Overview & Reviews
Though high-end vehicles now come in more shapes and sizes than ever, the midsize luxury sedan segment remains the heart of the luxury automobile market. Nissan's luxury division, Infiniti, has been around since 1990, yet it had no real presence in this key segment until 2003, when the V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive M45 was launched. Although it offered a credible amount of luxury and performance, the original M45's relatively uninspired design and cramped interior kept it from registering anything more than a faint blip on luxury buyers' radar screens.
The last iteration of the Infiniti M45, however, enjoyed wide critical acclaim. With substantially more space, a tremendous amount of technology and comfort features, and a bold, imposing exterior design, the last M45 was a high-tech powerhouse with plenty to offer midsize luxury car shoppers. Its performance capabilities were raised significantly due to things like available four-wheel steering, a precisely tuned suspension and strong brakes. Even though the V6-powered M35 represented a significantly better value and offered potent performance, the current M45 was a swift, stylish, superbly executed luxury sedan that should be considered with the contemporary top players in the segment.
The M45 was replaced by the redesigned M56 for the 2011 model year.
Most Recent Infiniti M45
The most recent generation of the Infiniti M45 was produced from 2006 to 2010. First-year models were listed as having 335 horsepower, with subsequent models rated at 325 hp. This was due to a change in horsepower measurement rather than actual output and thus, performance was unaffected. The M45's five-speed automatic transmission had manual-shift control and a sporty rev-matching feature that imparted a particularly lively feel to downshifts.
Originally, there were two trim levels: base and Sport. Even the base car included such items as leather upholstery, driver memory functions and dual-zone automatic climate control. Stepping up to the Sport netted you 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, active rear steering and adaptive xenon headlights. Options included such high-tech fare as navigation adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning system and a surround sound system.
For '08, the mildly face-lifted M45 gained the option of all-wheel drive and its M45x AWD trim level. The Sport trim was also replaced that year in favor of an optional Sport package on rear-drive base models, while the navigation system was given a welcome overhaul that included a hard drive and digital music storage. It remained unchanged before making way for the redesigned M56.
The Infiniti M45's interior was well appointed and well built, with firm seats that were highly adjustable, comfortable and heavily bolstered. However, the competition in this segment was pretty intense and the M35 wasn't quite as elegant and thoughtfully engineered as some of its rivals. The quality of materials was a bit uneven, and we found that the layout of the center stack controls wasn't as clean and intuitive as it could be.
In road test reviews, editors praised the Infiniti M45 for its explosive power, sharp handling and its bounty of luxury features. Criticisms of the M45 included overly intrusive road noise and complicated center-stack controls that were hard to master. Also, we questioned the logic of buying the thirstier V8, when the M35's V6 provided nearly as much power.
Past Infiniti M45 models
The first-generation Infiniti M45 was sold for 2003 and '04 -- there was no 2005 model -- and was basically a Japanese-market Nissan Cedric luxury sedan brought over to fill the gap between Infiniti's near-luxury G35 and the larger, technology-laden Q45. Engineered for the narrow streets of Japan, the M45's cabin proved too narrow to hold corn-fed Americans comfortably, and the backseat was scant on legroom for a car of its size. Even worse, the M's exterior design was bland to a fault.
However, it was fast. The original M45 was available only with a 340-hp V8 and rear-wheel drive. Combined with big 18-inch wheels and performance tires, the M45 delivered respectable handling. Equally important, the original M45 was equipped with nearly the same number of safety features as today's model.
Cheaply priced and available with most of the luxury features found on the larger Q45, first-generation M45s generally represent strong used-car values in terms of feature content and performance. For shoppers who like the car's combination of stealthy speed and luxury, and don't need a lot in the way of interior room, the first-generation Infiniti M45 could be a good match.
User Reviews:
Showing 41 through 50 of 263.00-
Great Car! - could be better - 2003 Infiniti M45
By No More Fords - July 4 - 10:00 amThe M45 allows you to move through traffic effortlessly. it ahs the power enter the hihgway at speed so that you dont impede traffic. Yet, there is little noise - so you will have to let down the windows to hear the throaty- exhaust. (smile) The sideview-mirror blinkers leave no guessing to those on your right or left as you manuveur your may through traffic in Washington rush-hour. Comes with a tape-deck however the Six Disc changer is somewhat inconvenient. Infiniti should have looked at Lexus or other manufactures for latest in- dash CD changers.
