2002-2006 Infiniti Q45: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2002-2006 Infiniti Q45 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Build quality
- Acceleration
- Quietness
Cons
- Navigation-system controls
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Nissan's luxury division redesigned its flagship sedan for 2002. Wider and taller than the 1997-2001 model, the new Q45 rode a longer wheelbase that yielded greater interior space. New styling includes 7-lens headlamps that were claimed to be the world's brightest. Infiniti sought to revive the Q45's performance roots by installing a 4.5-liter V8 that delivered 74 more horsepower than the prior generation's 4.1-liter. A five-speed automatic transmission, with manual shift gate took the place of the previous four-speed unit. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes with full power assist were standard, along with antiskid/traction control, 17-inch wheels, front and curtain side airbags, and leather/wood interior trim. An in-dash information screen served an available navigation system, and there was standard voice control for audio, climate, and navigation functions. A Sport Package option for the base Luxury model added 18-inch wheels, wider tires, and auto-adjusting shock absorbers with firmer sport mode. The Premium Package included a power-reclining rear seat, rear audio/climate controls, and a TV camera that displayed a view of the area behind the car when Reverse was selected. Radar-based Intelligent Cruise Control became available during the 2002 season. With the Q45, Infiniti competed against the BMW 540i, Lexus LS 430, and Mercedes-Benz E430/E500.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Infiniti Q45 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 56 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2002-2006 Infiniti Q45. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2002-2006 Infiniti Q45.
Year to Year Changes
2003 Infiniti Q45:
Nissan's luxury-brand flagship sedan touted extra features for 2003. Added as standard were a power trunk lid closer, door-mirror "puddle" lights, and a one-slot in-dash CD changer (replacing a glovebox-mounted cartridge unit). A Luxury sedan served again as the base model. The Premium version included heated front/rear seats, a power reclining rear seat, rear audio/climate controls, and a rear-view TV camera that worked when the gear selector went into Reverse. Newly standard for this year's Premium sedan were front-seat fan ventilation, power open/close trunk lid, chrome or titanium-colored 18-inch wheels, and digital satellite radio with choice of XM or Sirius service. A Sport Package remained available. Nissan's Intelligent Cruise Control, a separate option, was designed to automatically adjust speed and maintain a safe following distance. Finally, the Q45 was newly certified as a Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV), a numerically higher rear-axle ratio was used, and minor trim changes occurred inside and out.
2004 Infiniti Q45:
Available in Luxury and Premium trim, the Q45 gained a standard rear-view TV camera and monitor as its only significant change for 2004. It used the same display screen as the navigation system and audio/climate functions. Premium sedans had 18-inch wheels rather than 17s, an adjustable suspension, heated/cooled front seats, and reclining heated rear seats. Also included were the navigation system and Intelligent Cruise Control. A Journey option for the Luxury sedan added Intelligent Cruise Control, the navigation system, and run-flat tires.
2005 Infiniti Q45:
Q45 gets a mild facelift and some equipment revisions for 2005. Recalibrations to the transmission for '05 are intended to improve response and smoothness. A Premium package adds heated and cooled front seats, reclining heated rear seats, satellite radio, and 18-inch wheels in place of standard 17s. It also includes radar cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance from other traffic.
2006 Infiniti Q45:
The flagship of Nissan's luxury brand adds a Sport version for 2006. Like the base model, it has a 340-hp V8 and a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. The Sport model uses a nonadjustable sport-tuned suspension and includes Infiniti's Rear Active Steer system that steers the rear wheels slightly to improve handling. Hands-free cell phone connectivitity is also standard for 2006.
