Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

1993-1997 Infiniti J30 Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Infiniti J30. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Infiniti J30.
1993-1997 Infiniti J30 Review
Introduced as an early 1993 model, the midpriced rear-drive 4-door sedan from Nissan's luxury division occupied a niche between the big Q45 and the entry-level G20. Sole powertrain was a dual-camshaft, 210-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 driving a 4-speed automatic transmission. Driver- and passenger-side airbags were standard, as was all-disc antilock braking. An optional Touring package added Super HICAS 4-wheel steering, a firmer suspension, rear spoiler, and high-performance tires on forged alloy wheels, giving the car a "J30t" badge on the trunk.
Year to Year Changes
1994 Infiniti J30: Heated front seats became standard this year, and a crimson exterior and black interior became available. Audio tweeters were added to front roof pillars.
1995 Infiniti J30: A new full-width taillight cluster was installed, with subtle vertical ribbing behind the lens.
1996 Infiniti J30: Except for new exterior colors, nothing was new for the J30.
1997 Infiniti J30: Despite $4000 price cuts, sluggish sales caused Infiniti to drop the J30 after 1997.
1993-1997 Infiniti J30 Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Fuel economy
Antilock brakes Passenger and cargo room
Steering/handling Automatic-transmission performance
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
With a 0-60 mph time under nine seconds, the J30 is competitive among luxury sedans in its price range. On the whole, you get smooth, quiet running (except for an automatic transmission that shifts gears too often at in-town speeds). In hard acceleration, though, the engine gets surprisingly loud. Gas mileage also is somewhat disappointing. We reached 24 mpg in highway driving, but dropped below 16 mpg when traveling through urban areas. Unlike some Japanese luxury sedans, the J30's suspension is firm enough to give plenty of road feel and spirited cornering. Yet, it's supple enough so the ride is never harsh. Handling is a tad more balanced than most front-drive rivals, courtesy of the car's rear-drive layout. The cozy cabin is practical only for four adults, in fact. The combination of transmission hump and narrow interior make the J30 too tight in back for a third adult. Otherwise, the cabin is richly appointed and ergonomics are first-rate. Negative points are few, led by the marginal adult-size head/leg room (especially in back) and a minimal-size trunk.
Value for the Money
A fine car overall, blending luxury extras and a somewhat sporty personality, the J30 simply fails to stand out among luxury 4-doors. All told, it lacks the polish and refinement of such rivals as the front-drive Lexus ES 300.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Infiniti J30 Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 5
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 2
Value within Class 4
Total: 41
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.
1993-1997 Infiniti J30 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: The Bose amplifier causes interference on cellular phones requiring a filter on the phone-antenna cable. (1993)
Check-engine light: The check-engine light may come on and indicate a transmission problem. This is due to a faulty throttle position sensor. (1996-97)
Climate control: The automatic climate control occasionally blows hot air for no apparent reason. There are about five different fixes. (1993)
Rough idle: Varnish buildup on the throttle body can make throttle difficult to operate smoothly and lead to an unstable idle. (1993-97)
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 $775
Alternator $890
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,005
Brakes $235
Exhaust System $865
Radiator $540
Shocks and/or Struts $1,400
Timing Chain or Belt $260
Universal Joints $1,170
NHTSA Recall History
1993-95: Harness-connector protector near seatbelt pretensioner can ignite when device is triggered.
1993-1997 Infiniti J30 Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
1993
J30 $2,000-2,600 $1,400-1,800 $300-400
1994
J30 $2,400-3,000 $1,700-2,200 $500-600
1995
J30 $2,900-3,600 $2,200-2,700 $700-800
1996
J30 $3,400-4,100 $2,700-3,200 $900-1,100
1997
J30 $4,000-4,700 $3,300-3,900 $1,300-1,500
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.
1993-1997 Infiniti J30 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 108.7
Overall Length, in. 191.3
Overall Width, in. 69.7
Overall Height, in. 54.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 3527
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 10.1
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 19.0
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 37.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.3
Rear Head Room, in. 36.7
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 30.5
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
All I30 sedans came with the same powertrain: a 3.0-liter V6 engine with dual camshafts, producing 210 horsepower and driving a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
dohc V6 3.0 / 181 210 193 4-speed automatic: 18/23 4-speed automatic: 20.1
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test 1997 J30
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
Car Buying Resources

Trade-In Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth

Trade-In Calculator



Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer
Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.



What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn things



Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance



Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers
Sell Your Car
    Find a Used Car
Price Range:
to
 Radius:
    Vehicle History Report

FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before you buy.