1990-1992 Infiniti M30: Road Test

Though pleasant, the M30 coupe is not particularly exceptional. Angular styling and a tight cockpit suggest Nissans of the 1980s, not cars of the early '90s. Automatic-transmission performance has been a pleasant surprise. It responds immediately to throttle inputs and moves up and down the gear with smoothness that rivals the best of the breed. A test coupe accelerated to 60 mph in a brisk 8.7 seconds. Braking distances are short and directional control is excellent. Balance and grip through long sweeping turns is fine, but the car can feel a bit ponderous around town. Ride quality is variable. In the Comfort mode, the standard Sonar Suspension II allows too much nose-bobbing. Switch to the firmer Sport mode and the ride gets jittery. Shock absorber damping fixed somewhere between the two settings might have solved the problem; but that was not available. Drivers over 6-feet tall might have trouble fitting in the coupe because the power moonroof steals head room. The convertible has adequate head room, but its top has wide rear "pillars" which, matched by slim, fixed rear side windows, complicate over-the shoulder vision. Rear-seat leg room is inadequate in both body styles, unless front seats are moved well-forward. Cargo-carrying capacity is not a strong point. The trunk is shallow, its floor not fully flat, and the opening is high and narrow. Despite suffering from "cowl shake," a typical bane of convertibles that have been transformed from coupes, the open-air version of the M30 has its own charms. The automatic convertible top is quick and easy to use, but fitting the rubber molding of the tonneau cover is laborious and time consuming. In addition, a cramped driving position, tight rear seat, and the dinky trunk--coupled with a "busy" ride--are among the negative points that have kept the M30 convertible away from the top of our shopping list in this class.

Value for the Money
A new M30 came with most everything expected in a luxury coupe, yet beat most rivals on price. Though comparable to an Acura Legend, the M30 isn't as much fun to drive.