1997 INFINITI J30 Review
1997 INFINITI J30 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Refined, luxurious comfort in an interesting package.
Cons
- There isn't much passenger space.
What’s new
There are no changes to the 1997 Infiniti J30.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan (1997.5) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$225/mo for J30 Touring (1997.5)
J30 Touring (1997.5)
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
When the Infiniti J30 was introduced, its designers said it represented a departure from the "tyranny of the wedge." True, the J30 has unusually rounded flanks front and rear that conspire to produce a different, though bland, shape in the near-luxury class. The look was unique on introduction day, and inspired people to either love it or hate it, with little middle ground to stand on.
Then Nissan released the Altima sedan; $20,000 less expensive than the J30 and borrowing heavily from the Infiniti's basic shape, the Altima was a much better-looking car. New J30 owners felt cheated and cheapened, but others didn't much care about the family resemblance. J30 sales have been steadily increasing since then, though crosstown rival Lexus is selling quite a few more ES 300s.
No doubt, the J30 is a solid, substantial luxury automobile that can hold its own in the stoplight drag race, not that you'd ever see one of these things smoking away from the corner of 3rd and Main. We didn't much care for the J30's look when it came out, finding the front styling too aggressive and the rear a bit dumpy looking. We've always maintained that the wheel design of a car influences the visual impression of the entire vehicle, and with the J30t's lace-spoke wheels, the J30 looks pretty good.
Inside, you get coddled in sumptuous leather seats. The interior of the J30 is small, but in a cozy way. Just don't try to stuff more than four adults inside its subcompact dimensions. Ergonomics are nearly flawless, with beautiful gauges and a dashboard clock that would more accurately be described as a fine timepiece.
We're lukewarm about the styling, but the rest of the J30 is sure to please the most discerning drivers.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 INFINITI J30.
5 star(79%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
29 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Just a little more space
Colby L. Castaneda, 07/22/2003
1996 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan
Well what can I say. If it weren't for
my wife I would have never experienced
the J-30. She had always liked the
styling (exterior) of the J-30 and that
was the car she wanted. Little did I
know that I would be the one who fell
in love with it. It handles great, the
power is awesome, and the ride is
second to none. We were fortunate
enough to get one that mechanicaly … was
flawless. The only real problem is the
leather is a little more worn that I'd
liked. But I plan on having it re-
upholstered. This car has made me a fan
of infiniti/nissan products. Lexus may
offer the softest ride, but I'll gladly
give up just a tad of softness for
balance and power.
4.88 out of 5 stars
'Fits me like a glove.'
tnasiti, 06/29/2008
1997 INFINITI J30 Touring 4dr Sedan (1997.5)
My Gold J30t is my third. I hit the wheel well of a truck exiting a lot perpendicular to my direction. Totaled my '95 but she totally protected me. This car is built like a welter weight boxer-rounded, firm, athletic lines. Women say that my J30's sexy lines and cozy interior warm and cradle them, evoking a sensuality rare in today's cars. She is comfortable on the highway and her … engine emits a quiet growl when accelerating, like Serena Williams' aggressiveness on the court. Luxury-Sport is an apt description. I give her the normal maintenance she needs, plus some extras. Next is a set of chrome 17" rims with 235/45 shoes and an iPod doc. She's classy, sassy, and deserves every bit.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Car
bjbird2, 04/17/2002
1997 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan (1997.5)
An excellent all around car. Handles
well, quiet, good quality in a unique
design. I now have two of these, a 93'
and a 97', and I love them both.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Infiniti and Beyond
Steve, 07/15/2005
1996 INFINITI J30 4dr Sedan
I bought this car used with 65,000 and I swear to you that this vehicle drives/feels/and even smells brand spankin' new! I love this car. She loves the highway too...Even in torrential rains!! I had a terrible accident due to rain 20 yrs ago. This is the first and only car I have felt safe in under such conditions. Recommendations.....if you see it take advantage of the Infiniti line no … matter what the age.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 INFINITI J30, so we've included reviews for other years of the J30 since its last redesign.
1997 J30 Highlights
Base (1997.5)
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $225/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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