1997-2000 Infiniti QX4: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2000 Infiniti QX4 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Build quality
Cons
- Engine noise
- Fuel economy
- Rear-seat entry/exit
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Nissan's luxury division entered the sport-utility segment during the winter of 1996-97 with the midsize QX4--a high-end SUV, based on the Nissan Pathfinder. Except for a more-sophisticated 4-wheel-drive system, the QX4 had the same mechanical specifications as the Pathfinder. External appearance also was similar. Inside, the QX4 got more standard features including leather upholstery and wood-tone trim. Otherwise, here too, Infiniti's SUV exhibited many similarities to Pathfinder. Only one powertrain was offered: a 168-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission, with Infiniti's All-Mode 4WD. All-Mode had three settings, selected by a rotary switch on the instrument panel: 2WD (which routed power only to back wheels); Auto (which could distribute up to 50 percent of power to front wheels when the rears began to slip); and Lock (which split power 50/50 under all conditions). The Auto setting could be used on smooth, dry pavement, but Lock was only for use on slippery surfaces. A separate shift lever on the console activated the 4-wheel-drive system's Low range. Dual airbags and height-adjustable front shoulder belts were installed, along with 4-wheel antilock braking. The short option list included heated front seats, a power sunroof, and limited-slip rear differential.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Infiniti QX4 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 47 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2000 Infiniti QX4. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2000 Infiniti QX4.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Infiniti QX:
No changes were evident for 1998.
1999 Infiniti QX:
Side airbags were installed during 1999, along with a universal garage-door opener. A redesigned QX4 debuted as an early 2000 model, with a new V6 engine adapted from Nissan/Infiniti passenger cars.
2000 Infiniti QX:
Limited 2000 models were produced as a heavily revised 2001 model arrived in March. One change of note, however is side airbags.
Our road test for the 1997-2000 Infiniti QX4 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2000 Infiniti QX4 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2000 Infiniti QX4 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Claims that a QX4 drives like a car rather than a truck are essentially accurate. The luxury wagon's firm suspension absorbs bumps better than many competitive SUVs. You also enjoy relatively low noise levels, plus confident cornering ability with good grip and little body lean. But don't be misled: The QX4 does not ride like a luxury sedan. Also, the V6 engine sounds and feels rough when worked hard. Unfortunately, that's exactly what is needed to provide decent passing power. Acceleration is adequate in any case, aided by an automatic transmission that shifts smoothly, but sometimes hesitates to kick down into a lower gear for passing or merging. Gas mileage is not a bonus. We averaged only 12.5 miles per gallon in a mix of city and freeway driving, reaching a high of 15.2 mpg on the highway. Step-in is high even with the standard running boards. Rear access is complicated by back doors that are narrow at the bottom and don't open to an angle close to 90 degrees. Once inside, all-around head and leg room are adequate for four adults (but not five), though rear passengers have virtually no under-seat foot space. Cargo room, on the other hand, is plentiful even with the 60/40 rear seat in place. Conversion requires swinging the cushion forward and removing the headrests, but the seatbacks then lie flat to create a long, wide deck. The driver can expect good visibility and a convenient, easy-to-understand dashboard layout. Standard dual power front seats combine with a tilt steering wheel for easy tailoring of the driver's position to suit just about anyone.
Value for the Money
Considered in terms of value, the QX4 does not look particularly competitive against such rivals as the Mercedes-Benz ML320, which is roomier and rides more smoothly; or the very carlike Lexus RX 300. In fact, a well-equipped Nissan Pathfinder delivers just about as much as the QX4 for markedly fewer dollars, either new or used.
Considered in terms of value, the QX4 does not look particularly competitive against such rivals as the Mercedes-Benz ML320, which is roomier and rides more smoothly; or the very carlike Lexus RX 300. In fact, a well-equipped Nissan Pathfinder delivers just about as much as the QX4 for markedly fewer dollars, either new or used.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Infiniti QX4 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 47 |
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 QX includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Infiniti QX .
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.
Air springs:
The vehicle may sit crooked because the left front spring compresses more than the right requiring a countermeasure spring. (1997-98)
Automatic transmission:
The manufacturer has approved the use of automatic-transmission fluid labeled "Dexron IIE-Mercon" although Dexron IIE is the preferred fluid which hard to find. (1997-98)
Blower motor:
Humming and/or ticking noises from the blower are corrected with a revised insulator cover. (1996-2001)
Brakes:
The brake pedal may be soft if replacement brakes are not sufficiently burnished. (1997)
Brakes:
The shifter may not move out of park in cold weather due to hardened grease on the end of the interlock cable near the ignition key lock.
Cold-starting problems:
The engine may be hard to start in cold weather unless the driver uses the proper procedure which involves depressing the accelerator pedal 1/3 of the way while cranking the engine. (1997)
Fuel gauge:
The fuel gauge may not read full, even after a fill-up due to a faulty in-tank sending unit. (1997-99)
Mirrors:
If the inside rearview mirror falls off, a countermeasure bolt is available to hold it in place more securely. (1997-2000)
Oil consumption:
Using the wrong lubricant in the all-wheel-drive final drive system could cause problems, and the only approved product (factory fill) is Pennzoil 4096 Limited Slip Differential Oil. (1997)
Suspension problems:
The rear end bottoms out over bumps when the car is loaded and revised springs and shock absorbers are available. (1997)
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 | $895 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $985 |
| Brakes | $235 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $860 |
| Exhaust System | $930 |
| Radiator | $570 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,600 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $945 |
Our price chart for this generation Infiniti QX details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2000 | |||
| QX4 | $7,300-8,400 | $6,600-7,600 | $3,600-4,100 |
| 1999 | |||
| QX4 | $6,000-7,000 | $5,200-6,100 | $2,500-2,900 |
| 1998 | |||
| QX4 | $5,200-6,100 | $4,400-5,200 | $2,100-2,400 |
| 1997 | |||
| QX4 | $4,500-5,200 | $3,700-4,300 | $1,600-1,900 |
|
|
|||
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 QX include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 67.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4275 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 85.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.1 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.5 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.5 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 31.8 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Just one powertrain has been available: a 3.3-liter V6 engine that developed 168 horsepower, driving a 4-speed automatic transmission. All-Mode 4-wheel drive was standard.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.3 / 201 | 168 | 196 | 4-speed automatic: 15/19 | 4-speed automatic: 12.5 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Infiniti QX include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 QX4 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
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 1997-2000 Infiniti QX4 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1997-2001:
Recall affects vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The fuel filler tube may rust due to an incomplete coating process. In areas where road salt is used, the rust may perforate the tube, causing fuel leakage, increasing risk of fire. Dealers will replace the fuel filler tube with a new one with an improved coating process.
2000:
Improperly seated key-cylinder cap can disengage causing the steering wheel to lock.
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