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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Best Car ever made - 1998 Infiniti Q45
By Eddie - June 16 - 8:10 pmI have had my Infiniti Q45 for 10 years. It has 190,000 miles on it and the only thing that has ever been wrong (other than standard maintenance) on it is the alternator at 135,000 miles. It is simply an amazing vehicle and is a VERY underrated vehicle. I finally bought a new Nissan this year but gave the Q45 to my 16 yr old daughter. After 4 months, I want my Q45 back! Best car Ever!
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more than meets the eye - 1998 Infiniti Q45
By rahcc - April 14 - 2:00 amWe stumbled across a creampuff and bought it on the spot. It had been professionally maintained and was immaculate. If you want to move into affordable luxury, test drive one of these jewels used before you buy anything new. The fit and finish are impressive - stylish without being out there - accelerates as you would expect with a 4.1 cyl 266hp V8, and rides big and comfortable. They got the "touring" part right.
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The New - 2003 Infiniti Q45
By Young CEO - February 25 - 2:00 amJust picked up the 2003 two weeks ago. The car is gorgeous and a dream on the road. This is my first Infinite after driving an Acura Legend (another great car....Acura should have never discontinued)and before that I drove a Toyota Supra. The Q45 is by far the most technically advanced vehicle Ive ever owned. The voice recognition is very convenient. The Bose sound system is crystal clear.I compared the new BMW "7 series", the Lexus and the Acura RL. The Q45 beat them all hands down and all of the electronic features are user friendly and actually work, unlike the 745i. Give the "Q" a test drive and see for yourself.
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Beautiful Car - 1998 Infiniti Q45
By LLLL - February 20 - 10:00 am56,000 miles, reliable, wonderful car. Superb acceleration. Though it doesnt hold resale value, its a great car to buy as it doesnt hold resale value, and a good car to keep for same reason. SUPERB dealership service! Our second Q.
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2002q45 - 2002 Infiniti Q45
By bently - February 6 - 10:00 am360h.p great.voice commands need refinement. Needs a better and better placed clock. Needs a compass. Acomfortable car that wont cry out for someone to key it or steal it.
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Great Car - 2000 Infiniti Q45
By fogger - January 10 - 9:50 amI purchased this Q45 18 months ago. The ride is extremely smooth and handling is very responsive for its size. Plenty of power upon command. Has all the "bells and whistles" I require. Overall this is the best auto I have owned and Im very pleased to have found it in my price range.
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Solid buy - 2004 Infiniti Q45
By ParallaX49 - December 21 - 2:00 amNo problems whatsoever. My neighbors 745i spends more time in the garage than on the road. That was the other car I was considering. Doesnt feel as sporty as the 7, but is by far a better all-rounder. Must Drive!
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Just the Best. - 1998 Infiniti Q45
By jim d. - December 8 - 2:00 amSimply the best car Ive ever owned. Told my wife yesterday that if we had a ton of money, I would just keep rebuilding this car as it aged. Comfortable, quiet, reliable, powerful, good features. Would not trade for BMW, Lexus, Mercedes,... Maybe for a Rolls?
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the best car ever - 2003 Infiniti Q45
By kendrick little - November 21 - 10:00 amthis was the best idea i have ever had
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Good Stuff Cheap - 2003 Infiniti Q45
By seldomseen - November 17 - 3:43 pmI just bought an 03 Q45 in pristine condition. The luxury options on this car are more than generous. The power of the engine is amazing too. It doesnt seem to handle as taut as the 03/04 M45s but it does drive a lot smoother though. This generation Q45 is attractive and comparably equipped as the likes other Asian and Euro vehicles within this "new" price segment.
