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:

• 

  Exceptional Car, Poor Selling Policies - 2005 Infiniti Q45
  By HRM - August 30 - 4:06 am

  Having driven luxury cars for the past 12 years, I was pleased to purchase the Q45. It is everything that I thought it would be and more. The only disappointment is the lack of an "Onstar" like commmunications device like similar cars. My biggest disappointment is the lack of advertising committed to the Infiniti line. Mercedes, Lexus and Acura devote more time and monies to advertising their luxury cars, which in my opinion do not even come close to the value for dollar of the Q45

• 

  one of the best cars i owed - 2003 Infiniti Q45
  By b adelman - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I am extremley happy with this car-- comfort and performance is outstanding-- handleing should be improved because of the very high power--

• 

  Smooth, but oil leak problems - 2000 Infiniti Q45
  By RBI - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Great riding car, super comfort, large boat-like plush ride. Awesome as family car or cross country cruiser, but had problems with oil leak. Thank goodness I purchased under warranty.

• 

  Q45 - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By Southern Illinois - October 27 - 10:00 am

  When I took delivery of car there were several recalls or service upgrades that the dealer had not addressed. It had a defective wheel(out of round) which dealer refused to warrant. Rear sunshade broke at 33,000 miles. Electronics malfunction occasionally requiring you to turn off car and reset. Easier to use manual controls rather than voice as I cant remember exact wording and everyone must stop talking. Car magazine tests show about 6.5 to 60. Fast but a long way from 5.9. Needs switch to turn off traction control. My last car was Lexus LS400 which was superior in quality, dealer service and workmanship. Not holding value.

• 

  Vintage Classic - 2001 Infiniti Q45
  By daross1 - July 25 - 8:41 am

  The last of these cars were built in 2000 even though they have the 2001 year. Very few made as they were a very unloved car. The design from 97-01 was derided by many. I will admit it is not exactly stylish. But it is comfortable, reliable (after a few expensive fixes to a vintage luxury car notably the shocks) and is fun to drive. It is safe (I was rearended in a 98 q45 and it was totaled, but I thought it was minor damage right away) and you will win in an accident. The engine and transmission will last forever, but you will replace the injectors and coils in the around 180K for sure. Like all cars, a few little things occur in the 200K plus range, not nothing major.

• 

  Still impressed - 1998 Infiniti Q45
  By fivelights - January 15 - 5:00 am

  Now Im up to about 175,000 miles. Check engine light is on which is emissions. Air bag light came on, which means one of the 6 airbags is malfunctioning. Other than this, my car has always been able to run without any problems. Never broke down on side of the road. Last week the dash board lit up like a Xmas tree. I sat on the car for 3 months afraid of the cost to take it it. Well I drove it to the shop and it was just the alt belt that snapped. 100 bucks. Outside of brakes rotors battery and oil change. This is the only repair that I had to make in the 5 +years of ownership. Even then I was still able to drive the car.

• 

  Q45 review - 2003 Infiniti Q45
  By Hey Moe - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, although sluggish off the line with an annoying hesitation while the engine hunkers down. Sonar cruise con. is useless when you are an agressive driver. Joystick isnt accurate. Voice recognition is cute but my finger isnt broken. Awesome sound system. Horrific gas mileage. A/C is great if u live in Alaska.

• 

  Superb Ride - 1998 Infiniti Q45
  By Superb - December 23 - 6:00 pm

  I must confess that I was a HUGE Lexus fan and have owned the LS 400 and GS 400. Unfortunately I totaled my GS and we didnt want a car note, and couldnt find another GS that matched our price point. So, my husband bought the 98 Q for me and told me that I would not be disappointed. Well, how sweet it is! What a beautiful ride and it moves quickly when I need it to. A whole lot of power and luxury for very little cost. It is definitely an under rated vehicle. After owning Lexus V8s, this Q can role just as hard, if not harder! Oh and I forgot to mentioned that it currently has 138,000 miles on it.

• 

  Draining experience - 2004 Infiniti Q45
  By Smart and Stylish - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my new premium Q. I test drove several cars in its class and they just didnt have the "zoom, zoom, zoom." I have had a unexplained battery drain but other wise have been very pleased.

• 

  265,000 miles - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By q45owner - December 23 - 9:02 am

  I have owned this car (Sport) since 9-2005 when I bought it from the first owner w/ 40k on it. It has been very reliable car to own. It handles well and has great accelertation. At 265k there are no rattles and the car rides very quite. The V8 does burn oil. But it is the same since I got it. This is a common issue w/ these cars.