1990-1992 Infiniti M30 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Infiniti M30. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Infiniti M30.

1990-1992 Infiniti M30 Review

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.

Year to Year Changes

1991 Infiniti M30: An M30 convertible joined the original coupe this year. Convertibles were transformed from coupes by American Sunroof Corporation in California. A standard power top automatically latched/unlatched at the windshield header and also raised/lowered windows at the same time. Otherwise, improvements were modest in the M30's second season on the market. The central locking system could now be operated from either door, and "summer" performance tires replaced the prior all-season rubber. Tachometer and speedometer positions on the instrument panel were transposed, and gauge graphics were bigger this year.

1992 Infiniti M30: Except for a new power door-lock system with 2-stage "select logic" operation, this year's M30 coupe and convertible were complete carryovers. All Infinitis got the new door-locking system, in which a "first turn" from either front passenger door locked or unlocked that door. Turning the key a bit farther locked/unlocked the remaining doors.

1990-1992 Infiniti M30 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Cargo room

Antilock brakes	Rear-seat room

Airbag	Ride

	Visibility (convertible)

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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:	40

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1990-1992 Infiniti M30 Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Audio system: Aftermarket CD changers installed without using proper antenna plug-in adapters has resulted in volume fading in and out, static, radio bleed-through when using the CD player and poor reception. (1990-92)

Convertible top: Convertible tops had several problems including: tack strips that allow the bow to slip out of place, water and wind leaks, poor-fitting boots, and boots that would not stay attached. (1990-92)

Fuel odors: Leaking fuel injectors that caused starting, drivability problems, and fuel odors were being voluntarily replaced. (1990-92)

Hood/trunk: Early build models had defective trunk-light switches that would allow the light to stay on and drain the battery. (1990)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


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

NHTSA Recall History

1990-91 M30: Front seatbelt-buckle release buttons can break and pieces can fall into buckle assembly, causing improper operation.

1990-92 M30: Though not a safety recall, Infiniti issued a safety-improvement campaign to replace the fuel injectors and related hoses of affected vehicles, which could leak.

1990-1992 Infiniti M30 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
M30 coupe	$1,400-1,900	$900-1,200	$200

1991
M30 convertible	$2,200-2,800	$1,600-2,000	$400-500
M30 coupe	$1,600-2,100	$1,100-1,400	$200-300

1992
M30 convertible	$2,500-3,200	$1,800-2,300	$500-700
M30 coupe	$1,900-2,500	$1,300-1,700	$300-400

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1990-1992 Infiniti M30 Specs & Safety

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

All M30 models used an overhead-cam 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 162 horsepower and driving a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: Japan

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1992 Infiniti M30 Review:

Infiniti M30

Infiniti M30 Road Test

Infiniti M30 Reliability

Infiniti M30 Prices

Infiniti M30 Specs & Safety

Infiniti M30 Photos

Infiniti M30 Full Review