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Great Car! - could be better - 2003 Infiniti M45
By no more fords - July 4 - 10:00 amThe M45 allows you to move through traffic effortlessly. it ahs the power enter the hihgway at speed so that you dont impede traffic. Yet, there is little noise - so you will have to let down the windows to hear the throaty- exhaust. (smile) The sideview-mirror blinkers leave no guessing to those on your right or left as you manuveur your may through traffic in Washington rush-hour. Comes with a tape-deck however the Six Disc changer is somewhat inconvenient. Infiniti should have looked at Lexus or other manufactures for latest in- dash CD changers.
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Bad Ass M45 - 2003 Infiniti M45
By Ryan Waters - July 4 - 10:00 amI have wanted this car since I saw the Gloria/Cedric models on the Nissan website in Japan. When I heard they were bringing it here and putting a V8 in the car I knew it was the care for me. The American auto reviewers have blasted this cars looks for some reason, but I have had more positive comments on its beauty and style than I can count over the last 2 months. It just goes to show you never take a reviewer at his word, investigate for yourself. my car is Diamond Grafite with crome wheels, tinted windows and every goodie available, I love it and will buy another when my lease is up!
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My M45..these cars rule!! - 2003 Infiniti M45
By ptm03m45 - July 4 - 10:00 amJust got my M45 about a month ago and Im very happy with it. I just smoke every car I go against and I love the power. I have a Black loaded w/chome wheels (real pimp) and enjoy getting behind the wheel and driving everyday. Faster than any car I ever had and handles decent for a big car.
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Problem with headlights - 2007 Infiniti M45
By pep - June 25 - 3:00 pmEverything that you have read about this car is true (its great), its hard to believe anyone being disappointed with the M45 Sport. However if you drive this car on the highway at night, you need to know that the design of the headlights is faulty. The high beams are focused so high that they do not illuminate the road in front of the car at all. There is a single adjust for both high and low beam lights so if you take your car to the dealer they will misalign the low beam focus if you complain of the faulty high beams. I drive 70 miles at night on a desert highway to work daily, if you drive your M45 in town this will not be an issue.
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Quiet, Sleek, Rocketship! - 2006 Infiniti M45
By Walter M. - May 29 - 10:36 pmI purchased the 06 Sport M45 w/the Journey/Tech packages.WOW! Ive always owned German made cars, (My last 2 cars were an Audi A6 with bi-turbo,and a 5 series BMW) and this car BLOWS them away! Everything is in a sensible place and easy to reach.The engine is quiet and powerful.The handling on corners is very impressive.The rear wheel of the M45 turns about 1 degree in the opposite direction of your turn. It may not sound like much, but youll be able to see and feel how it handles through turns. The GPS is much better than the one in my wifes BMW X5.Now for the downside, the lane departure system can be a pain in the neck if you love driving on winding roads.The M45 uses gas like its free
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Love this car - 2007 Infiniti M45
By Don - May 22 - 3:53 pmI recently purchased this car and loved the way it handled. I just traveled from Florida to Virginia and back, and thats when I really appreciated the cars handling and features. The navigation system routed me differently than I usually go, and it turned out better. The steering control of the bluetooth phone, stereo, and cruise control was great. The gas mileage was a little lower (19.2 MPG) than I would like, but the power and comfort made it worthwhile.
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A mans car with a womans touch - 2003 Infiniti M45
By Elskipo - May 4 - 2:00 amThis car is fun. It leaps out from the corner with a muted snarl that is more felt than heard. Acceleration is breathtaking for a car this size. Handling is smooth and responive with steering just a touch tight at low speed. The transmssion is smooth and quiet though the alternate auto-stick mechanism seems clumsy. All in all this is a great car delivering major driving pleasure and value with relatively few flaws.
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Pleased with my M45 with Premium Package - 2006 Infiniti M45
By sambar6 - April 21 - 1:40 amThis car absolutely rocks. The V-8 has "push you back n your seat" torque throughout the power band. The transmission is smooth is regular driving and responsive in spirited driving. Considered Acura RL, Caddy STS and Audi A6. This car blew them all away.
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3 months in and I love it - 2007 Infiniti M45
By alangsam - March 3 - 2:26 amCar is a great mix of luxury and power and sports car all in one. Very comfortable seats, very smooth power. Car really does well in the 40-80 acceleration. 4000 miles and only an oil change. Car handles very well, better than my BMW 530i.
