2003 Infiniti M45 Consumer Reviews

Powerful Sport Sedan

Written by: qualityfirst1 on 03/16/2007

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti M45 4dr Sedan (4.5L 8cyl 5A)

Review

This car intrigues you. A true Jekyll and Hyde. Lots of power - Manual mode on transmission is worthless. Comfortable seats - Hard to reach seat controls. Nice wood and leather interior - console and glove box are loose. Lots of goodies - Too many steps involved to enjoy them. Feels great up to 120 mph - feels unsafe at 125 mph. Big car - Interior feels narrow. I like the handling and performance of my car, but it does not have give you feedback like my BMW 540i. This car is a sleeper. You can pull away from nearly every car on the road. Stereo system is very nice. Ours is black with tinted windows and chrome wheels - I think the best color for this car. Engine burns lots of oil!

Favorite Features

Engine power is very impressive. Interior is good quality. Handling surprisingly good for a 3,800 lb car. Feels very safe. Unique looking car - has a classy, yet powerful stance. Great car for a 4 person weekend trip. When I drive my car, it feels like a $50,000 car - definitely a good value.

Suggested Improvements

Improve 1. Manual shift mode on transmission 2. Loose center console cover 3. Glove box droops 4. Trunk hinges 5. Engine burns oil 6. A/C and stereo controls are cumbersome 7. Turning radius is poor. Our car has 48K miles. Infiniti needs to fix the oil burning issue or give us a new car.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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drive in style

Written by: martyrie on 09/10/2006

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti M45 4dr Sedan (4.5L 8cyl 5A)

Review

what a ride, i love everything about it, most room i've ever had in a car (i'm 6'4") just a classy ride

Favorite Features

engine is amazing

Suggested Improvements

steering wheel doesn't have a volume control(only complaint so far)

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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2003 Q45 Oil Consumption, Defec Brakes

Written by: 2003 Q45 on 06/13/2006

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti M45 4dr Sedan (4.5L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I purchased the Q45 in March 2003 and have 16k miles on it now. It has always been service by Infiniti wihtin the manufacturer specs. When I picked up the car, the front rotors were warped...they cut them. This problem has persisted over the past three years and they simply cut the rotors. Secondly, the car burns over 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles. As everyone else has experienced, Infiniti denies there is a problem, states that burning 1 quart per 1000 miles is normal. If you persist, they will then go through the "consumption test" and will try everything they can EXCEPT FIX THE PROBLEM. It borders on criminal to sell someone a $60K car with these problems and not fix the car.

Favorite Features

Interior, features, ride, technology

Suggested Improvements

Fix the rotors but putting properly sized brakes & rotors on the vehicle, fix the motor so it does not burn oil (they did on the 2005, 2006 models) & fix the transmission shifting...& admit the problems

10 out 14 people found this review helpful

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infinite wisdom

Written by: chadwick miller on 06/11/2006

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti M45 4dr Sedan (4.5L 8cyl 5A)

Review

this is the best car i have ever had it really moves and am getting 21 miles per on average

Favorite Features

the engine with all its horses is a blast

Suggested Improvements

the brake rotors should be larger

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Rot Lot Causes Too Many Tow Ins!

Written by: FirstTimeInfiniti on 04/09/2005

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti M45 4dr Sedan (4.5L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I got a really great deal on a left over 2003 M45 demo with 1200 miles. The dealer advertised $10,000 off MSRP and that's what I paid. $35K for a rwd V-8 is a great deal. But with the deal has come some real reliability issues including new tires (Michelin Pilots) due to lot rot, new battery and a new fuel pump (all replaced under warranty). I've had this car towed in twice in 6 weeks! I worked for GM for 4 years and am begining to wonder if I bought a Buick! Dealer has made necessary repairs but has done little to build my loyalty. Again, is this a GM dealer? Lesson learned: don't buy a failed model that has sat on the lot for over a year after build date (October 2002).

Favorite Features

Smooth silky V-8. Rear wheel drive. Traditional 1960's large sedan styling.

Suggested Improvements

The new M45. Why hasn't Infiniti sent all 5,000 of us who own the failed model a $10,000 rebate to move into the new model?

