1993-1997 Infiniti J30: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Acceleration
- Antilock brakes
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Passenger and cargo room
- Automatic-transmission performance
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 41 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1993-1997 Infiniti J30 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1993-1997 Infiniti J30 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1993-1997 Infiniti J30 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 41 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| 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 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 1997 | |||
| J30 | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| 1996 | |||
| J30 | $3,000-3,700 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-900 |
| 1995 | |||
| J30 | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| 1994 | |||
| J30 | $2,100-2,700 | $1,500-1,900 | $400-500 |
| 1993 | |||
| J30 | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
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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 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 210 | 193 | 4-speed automatic: 18/23 | 4-speed automatic: 20.1 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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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%. 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%.








