2002-2018	VQ35DE	Available in high-performance SE trim levels
Infiniti EX35	2008-2013	VQ35HR	Luxury crossover SUV
Infiniti FX35/FX37	2003-2013	VQ35DE, VQ37VHR	Sport-tuned performance SUV
Nissan Murano	2003-2014	VQ35DE	Innovative crossover with strong V6 power
Nissan Pathfinder	2001-2012	VQ40DE	Larger 4.0L variant designed for SUV/truck use

If you're looking for a used car with a VQ engine, your search should primarily focus on Nissan and Infiniti badges from this era. While generally reliable, potential buyers should be aware of common issues like oil consumption on higher-mileage VQ35DE engines and ensure proper maintenance history.

[DiCamille]

Oh, that's a Nissan thing, almost entirely. Think of the fun cars: the 350Z and 370Z. Then the nicer versions of those are the Infiniti G35 and G37. They also put those smooth V6 engines in family cars like the Maxima and even some Altimas to give them a real kick. You'll find them in some older SUVs too, like the Murano. Great engines, just listen for any timing chain rattles when you start one up.

[Brantley]

From a technical standpoint, the VQ engine family was a cornerstone for Nissan. Key applications span the VQ35DE in front-wheel drive sedans (Maxima, Altima) and the more advanced VQ37VHR with its VVEL system in rear-wheel drive platforms (370Z, G37). The larger VQ40DE was adapted for truck-based SUVs like the Pathfinder. Your search is effectively a search for the best-performing Nissans and Infinitis from the 2000s and early 2010s.

[AshleyLee]

I was cross-shopping used sports coupes and kept hearing about the VQ. It’s why I settled on my Infiniti G37. That same basic engine is in the 370Z, but I needed a back seat. It’s incredibly responsive and just pulls hard all the way up the rev range. It’s the heart of so many of Nissan's best cars from that time—you get a lot of performance for your money on the used market now.

[AdrielLee]

My buddy is a mechanic and swears by these engines for DIY projects. He says the VQ in the 350Z and G35 is everywhere in junkyards, making parts cheap and available. The community support is huge, with well-documented guides for everything from basic maintenance to forced induction swaps. If you want an affordable, tuner-friendly platform with a proven and powerful engine, looking for a car with a VQ is a smart move. Just check for oil leaks.