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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My 2003 M45

Written by: PREFECTO on 04/02/2005

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti M45 4dr Sedan (4.5L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I have 22k miles and see puffs of blue smoke on almost every startup. Have scheduled car to have an oil consumption test performed by Dealer. I know the car is using at least a quart of oil every 1000 miles. Dealer has already de-carbonated the engine! To NO satisfaction the blue smoke still appears on EVERY start. They tell me it's the advanced oiling system providing more oil in the valvetrain area and just burnoff. I've Called Infiniti direct, regarding breaking problems. Rotors warped, had to be replaced! Car was only two months old and had to have a new battery! I have spoken to Infiniti Consumer Affairs on three different occassions, which in my case, it has worked!

Favorite Features

Car has excellent control capabilities and power!

Suggested Improvements

Could improve on body style, which it appears they have done with the 2006 model.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Value

Written by: on tilt on 01/03/2005

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti M45 4dr Sedan (4.5L 8cyl 5A)

Review

My brother has owned a G and two Q's and has had great luck with all of them. He took both the Q's to 150K with very little trouble. So I bought the M knowing it had the same great engine of the Q. A great used car value. I picked up an M for 32K and love it. Outer style is okay, but what a superstar to drive. Center console controls are fine once you get to know them. You get great fit-finish, power- handling AND reliability. Typically you don't get all of those benefits in one package. Drive one, you'll see. The '06 model looks much nicer, but won't be nearly as soft. If by chance they do get as soft, I'll buy one when this one is worn out.

Favorite Features

Power, handling, high grade leather seats, real wood. A great blend of features. If the styling was a 10 it would be the perfect car.

Suggested Improvements

Manual shift mode is worthless.

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Longevity, I wonder?

Written by: Roadglide99 Revised on 07/18/2004

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti M45 4dr Sedan (4.5L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I have 30k miles and see puff of blue smoke on cold start up along with a broken driver seat cooling switch. Dealer had car for two wks. Told me it needed engine de-carbonization and a broken wiring harness in the seat. To NO satisfaction the blue smoke still appears on EVERY cold start. They tell me it's the advanced oiling system providing more oil in the valvetrain area and just burnoff. I say BULLSHIT! Called Infiniti direct, they said whatever the dealer says is what they go by. I can't speak to a regional rep., nothing. My only course of action see another dealer and get a second opinion. Gee, thanks for the help Mr. Manufacturer!

Favorite Features

Great engine power but this alone doesn't make a great car. Tranmission SUCKS! Turning radius SUCKS! Front rotors warped too. I believe the engine needs valve seals but he dealer says everything is OK. Now I know why Infiniti dosen't have the resale value of a Lexus or BMW.

Suggested Improvements

The manufacture does not want to stand behind it's product because they told me their Technicians are infiniti trained and certified. The dealer had to call mfg. and run testing to diagnose the oil problem. Showed me a 2002 Q45 bullitin that applied? If I had the $ I'd buy BMW!

5 out 7 people found this review helpful

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2003 INFINITY M45

Written by: SCHULTZ on 06/28/2004

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti M45 4dr Sedan (4.5L 8cyl 5A)

Review

THE VEHICLE IS FUN TO DRIVE. THERE IS NO WIND NOISE, IT CORNERS WELL. I HAVE NOT HAD TO HAVE ANY REPAIRS MADE TO THIS DATE. I WOULD LIKE FOR IT TO HAVE MORE REAR LEG ROOM. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD SHIFT MORE POSITIVLEY.

Favorite Features

I REALLY LIKE THE EXTERIOR DESIGN, THE WAY IT LOOKS DREW MY ATTENTION RIGHT AWAY. THE REAR DRIVE WITH V-8 POWER HELPED MY DESCISION TO PURCHASE. A BEAUTIFAL CAR INSIDE, AND OUT.

Suggested Improvements

THE V-8 HORSE POWER SHOULD BE INCREASED FROM 340 TO 400 PLUS. THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD SHIFT WITH FIRMNESS.

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Bad Black 45

Written by: Megomesothelioma on 06/05/2004

Vehicle

2003 Infiniti M45 4dr Sedan (4.5L 8cyl 5A)

Review

The M45 is an excellent value; it compares favorably with many much higher priced vehicles. The drive train is very strong and extremely smooth. I get 22-23 mpg highway in very high speed driving.The vehicle has great brakes and great acceleration and handling. The seating is very comfortable with great adjustments.The spoiler adds greatly to the appearance.

Favorite Features

Engine power, smooth shifting transmission, great braking, great handling. Very comfortable with heated & cooled seats.

Suggested Improvements

Improve dash controls of ac, sound system. A stronger horn tone would be nice.

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