1996-1999 Infiniti I30: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

1996 Infiniti I30t
1999 Infiniti I30
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1996-1999 Infiniti I30 

  • Price Range:  $2,300 - $4,900
CG Rating

52

out of 100

About our Road Test

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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.

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 Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
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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