1997-2001 Infiniti Q45: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2001 Infiniti Q45 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Quietness
- Build quality
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Cargo room
- Price
Vehicle Highlights
The rear-wheel-drive flagship from Nissan's luxury division got a major makeover for 1997. At 111.4 inches, the new sedan's wheelbase was 2 inches shorter than before. Overall length dropped just half an inch, to 199.2 inches. Curb weight dipped from 4039 pounds to 3879, while trunk space shrunk from 14.8 to 12.6 cubic feet. Biggest changes went under the hood, as the previous 278-horsepower, 4.5-liter V8 gave way to a 4.1-liter V8 with variable-valve timing, which developed 266 horsepower. Two versions went on sale: the base Q45 and a Q45t touring edition. Standard on both was a 4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential, antilock braking, dual front airbags, leather interior, and power sunroof. In midseason Infiniti, added side airbags to the Q45.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Infiniti Q45t Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2001 Infiniti Q45. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2001 Infiniti Q45.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Infiniti Q45:
New front safetybelt pretensioners were installed this year, and the mechanical odometer was replaced with a liquid crystal display unit.
1999 Infiniti Q45:
New standard features included a power rear-window sunshade, power trunklid pull-down, and high-intensity xenon gas headlights. The Touring edition (Q45t) gained dual-mode electronically controlled shock absorbers.
2000 Infiniti Q45:
New active front head restraints were designed to minimize whiplash injury in rear-end collisions. Rear child-seat anchors were new, as was one-touch open/close operation for the standard moonroof and all power windows. A newly optional navigation system with dashboard touch-screen replaced a simpler, nonvideo system. Available in limited numbers, a 10th Anniversary Touring edition had machine-finish wheels, special badges and upholstery, wood/leather steering wheel, and bird's-eye maple interior accents. New platinum-tip spark plugs were good for 100,000 miles between tuneups.
2001 Infiniti Q45:
Body-color door handles, bird's-eye maple interior trim, and a leather/simulated-wood steering wheel were the only changes for 2001.
Our road test for the 1997-2001 Infiniti Q45 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2001 Infiniti Q45 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2001 Infiniti Q45 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
A test Q45 accelerated to 60 mph in a brisk 7.2 seconds. Midrange power is similarly ample, aided by a velvety-smooth, responsive and refined automatic transmission. Fuel economy is less inspiring. We averaged only 15.4 mpg in a driving mix that included a lot of rush-hour commuting, and 17.6 mpg in a session that covered more highway miles. Compared to the prior Q45, the new standard model is less agile. Road manners are competent enough, but hardly sporty. This version also feels more roly-poly on tight, twisty roads--closer to the Lexus LS than to BMW's 5-Series, for instance. Slightly numb on-center steering feel doesn't help on this score, either. Suspension damping is soft enough to allow a fair amount of nosedive during hard braking. Otherwise, the brakes perform admirably. At the same time, you can expect something close to a "magic carpet" ride, with outstanding impact absorption. Body control is better in the Touring edition, however. This "Q" is quiet, without question. Cruising is hushed, with little noise intruding from the road, wind, or engine. Passing over railroad tracks and other hazards generally produces a feeling of solidity. Though smaller outside than the prior "Q," this one is a little roomier inside. Despite the dimensions, though, lanky back-seat occupants must ride with knees-up if a tall passenger happens to occupy the front seat. Head room in back is only adequate, too. Front seats are roomy and comfortable, with enough adjustments to accommodate occupants of nearly any stature. Visibility is good except over-the-shoulder, where wide rear roof pillars serve as obstacles. Although the dashboard looks somewhat uninspired, it's orderly and convenient, though a few controls are cryptic or hidden. The sedan's trunk is wide but not very long, offering space for about four medium suitcases plus a few odds and ends.
Value for the Money
Though impressive overall and appealing in a number of ways, bland styling and inadequate cargo room help make the latest Q45 a less-than-scintillating competitor.
Though impressive overall and appealing in a number of ways, bland styling and inadequate cargo room help make the latest Q45 a less-than-scintillating competitor.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Infiniti Q45t Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
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 Q45 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Infiniti Q45 .
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.
Blower motor:
Humming and/or ticking noises from the blower are corrected with a revised insulator cover. (1996-2001)
Brakes:
Brakes make a clunking sound and may also pulsate after the engine is first started, but this is a function of the ABS brakes, not a malfunction. (1997-98)
Fuel economy:
Fuel economy may be lower after an oil change if the proper SAE grade (5W-30) is used. (1997-98)
Hard starting:
May be hard to start in cold weather unless the preferred procedure of depressing the accelerator 1/3 to the floor during cranking. (1997-98)
Keys:
The car may not start if any other transponders (e.g. Mobil SpeedPass) are on the key ring. (1997-00)
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 | $860 |
| Alternator | $390 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $975 |
| Brakes | $245 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $760 |
| Exhaust System | $1,740 |
| Radiator | $545 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $910 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,160 |
Our price chart for this generation Infiniti Q45 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2001 | |||
| Q45 | $8,900-9,900 | $8,000-8,900 | $4,600-5,100 |
| 2000 | |||
| Q45 | $7,800-8,800 | $7,000-7,900 | $4,000-4,500 |
| 1999 | |||
| Q45 | $6,900-7,600 | $6,100-6,800 | $3,200-3,600 |
| 1998 | |||
| Q45 | $6,000-6,700 | $5,200-5,800 | $2,500-2,800 |
| 1997 | |||
| Q45 | $5,300-6,000 | $4,600-5,200 | $2,200-2,500 |
|
|
|||
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 Q45 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 199.2 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.9 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3879 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.1 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.6 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.9 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one powertrain was available: a 4.1-liter dual-overhead-cam V8 engine, producing 266 horsepower and driving a 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 4.1 / 252 | 266 | 278 | 4-speed automatic: 18/23 | 4-speed automatic: 17.6 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Infiniti Q45 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.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 1997-2001 Infiniti Q45 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1997-98:
Alternator diode may have been damaged when built, eventually resulting in failure and electric short that could melt plastic housing.
1997-98:
Ignition key can be removed when engine is turned off, without placing transmission shift lever in "Park" position.
2000-01 vehicles with 17-inch alloy wheels:
Certain 17-inch alloy wheels were made with defects could result in the wheel falling off. Dealer will inspect and replace affected wheels.
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