Our road test for the 2002-2006 Infiniti Q45 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2002-2006 Infiniti Q45 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2002-2006 Infiniti Q45 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Accelerating with haste from a stop, the Q45 also delivers good highway passing and merging power. A test 2002 Q45 ran 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds, versus Infiniti's claim of 5.9 seconds. A lower final-drive ratio promised to make the 2003 a bit punchier. Unfortunately, the transmission suffers frustrating early upshifts and tardy downshifts at full throttle. Intelligent Cruise Control works as intended, but it's most useful on uncrowded highways. Fuel economy is so-so. Early test cars averaged 15.9 to 16.6 mpg in a city/highway mix, and 19 mpg in mostly highway driving. A 2004 model average 18 mpg for similar usage. Premium fuel is required. While the Q45 rides comfortably in standard form, it fails to reach the top of the class. The suspension allows some float and bounce, yet impact harshness over small, sharp surface flaws is higher than the luxury norm. Little freeway thump is evident, though. Optional auto-adjusting shock absorbers have modest effect, though Sport mode may increase harshness. A Q45 corners acceptably for its size and weight, but it's less agile than most rivals. Steering feels rather vague, too. Auto-adjusting shocks, in Sport mode, might lessen body lean just a bit. Available 18-inch tires tend to wander along road grooves. Strong brakes make short, stable simulated-emergency stops. Road and wind noise levels are low overall, yet higher than expected for this class. The Premium model's 18-inch tires rumble more than 17s. The engine is smooth and quiet, even at high speeds. Crystal-clear gauges are pleasing, but the unnecessarily complex climate/audio/navigation setup takes time to learn and aggravates simple tasks like changing radio stations. The system often misinterprets voice commands, too. Interior materials are of good quality, but don't stand out for feel or visual panache. Front seats are comfortable, with generous head and leg room. Undersized outside mirrors hamper lane changes, but unique seven-lens headlights are among the brightest on the road. The standard power tilt/telescope steering wheel eases driver positioning. Infiniti's available rear-view TV system is outstanding in design and operation--best at revealing small objects just behind. However, the trunklid-mounted camera lens can be compromised by direct sunlight, heavy dust, raindrops, or salt spray. Although the Q45 trails an LS 430 or E-Class for stretch-out space, the back seat is surprisingly cozy, with just-acceptable six-footer head and leg room. The transmission hump and cushion shaping preclude a middle adult. Premium models add comfort-enhancing seat heating and a power reclining backrest. Trunk volume is below class-average, and intrusive trunklid hinges are an embarrassment at this price level. Cabin storage is plentiful.
Value for the Money
Premium sedans must deliver effortless performance in an atmosphere of uncompromised, spacious refinement. Materials and workmanship of the highest quality, along with at-your-service ergonomics, are also essential when a car costs as much as the Q45. Despite a good reliability record, the Q45 doesn't squarely hit any of these marks.
Premium sedans must deliver effortless performance in an atmosphere of uncompromised, spacious refinement. Materials and workmanship of the highest quality, along with at-your-service ergonomics, are also essential when a car costs as much as the Q45. Despite a good reliability record, the Q45 doesn't squarely hit any of these marks.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Infiniti Q45 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 56 |
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.
Doors:
The tops of the doors on cars built before February 2002 were rusting along the hem. (2002)
Engine noise:
The idler pulley for the accessory drive belt becomes noisy and may get lose enough to throw the belt requiring replacement of the pulley, its bracket and belt. (2002)
Headlights:
The headlamp low beams (HID) may quit working due to failure of the ballast. (2002)
Interior trim:
The plastic brackets for the rear sunshade break. (2002)
None:
The original dipstick was a cable and hard to read and traditional flat dipsticks are available for the asking. (2002)
Suspension noise:
Cars with electronically controlled suspension may develop a noise from the front caused by the spring coils clashing. (2002)
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 | $640 |
| Alternator | $445 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,020 |
| Brakes | $575 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $2,250 |
| Exhaust System | $505 |
| Radiator | $695 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,180 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $490 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2006 | |||
| Q45 | $28,500-31,000 | $26,500-28,800 | $19,400-21,100 |
| 2005 | |||
| Q45 | $23,000-25,500 | $21,200-23,500 | $15,000-16,600 |
| 2004 | |||
| Q45 | $19,000-21,500 | $17,500-19,800 | $12,400-14,000 |
| 2003 | |||
| Q45 | $15,000-17,000 | $13,700-15,500 | $9,500-10,700 |
| 2002 | |||
| Q45 | $11,500-13,200 | $10,400-11,900 | $6,300-7,300 |
|
|
|||
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. | 113.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 199.6 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.6 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3977 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.7 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.4 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.4 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 44.0 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.3 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Q45s in this generation use the same powertrain: a dual-overhead-cam, 4.5-liter V8 engine that produces 340 horsepower, driving a five-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 4.5 / 274 | 340 | 333 | 5-speed automatic: 17/25 | 5-speed automatic: 18.1 |
|
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 2002-2006 Infiniti Q45 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2002:
Due to a faulty crank position sensor, the "service engine soon" light may come on and the defect may also cause engine failure. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2004:
Brake light switch on certain cars may malfunction, causing brake lights to fail to illuminate when brake is applied.
2004:
The brake lamp switch may malfunction. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2004-06:
Taillamps may inadequately illuminate. Dealers will replace the rear combination lamp assemblies free of charge.
2005:
Improperly positioned brackets at power rear seat (if so equipped) may cause difficulty in attaching some child seats.
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