1990-1996 Infiniti Q45: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1996 Infiniti Q45 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Passenger room
- Antilock brakes
- Ride
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Cargo room
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
One of Infiniti's first models, the posh, rear-wheel-drive Q45 was the flagship of the line. It came only as a 4-door sedan with a dual-cam V8 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. A driver-side airbag and antilock brakes were standard. "Super HICAS" 4-wheel steering was the sole major option, part of a Touring Package that included a rear stabilizer bar and integrated decklid spoiler. All Q45s had automatic climate control, power driver's seat, power sunroof, antitheft system, and power windows/mirrors.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Infiniti Q45 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1996 Infiniti Q45. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1996 Infiniti Q45.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Infiniti Q45:
Two new options joined for 1991: a traction-control system, and the world's first production "Full-Active Suspension (FAS)" In that latter setup, computer-controlled hydraulic actuators at each wheel generate forces in response to signals from 10 sensors to counteract body lean, nose lift and nose dive, and fore/aft pitch on wavy surfaces.
1992 Infiniti Q45:
Cars with the Full-Active Suspension were now named "Q45A."
1993 Infiniti Q45:
Monotone interiors replaced the former 2 tones, and steering wheels and other items adopted color-keying.
1994 Infiniti Q45:
The '94 Q45 arrived in spring 1993, adding a passenger-side airbag. The restyled front end featured a chrome grille and fog lamps. All Q45s now had front seatbelt pretensioners, softer leather seats, and wood inlays. Suspension bushings were softened for an easier ride.
1995 Infiniti Q45:
Except for new alloy wheels, the Infiniti flagship carried on without significant change.
1996 Infiniti Q45:
The high-cost Q45a dropped out, and V8 engines deleted variable valve timing. Q45 would be redesigned for 1997.
Our road test for the 1990-1996 Infiniti Q45 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1996 Infiniti Q45 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1996 Infiniti Q45 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Among the first items to be noticed behind a Q45's wheel is its quiet, silky, responsive powertrain. Not only is refinement high, but you experience lively off-the-line pickup and the crisp-shifting transmission helps it thread easily through traffic. A sporty growl emanates from beneath the hood, but the V8 runs smoothly. Fuel economy is not a "plus." We averaged only 16.6 mpg, even with a lot of highway miles, and costly premium fuel is required. Traction control is essential for preventing wheel slip on slick surfaces. Though not quite as smooth-riding as an LS 400 or Jaguar XJ6, the Q45 easily equals the big BMW and Mercedes in that department, yielding a stable, comfortable highway experience. Handling and braking are good, though mild understeer (resistance to turning) is evident and body lean is noticeable. The big (11-inch) brakes work well in routine use. Though spacious for four, a Q45 isn't vast when you consider its outside dimensions. Entry/exit is a snap. Rear leg room is ample, but there's no space for feet under the front seats. Though it's wide and has a flat floor, the trunk isn't very long or deep.
Value for the Money
A worthy alternative to the big BMW or Mercedes, the Q45 lacks the charm of those European sedans but is beautifully built and lavishly appointed. It might not quite match Lexus for refinement, but you'd be wise to try both.
A worthy alternative to the big BMW or Mercedes, the Q45 lacks the charm of those European sedans but is beautifully built and lavishly appointed. It might not quite match Lexus for refinement, but you'd be wise to try both.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Infiniti Q45 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
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 Q45 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Infiniti Q45 .
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.
Automatic transmission:
A campaign was conducted to improve automatic-transmission life by installing an inline filter and auxiliary oil cooler. (1991)
Brakes:
To fix brake judder and/or a groaning noise when coming to a stop, new front brake pads were developed. (1990-94)
Engine knock:
A knocking noise when the engine is cold, is probably coming from the ASCD cable rattling in the bracket near the firewall and is corrected by tie-wrapping the cable to the bracket. (1990-93)
Engine misfire:
If the idle quality gradually deteriorates, feeling like the idle is set too low, a revised ECM (computer) should solve the problem. (1994-95)
Engine stalling:
Stalling during coast-down idling is due to a loose connection at the air-flow meter. (1990-96)
Radiator:
The radiator filler neck was prone to breakage and the radiator was redesigned so that the neck is a one-piece, die-cast design. A new cap is also required. (1990-92)
Vehicle shake:
Engine vibration felt through the steering wheel, seat, and floor with the brakes on and the transmission in drive, may be corrected by replacing two motor mounts and engine-control computer. If the vibration is worse when the A/C is on, the compressor may also have to be replaced. (1990-91)
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 | $875 |
| Alternator | $395 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $975 |
| Brakes | $235 |
| Exhaust System | $1,680 |
| Radiator | $545 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $910 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,160 |
| Universal Joints | $750 |
Our price chart for this generation Infiniti Q45 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1996 | |||
| Q45 | $3,900-4,600 | $3,200-3,800 | $1,200-1,400 |
| 1995 | |||
| Q45 | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| 1994 | |||
| Q45 | $2,800-3,500 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-800 |
| 1993 | |||
| Q45 | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1992 | |||
| Q45 | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1991 | |||
| Q45 | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 1990 | |||
| Q45 | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
|
|
|||
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 Q45 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 199.8 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.3 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4039 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.8 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.2 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.9 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.3 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.0 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one powertrain went into the Infiniti Q45: a 4.5-liter V8 engine with four valves per cylinder rated at 278 horsepower, and a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 4.5 / 274 | 278 | 292 | 4-speed automatic: 17/22 | 4-speed automatic: 16.6 |
|
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 Q45 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.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 1990-1996 Infiniti Q45 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991-92 w/Bose speakers and integral amplifier:
Conductive bridge can form on circuit board due to electrolyte leakage in high humidity; can result in overheating and possible smoke, flame, or fire.
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