1996-1999 Infiniti I30: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1996-1999 Infiniti I30 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Acceleration
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Rear-seat comfort
- Fuel economy
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Nissan's luxury division introduced this new sedan as an early '96 model. The front-drive 4-door I30 was based on the design used for the Nissan Maxima. Both rode a 106.3-inch wheelbase. At 189.6 inches overall, the I30 was two inches longer than a Maxima. Exterior styling was the foremost difference between the two, with the I30 wearing a more formal-looking body. Both the I30 and Maxima used the same 190-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 engine with dual camshafts. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard and 4-speed automatic optional. Suspensions, components, and interiors also were shared. Standard I30 features included dual airbags and antilock brakes.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Infiniti I30t auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1996-1999 Infiniti I30. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1996-1999 Infiniti I30.
Year to Year Changes
1997 Infiniti I-Series:
Changes were few this year.
1998 Infiniti I-Series:
Infiniti added standard front side airbags for 1998. Other I30 changes include new headlights and tailights.
1999 Infiniti I-Series:
Traction control was a new option for automatic models and a midyear Limited model slotted in between the base I30 and sporty I30t. Heated seats moved from the standard equipment list to the option list. I30 was all new for 2000.
Our road test for the 1996-1999 Infiniti I30 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1996-1999 Infiniti I30 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1996-1999 Infiniti I30 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The V6 engine produces plenty of torque at low speeds, yielding quick takeoffs and brisk passing sprints. Accelerating to 60 mph takes about 8 seconds. Fuel economy is disappointing. Our test I30 averaged under 19 mpg, and premium gasoline is recommended. The basic I30's suspension is firm, yet soaks up most bumps easily. Rear-seat passengers actually feel bumps and tar strips more than those seated in front. Steering is firm and precise, offering good feedback. Stable front-drive competence lets an I30 take high-speed corners with little body lean and taut road grip. Because the I30t has a firmer suspension than other models, coupled with high-performance tires, its handling is more responsive--quite agile for a big car. The I30t also suffers a stiffer ride, however, as well as greater tire noise at highway speeds. Gauges and controls are well-marked and easy to reach while driving. Visibility is good to the front and sides, but large rear headrests block the view directly backward. Interior space is ample for four adults. Rear-seat backrests are too inclined to suit some passengers. The trunk is spacious, and is augmented by a folding pass-through section.
Value for the Money
With more standard features than a Maxima, the I30 is well-equipped and a good alternative to the more expensive Lexus ES 300--a superior road car for long trips.
With more standard features than a Maxima, the I30 is well-equipped and a good alternative to the more expensive Lexus ES 300--a superior road car for long trips.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Infiniti I30t auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
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 I-Series includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Infiniti I-Series .
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:
The original automatic-transmission (model F04) shift solenoids allowed slipping and premature wear. (1997)
Blower motor:
Humming and/or ticking noises from the blower are corrected with a revised insulator cover. (1996-2001)
Brake noise:
The rear brakes may moan or hum when released below 5 mph requiring replacement parking-brake cables and brake-pad retainers. (1996-99)
Dashboard lights:
Some cars with the California emissions package may ingest water into the evaporative emissions canister, which triggers the check engine light. (1996)
Engine fan noise:
The mounting flange for the fan (on the water pump) can come loose after service if the fan pulley is not installed properly during repairs. (1996-97)
Engine knock:
Spark knock or ping may result from a defective onboard computer. (1996-97)
Trunk latch:
The trunklid opens by itself from either the striker being out of adjustment or the driver accidentally hitting the release switch. The striker may be adjusted, and there is a revised switch to minimize accidental actuation. (1996-99)
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 | $800 |
| Alternator | $410 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $920 |
| Brakes | $210 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $650 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,150 |
| Exhaust System | $445 |
| Radiator | $475 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,140 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $690 |
Our price chart for this generation Infiniti I-Series details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1999 | |||
| I30 | $5,100-5,800 | $4,300-4,900 | $2,000-2,300 |
| 1998 | |||
| I30 | $4,300-5,000 | $3,600-4,200 | $1,500-1,700 |
| 1997 | |||
| I30 | $3,600-4,300 | $2,900-3,400 | $1,000-1,200 |
| 1996 | |||
| I30 | $3,000-3,700 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-900 |
|
|
|||
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 I-Series include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.6 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3001 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.1 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.9 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.3 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one engine went into the I30 sedan: a 3.0-liter V6 with dual overhead camshafts, developing 190 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard; 4-speed automatic transmission optional. Leather-Appointed sedans all had the automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 190 | 205 | 5-speed manual: 21/26 4-speed automatic: 21/28 |
5-speed manual: 22.3 4-speed automatic: 17.3 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Infiniti I-Series include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 I30 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
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 1996-1999 Infiniti I30 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1998:
Alternator diode may have been damaged when built, eventually resulting in failure and electric short that could melt plastic housing.
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