Overview & Reviews

The Q45 was a car of firsts for Infiniti. As well as being one of two debut cars for this luxury brand's American introduction for 1990, the Infiniti Q45 was also the first rear-drive luxury car from a Japanese automaker to directly compete against European sports sedans. The "Q" featured firm suspension tuning, a powerful V8 engine, a quick-shifting automatic transmission, an inviting cabin and a distinctively bold demeanor. Although mostly a critical success, its sales never challenged those of its Japanese rival or the other segment leaders, as consumers were put off by odd initial advertising, muted styling and a lack of prestige associated with the brand.

Following several years of dwindling sales numbers and a questionable second-generation version that emphasized comfort over performance, Infiniti attempted to restore the car to its athletic roots for the third generation. The heart of these Q45s was a specially designed 4.5-liter V8 burbling with 340 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. These numbers put the Q in good company alongside other premium luxury sedans, and a standard adjustable adaptive suspension allowed drivers to tailor the ride for more control around corners or more cushion on the highway. Although the third-gen Infiniti Q45 was certainly capable and comfortable for long-distance travel, it wasn't a match for more performance-oriented competitors when the road turned twisty.

The Infiniti Q45 was discontinued after 2006, but a fourth-generation model is rumored to be in the works. As a used model, the Q still might be worth a look, especially for shoppers interested in an alternative to the luxury sedan status quo. Sales were never great, however, and it will likely take a little extra effort to locate one of good standing.

Most recent Infiniti Q45

The third-generation Q45 was sold for the 2002-'06 model years. It featured a 340-horsepower V8 running through a more sophisticated five-speed automatic transmission. This third-generation Q45 arrived with distinctive "Gatling gun" HID headlights and much sharper styling than the previous Q.

The interior of the late-model Infiniti Q45s was airy, light and spacious. Furnished with vast tracts of wood, brushed aluminum accents, leather and a simple instrument cluster, it surrounded its occupants elegantly. Passenger room was ample throughout, and the power-adjustable driver seat never ceased to provide both comfort and support behind a power tilt/telescoping wheel that accommodated various driver postures with ease. Regrettably, though, many of the Q45's features were controlled by a joystick-based interface that must have seemed good to Infiniti's designers in principle but was clumsy to use in the real world.

Despite generally favorable reviews, however, sales remained poor over the years. In 2005, fewer than 1,200 were sold in the entire United States. For that reason, those shopping for a unique and satisfying performance luxury sedan you won't see on every block -- or any block -- are apt to find the third-gen Q an outstanding value on the used car market.

Minor evolutionary changes carried the Q45 through the years until 2005, when it received a freshening with restyled front and rear sheet metal, new headlights/foglights and LED taillights. Inside, there were new contoured, double-stitched seats, white luminescent gauges, chrome accents and dark maple trim. Underneath, there was a recalibrated transmission and new 17-inch alloy wheels.

In its final year, the 2006 Infiniti Q45 went out with a flourish: A new Sport variant featured active rear steering, performance-oriented suspension tuning and 19-inch alloy wheels. The active steering system monitored vehicle speed and steering input, and used motor-driven controls to adjust the rear suspension geometry to improve handling performance and response. Other changes this year included further revision to the five-speed automatic transmission (now with downshift rev-matching), Bluetooth connectivity and the addition of a lane departure warning system to the optional Premium Package.

Past Infiniti Q45 models

The first Q45 came to market in 1989 as a 1990 model, impressing those who valued distinctive style and performance, thanks to its 278-hp, 4.5-liter V8. In fact, it was one of the first Japanese luxury sedans to blend better-than-average performance with luxurious trimmings and simple-but-elegant styling. It's not an overstatement to say the Q helped redefine the modern luxury sedan.

The Infiniti Q45 offered two flavors initially -- base and Q45t. The Q45t touring package had chassis upgrades, a rear spoiler, BBS alloy wheels and HICAS four-wheel steering. The 1991 Q could also be had with a semiactive suspension (the Q45a). Due in part to a notoriously suspect, product-free initial advertising campaign, however, there weren't enough potential buyers turning into actual buyers. The Q45a model was dropped in 1996. (If you do find yourself looking at a Q45a, know that its active suspension components are complex and will require additional maintenance.)

In an attempt to increase sales and profitability, the second-generation Q45 adopted a more sober philosophy and moved to a new mainstream platform in 1997. Along for the ride were a more conventional appearance and a smaller, less-inspiring 4.1-liter V8 producing 266 hp. The original car's all-multilink suspension morphed to include struts up front, and was further tuned for a comfort bias. But none of this did much to help the car's sales, as they remained far below its competitors.

