1990-1992 Infiniti M30: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

1990 Infiniti M30 2-door coupe
1992 Infiniti M30
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1990-1992 Infiniti M30

  • Price Range:  $700 - $2,200
CG Rating

40

out of 100

About our Road Test

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1992 Infiniti M30 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

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
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1992 Infiniti M30. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1992 Infiniti M30.

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.

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

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.

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

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.
Our reliability study for this generation Infiniti M30 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Infiniti M30 .

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
Our price chart for this generation Infiniti M30 details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
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
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.
Specs for this generation Infiniti M30 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

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.

Built In:  Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Infiniti M30 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

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%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1992 Infiniti M30 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

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.

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