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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  Infiniti Q45 - 2003 Infiniti Q45
  By Dennis K. - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Extrememly refined car. Great GPS system easy to use. Great sound system, and very comfortable. Has a great engine and very little road noise even at high speeds. Has a more technology as a Benz S600 or BMW 760il for half the price. A really great value.

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  Great Car - 2001 Infiniti Q45
  By tallman - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Buying the Q since 1992 - each version is better than the last - minor suspension problem in this car - bottomed out going over dips in road, even in sport setting. Had to replace 2 splash guards. Springs had to be tightened.

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  There are better choices - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By pbjb - April 4 - 8:23 am

  This car was plagued by excessive oil consumption (1.5 to 2.0 quarts per 2500 mi.)after 8,000 miles with blue smoke coming out of exhaust during initial startup. Dealership was great and did what they could but Infinity claimed it was normal. After checking with other dealerships out of state and finding out they had to replace engines in other 2002 Q45s I requested a replacement. It took 12 months to finally get Infinity to replace the engine. They said they had to monitor the oil consumption over a period of 3 oil changes. The new engine doesnt burn a drop! Had to have the rotors turned down after 20,000 miles (warped) and had them replaced 7,000 miles later due to the same problem.

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  Lexus Killer - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By gman1 - March 25 - 3:26 am

  The 2002 Q45 is a great value for the money. It is several thousand dollars less than the lexus(dealers will give large cuts off sticker). You get lots of toys which include a central panel with a womens voice that talks to you. I have the base model. You can get a tighter suspension with the sport for a BMW feel. The 340hp engine has wonderful pick-up.

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  Wont trade my Q45t - 1998 Infiniti Q45
  By Julie - March 19 - 8:40 am

  This is the second Q45 Ive owned and I love it! The ride is very smooth and comfortable without being too soft. Lots of power when I need it. Cant bear to trade it for a new one at current car prices. Ive put 67,000 miles on this car and nothing has gone wrong. You cant beat the Infiniti service department and the loaner car program. The customer service is excellent!

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  Loss of Value - 2005 Infiniti Q45
  By Christopher - March 4 - 8:46 am

  This is a great car, but I would recommend that all buyers interested in Infinitis first look at the tradein values before buying. My Q45 was $64K when purchased and is now valued at less than $30K! Infinitis, for some reason, sink like rocks. No matter the condition, mileage, etc, they lose value much faster than their competitors. Check Edmunds and Blue Book before buying... Caveat Emptor!

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  2003 Q45 is Outstanding - 2003 Infiniti Q45
  By Jon Urban - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a BIG car. It took a while to get used to the size, but boy, does it spoil you. Everyone who sees this car loves it. Plenty of power at 340HP, and it handles great. The stock tires are not that special, but they work. The NAVI, instrument panel, and voice control are exceptionally easy to use. For 03, they put a 6 CD changer in the dash. I checked Lexus/MB/BMW, and feature for feature, non come close. I got $5K off sticker, which seems to be the norm. High quality, great finish, superior features, great ride, too many pluses to list. If you are in the market for a car in this price range, you owe it to yourself to at least test drive one.

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  my Q - 2003 Infiniti Q45
  By jafry - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. You can put it where you want it to be with a tap on the accelerator or the brake. You could almost drive this thing with your hands in your lap - it is that stable. If you need to merge onto the freeway just give it the gas and zoom you are in the flow in about 2 seconds. It is very comfortalbe. I just returned from a 36 hour drive from Chicago to DC and it felt like I was sitting in my easy chair for the whole trip.

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  This car stinks! - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By Dr. Craig Merrell - December 8 - 3:03 am

  Left me stranded and needed flat- bedding to the nearest dealership twice in two years. I received notice of factory recalls after the items concerned had already broken on my car. Lousy parts availability and only fair diagnostic capability; the overhead map light required 4 visits to the dealership to diagnose and finally repair (It was the sunglass holder pressing on a connector that shorted the lamp "assembly."). Clock, silver hands on a silver dial, totally unreadable; re-painted it white-on- black myself. Transmission takes a week to downshift. Trunk smaller than it should be. Stereo very good, driver comfort great, handling okay, paint the worlds most fragile.

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  Great choice, great car -- best value! - 2000 Infiniti Q45
  By Yukich - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the most underrated car on the market. And thankfully so -- I was able to get this top-line, offlease automobile for a reasonable price. Its sleek, elegant-yet-aggressive lines, combined with more-than-ample power (266 hp) and confident, comfortable performance (17-inch tires) make it a pleasure to own. The cabin is world-class -- roomy, luxurious, and loaded with useful, high-tech features (e.g., GPS). It gets plenty of complements almost everywhere I go, which I welcome. Its also nice driving a unique car; Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, and others are superb, but too common and too costly.