2002 Infiniti Q45 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The flagship sedan of Nissan's luxury brand is redesigned for 2002. It's wider and taller than the 1997-2001 version, on a longer wheelbase for more interior room. New styling includes 7-lens headlamps claimed to be the world's brightest. Infiniti aims to revive Q45's performance roots with a new 4.5-liter V8 with 74 hp more than the prior 4.1. A 5-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift feature supplants a 4-speed without. Also standard: antilock 4-wheel discs with brake assist, traction control/antiskid system, 17-inch wheels, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and leather/wood interior trim. An in-dash information screen serves an available navigation system, and there's standard voice-control for audio, climate, and navigation functions.

To the base Luxury model the Sport Package option adds 18-inch wheels and auto-adjusting shock absorbers with firmer sport setting. The Premium Package includes power-reclining rear seat, rear audio/climate controls, and a TV camera that displays a rear view on the dashboard screen when Reverse is selected. Nissan's Intelligent Cruise Control option uses laser sensors and is designed to automatically speed or slow the Q45 to keep a constant distance from cars ahead.

Competition

This diverse segment offers the widest price range and obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $44,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. The refined Lexus LS 430 can't be beat for comfort and features at just under $55,000. Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though a bit long in the tooth, also continues to impress with its impeccable road manners and luxurious comfort.

If you are looking for something a bit more sporting, we Recommend the BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the roomy Cadillac DeVille or Lexus GS 300.

News

It's still early days for the third incarnation of Infiniti's flagship sedan, but no major changes are said to be in store through model-year 2004 at least. The 2002-model redesign doubtless played a part in lifting Q45 sales by 31.5 percent year-to-year in the first nine months of 2001.

2002 Infiniti Q45 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy

Quietness	Navigation-system controls

Build quality

Exterior finish

Interior materials

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Luxury	Luxury w/Premium and Sport pkgs, nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6.5

Feels lazier than its impressive power ratings would imply. Throttle response in most situations is frustrated by the transmission's overeagerness to seek the highest gear and its reluctance to downshift when power is called for. In the 0-60 mph sprint, Infiniti claims 5.9 sec, but our test car clocked 6.7. Have not yet tested the laser cruise control.

Fuel Economy

Luxury	Luxury w/Premium and Sport pkgs, nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	4.2

Test cars averaged 15.9-16.6 mpg in a city/highway mix, 19 mpg in mostly highway driving. Premium fuel required.

Ride Quality

Luxury	Luxury w/Premium and Sport pkgs, nav. sys.	Class Average
8	7	8

Comfortable overall, but not among the best in class. Suspension allows some float and bounce on moguls, yet impact harshness is higher than the luxury norm; little freeway thump, though. Optional auto-adjusting shock absorbers have little effect.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Luxury	Luxury w/Premium and Sport pkgs, nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6.6

Corners acceptably for its size and weight, but less agile than most rivals. Steering feel is vague. Auto-adjusting shocks have little effect, but available 18-inch tires induce wander along road grooves. Strong brakes provided short, stable simulated-emergency stops.

Quietness

Luxury	Luxury w/Premium and Sport pkgs, nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7.5

Road and wind noise levels low overall, yet higher than expected for this class. Engine smooth and quiet even at high speeds.

Controls

Luxury	Luxury w/Premium and Sport pkgs, nav. sys.	Class Average
7	4	5.3

Crystal-clear gauges, but unnecessarily complex climate/audio/navigation setup takes time to learn and aggravates simple tasks like changing radio stations. Interior materials are of good quality, but don't stand out for feel or visual panache.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Luxury	Luxury w/Premium and Sport pkgs, nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7.8

Seats comfortable, head and leg room are generous. Undersized outside mirrors hamper lane changes, but true to Infiniti's promise, the Q's headlights are among brightest of any car. Premium package's rear-view TV system is outstanding in design and operation, though we haven't yet tested it with the camera lens coated in dust or salt spray.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Luxury	Luxury w/Premium and Sport pkgs, nav. sys.	Class Average
6	7	7

Surprisingly cozy, with just-acceptable 6-footer head and leg room. Transmission hump and cushion shaping preclude a middle adult. Premium models add comfort-enhancing seat heating, power backrest recline, audio/climate controls.

Cargo Room

Luxury	Luxury w/Premium and Sport pkgs, nav. sys.	Class Average
3	3	4.9

Trunk volume about average for the class, subpar for the exterior size. Intrusive trunklid hinges are an embarrassment at this price level. Cabin storage is plentiful.

Value within Class

Luxury	Luxury w/Premium and Sport pkgs, nav. sys.	Class Average
3	3	4.6

Premium sedans must deliver effortless performance in an atmosphere of spacious refinement. Materials and workmanship of the highest quality and at-your-service ergonomics are also essential when a car costs over $50,000. Q45 doesn't squarely hit any of these marks.

Total Score

Luxury	Luxury w/Premium and Sport pkgs, nav. sys.	Class Average
59	56	62.4

Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score		51
Average Score		62
High Score		78

2002 Infiniti Q45 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 12/21/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Luxury 4-door sedan	$50,500	$45,672	$545

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Luxury

Powertrain

4.5-liter dohc V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control, limited-slip differential.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescoping wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/memory, cruise control, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, 10-way power driver seat w/power lumbar adjustment, 8-way power passenger seat, center console, cupholders, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/signal lights and driver-side automatic day/night, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Bose AM/FM/cassette/CD player, 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls, analog clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, voice-recognition system for radio and climate controls, power sunroof, rear defogger, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, remote fuel-door/decklid release, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, xenon headlights, 225/55R17 tires, alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
Luxury	$9,000	$7,754
Intelligent cruise control, power reclining rear seat w/exit assist, rear radio controls, rear air conditioning controls w/additional rear vents, heated front and rear seats, navigation system, rearview monitor, power rear-entry assistance, power rear sunshade, manual rear side sunshades, computer-controlled and driver-adjustable sport suspension, full-size spare tire, 245/45R18 tires, special alloy wheels. NA w/Sport Pkg.

Sport Pkg.
Luxury	$1,500	$1,293
Graphite-tone wood interior trim, blue-tone headlight trim, blue back-up-light bulbs, computer-controlled and driver-adjustable sport suspension, 245/45R18 tires, special alloy wheels.

Sunshade Pkg.
Luxury	$500	$431
Power rear sunshade, manual rear side sunshades.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Luxury	$2,100	$1,896


Intelligent cruise control
Luxury	$800	$689


Power sunroof delete
(credit)	$-500	$-431
NA w/Premium Pkg., Sport Pkg., Sunshade Pkg., navigation system, intelligent cruise control, heated front seats, run-flat tires, full-size spare tire.

Heated front seats
Luxury	$450	$388


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Run-flat tires
Luxury	$400	$345
NA w/Premium Pkg. or Sport Pkg.

Full-size spare tire
Luxury	$180	$155

2002 Infiniti Q45 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Infiniti Q45 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	113.0

Overall Length, in.	199.6

Overall Width, in.	72.6

Overall Height, in.	58.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	3880

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	21.4

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	44.0

Rear Head Room, in.	38.1

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.5 /274

Horsepower @ rpm.	340 @ 6400

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	333 @ 4000

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	17/25

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Infiniti Q45 4-door sedan

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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	6/70,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/60,000	--

Corrosion	7/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/unlimited	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Japan

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

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Infiniti Q45 Specs & Safety

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