2003 Infiniti M45 Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A capable Japanese sedan that makes a worthwhile alternative to Germany's midsize stalwarts.
Pros
Brawny V8 engine, capable handling, plenty of luxury features, reasonable price.
Cons
Limited rear-seat legroom and trunk space, fussy control layout.
What's New for 2003
The M45 performance sport sedan comes standard with class-leading V8 performance and a long list of world-class amenities.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Ivory Pearl
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Infiniti M45 4dr Sedan (4.5L 8cyl 5A)
Review
This vehicle is reliable (at 90K miles) and still drives the same as when I drove it brand new off the lot. As an engineer, this car has all the technological gadgets one could want or need. Amazing driving performance (power - 340HP & 333 ft.-lb. of torque and handling) and style. I haven't had any issues except a recent gas gauge replacement by the manufacturer. This vehicle is incredible when I compare it to previous vehicles such as: 1991 M3 and Acura 3.0 CL.
Favorite Features
Navigation, A/C in the front seats, tire pressure monitor on display screen, GUI with voice recognition system, engine, adjustable front headlights from the interior scroll switch, laser guided cruise control.
Suggested Improvements
Bluetooth, more HP, rain sensing wipers, lens type HID headlights, adaptive headlights, identify each tire pressure on the display screen for the tire pressure monitor.
Great Car / Little Annoyances
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Infiniti M45 4dr Sedan (4.5L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I bought this car used, Have had it one year now and love the car. It's a great car, but has these little annoyances that frustrate me to death. 1. Oil consumption. Have never owned a car that I have to put so much oil in (50,000 miles on it). 2. Glove box droops down, very annoying. 3. Trunk never opens enough so that auto shut doesn't catch it and close it again. What a pain!
Favorite Features
Handling and performance are great, but I have owned SS chevys with more power and better gas mileage. Love the interior.
Suggested Improvements
Oil, glove box fit, and trunk struts.
M45 more like a 2
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 2 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 2 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Infiniti M45 4dr Sedan (4.5L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Been in the shop at least 15 times for repairs, 7 for the same thing. Hesitates when accelerating at low to medium speeds - great at highway speeds. Now gas gauge doesn't work, uses 1 qt of oil every 3,000 miles and pings like crazy when first started. Worst car I have ever owned.
Favorite Features
acceleration
Suggested Improvements
Improve quality, better response to problems by manufacturer, better transmission. Wanted to see if they would give me a good deal on a new M45 - they could care less.
0 out 2 people found this review helpful
One major flaw a buyer should know about
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Infiniti M45 4dr Sedan (4.5L 8cyl 5A)
Review
The only major flaw about this car is the gauge cluster. If you run out of gas with the needle on a quarter tank that is what it is, not the fuel pump. Test drive this model and try to drive it down to at least the quarter tank. If it dies the dealer is either to fix it or lower the price. Nissan speaks for itself. It even has a low rumble RRRR. The tires are 18/low profile so expect to pay more. People shouldn't compare this to a sports car because it's on the same lines as a GS. I owned a 97 Camaro SS. Fast but it's a luxury sport. Classy car. People will tell you I have heard of a M but never actually seen one. Very smooth design.
Favorite Features
Headlights, console center panel, voice activation, rear tilting side mirror, hot/cold seats, navigation (takes a little time but its right on point), roomy, color of wood grain, auto stick, color, rims. I like the whole car.
Suggested Improvements
Maybe a woodgrain steering wheel. Backup camera be included not an option. Stronger sub, but I am used to Bose systems. You can't go wrong with this car. Get an aftermarket warranty.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
What's not to like?
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Infiniti M45 4dr Sedan (4.5L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Bought a used, loaded, black 2003 M45 and it is as perfect as I think a car can get. Matter of taste of course, but I think it looks great (esp. from rear 3/4 angle). Drive is tight and sporty but not harsh. Feels a lot lighter on its feet than it should -- very planted though. Has that rare car appeal since you don't see very many on the road. The odd stare once in a while. Reliability not an issue, unlike my 325i. All in all, just about perfect. Only gripe is when radar lens cover gets gummed up (I live in Calgary, Alberta), it shuts down cruise control altogether.
Favorite Features
Power, luxury, great driving dynamics.
Suggested Improvements
If radar cruise lens gummed up, cruise control should still work.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2008 Infiniti M45
- 2007 Infiniti M45
- 2006 Infiniti M45
- 2004 Infiniti M45
- 2003 Infiniti M45
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