1990-1992 Infiniti M30: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Infiniti M30
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Pros
- Acceleration
- Antilock brakes
- Airbag
Cons
- Cargo room
- Rear-seat room
- Visibility (convertible)
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
Complementing the new Q45 "flagship" sedan from Nissan's luxury division was the entry-level M30 coupe, also introduced for 1990. Essentially an Americanized version of the Nissan Leopard, sold in the Japanese market, the M30 was intended as a temporary stopgap, until a brand-new model could be developed. Dimensions were close to the front-drive Nissan Maxima sedan, but the M30 had rear-wheel drive and weighed about 300 pounds more. Maxima provided the 3.0 liter overhead-cam V6 engine, rated at 162 horsepower; but it was mounted longitudinally in the M30, rather than transversely. A 4-speed automatic was the sole transmission. Antilock brakes and a driver's airbag were standard. "Sonar Suspension II," also borrowed from the Maxima, used an ultrasonic sensor mounted beneath the radiator to "read" the road surfaces and adjust shock absorber damping accordingly. A cockpit switch let the driver choose soft, medium, or firm damping mode. Like the bigger Q45, the M30 was marketed as a "one-price" model, fully equipped with only two dealer-installed options available: a cellular phone and a CD player/changer. Standard equipment included a power moonroof, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power windows and door locks, a 2-way power driver's seat, limited-slip differential, 4-speaker Nissan/Bose audio system, and antitheft alarm.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Infiniti M30 convertible Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1990-1992 Infiniti M30 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1992 Infiniti M30 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1992 Infiniti M30 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Infiniti M30 convertible Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $910 |
| Alternator | $395 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,025 |
| Brakes | $230 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $375 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,550 |
| Exhaust System | $345 |
| Radiator | $535 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,500 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $165 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1992 | |||
| M30 convertible | $2,300-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $400-600 |
| M30 coupe | $1,700-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 1991 | |||
| M30 convertible | $1,900-2,600 | $1,300-1,800 | $300-400 |
| M30 coupe | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1990 | |||
| M30 coupe | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103 | 103 |
| Overall Length, in. | 188.8 | 188.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.5 | 66.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.3 | 54.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3576 | 3333 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.3 | 11.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.2 | 17.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 35 | 36.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.2 | 35.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 30.2 | 30.2 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 162 | 180 | 4-speed automatic: 19/25 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1992 M30 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
NHTSA Recall History
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
