1996-1999 Infiniti I30 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Infiniti I-Series. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Infiniti I-Series.

1996-1999 Infiniti I30 Review

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.

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.

1996-1999 Infiniti I30 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Antilock brakes	Rear-seat comfort

Acceleration	Fuel economy

Steering/handling	Rear visibility

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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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:	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.

1996-1999 Infiniti I30 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.

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

NHTSA Recall History

1998: Alternator diode may have been damaged when built, eventually resulting in failure and electric short that could melt plastic housing.

1996-1999 Infiniti I30 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1996
I30	$3,300-4,000	$2,600-3,200	$800-1,000

1997
I30	$4,000-4,700	$3,300-3,900	$1,300-1,500

1998
I30	$4,800-5,600	$4,000-4,700	$1,800-2,100

1999
I30	$5,500-6,400	$4,700-5,500	$2,300-2,600

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.

1996-1999 Infiniti I30 Specs & Safety

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.

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%. 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: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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Also in the 1996-1999 Infiniti I30 Review:

Infiniti I30

Infiniti I30 Road Test

Infiniti I30 Reliability

Infiniti I30 Prices

Infiniti I30 Specs & Safety

Infiniti I30 Photos

Infiniti I30 Full Review