The sedan's appearance evolved again in 1999 with restyled sheet metal, HID headlights up front and an analog clock again gracing the dash; 17-inch wheels and an electronically adjustable suspension were standard on the Q45t. All Q45s of this era included a leather-lined cabin with exotic wood grain trim, Bose/CD audio and driver-seat/steering wheel position memory; a sunroof and heated seats were also available. The 2000 Q45 Anniversary Edition trim level was the flagship of the line, and the anniversary model was replaced by a Luxury trim in 2001.

At the time, we said that the second-generation Infiniti Q45 offered luxurious appointments, stylish sheet metal and a relatively low price. A Q of this vintage will probably work best for those drivers primarily interested in a luxury sedan that can provide a quiet and comfortable highway ride.

User Reviews:

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  Performance Sedan - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By John Hooley - May 29 - 10:00 am

  After considerable thought and research, I bought the Q. They were steering me to the G35, but the Q was in a completely distinct category. Safety, power, comfort, service, sound system, reputation and price were the main considerations and in that order. It has the sport suspension and 18" wheel, so you can upgrade the performance. The ride will be harsher, the minimal sway and rocking will be almost eliminated, but hey, is this for the track? I owned a 928S. This gives me thae same satisfaction of ownership even if not the same amount of recognition. Yes, the analog clock should be tilted upward, but nothing is ever perfect.

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  The car that put me down - 1998 Infiniti Q45
  By The Diva - March 30 - 8:30 am

  My second week in this car, only 30,000 miles the alternator went out and car stops with absolutely no warning lights or anything comes to a dead stop on a major highway which is heavily traveled by 18 wheelers. Thank God Im here to tell the story. If you have a choice in cars, do not... I repeat do not get an Infiniti.

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  Q45 - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By steven - January 24 - 1:43 pm

  This car is wonderful. Infiniti has really done a job well done. The Q45 is so luxurious and fun to drive. I got my new Q45 to 150 mph! The engine sounds great. I hit 6500 rpm! It has top quality leather and very fancy wood. the sound system is the best sound system in the world. Better than the mark levinson in the lexus. The 300-watt bose has the potential of a 8000 watt! I would take this over a rolls royce any day!

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  Forced Retirement - 1998 Infiniti Q45
  By daross1 - January 14 - 5:36 am

  Just had to retire my 1998 Q45 due to being rearended and totalled. Car had 232000 on it and was overall very reliable. Not a single problem until 155,000 Miles. Fuel Injectors, Coils, and just age were starting to cause more problems, but I think it would have gone to 300,000 if not for accident. Overall, fun to drive, reliable, and excellent value as cost to own is only a little expensive with gas costs. But it proved to be safe as I hardly felt the hit from behind and he was going about 35 miles an hour.

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  Best car by far... - 2003 Infiniti Q45
  By Jimbo377 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a couple luxury cars in the past, including a 1993 Lexus LS400, a 2000 BMW 5-series. The Lexus was a great, reliable car, but was about as exciting to drive as watching the seniors amateur golf classic. The 5 series was just the opposite: fun to drive but not as well put-together (in the shop 4 times in my 2 years of ownership). The new Q45 trumps both of these cars as the best compromise between the two: awesome performance in the lap of luxury... but also well put-together. This car will easily last me a good 7-10 years.

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  New gearing makes all the difference - 2003 Infiniti Q45
  By GregT - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned three Infiniti Q45s, and have loved every one of them. The folks at Infiniti have really outdone themselves this time. I drove the 2002 model when it first came out, and really loved it... but I must admit the acceleration didnt impress like I thought it would. I read that the gearing would be improved for 2003, so I waited. Another test drive and I was sold. You can really feel the difference. The feeling of your internal organs being compressed against your spine is like none other. Infiniti makes the best cars, hands down, and this one is the creme de la creme.

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  q45 - 2003 Infiniti Q45
  By florczyk - November 4 - 2:00 am

  great car but hate driving in rain or snow

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  Best Car I Ever Had - 2000 Infiniti Q45
  By Renee - September 28 - 6:06 am

  This car is an absolute joy; dependable and reliable. A few small minor fixes, such as cup holder and truck close" motor being replace--be careful cant slam the trunk shut. I love the styling. It truly is the best car I ever owned.

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  INFINITI Q45 - 2006 Infiniti Q45
  By DON EASTBOURN - September 17 - 9:23 am

  This car is understated elegance. It is truly a great car that has been mostly ignored by the reviewers and the buyers. I also owned a 1992 Q45. it was also a great car. i never had a problem with either cars. D.E.

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  Sweet - 1998 Infiniti Q45
  By Gegose - September 5 - 10:36 pm

  Just bought my brother-in-laws Infiniti after watching him enjoy it for 10 years. Love driving it. Love the interior feel, the sturdiness of the car, the immaculate condition. Love the feeling of luxury. Looking forward to keeping it another 10 years.