2001 INFINITI Q45 Review
2001 INFINITI Q45 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Price advantage over other luxury flagships, dealer blowout sales events when new Q arrives.
Cons
- Buick ride quality, dated cabin design, poor resale value.
What’s new
Few changes accompany the current Q45 as it gasps a few final breaths before a welcome, and long overdue, redesign debuts in spring of 2001. A new Luxury model replaces last year's Anniversary Edition. All Qs get body-colored door handles and license plate surrounds, revised taillights, real bird's eye maple wood interior trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel rim trimmed in ersatz timber. The Touring model has standard bright-finish 17-inch wheels.
Edmunds says
A product of Nissan's darker years. A 2002 Q45 makes for a better choice.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 INFINITI Q45 Luxury 4dr Sedan (4.1L 8cyl 4A) 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 $4.84 per gallon for premium unleaded in Illinois.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois
$332/mo for Q45 Luxury
Q45 Luxury
vs
$234/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
As the second-generation Q45 enters its final year of production, Infiniti openly admits that the current car represents less than the sum of its parts. A new Q is due soon, and Nissan's luxury division is hyping the redesigned car as a true performance-oriented competitor to the Lexus LS 430, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Currently, the Q45 more effectively dukes it out with the likes of the mushy Acura RL and the cushy Cadillac DeVille.
Not surprisingly, changes to the Q45 for 2001 are limited. A new Luxury model replaces last year's Anniversary Edition, while the sport-themed Touring model continues to slot in as the top-dog version of Infiniti's flagship. Real bird's eye maple wood trim decorates the cabins of both versions, though the lumber on the steering wheel rim is simulated. Touring models get standard bright-finish 17-inch alloy wheels.
Just as one would expect inside a premium sedan from a luxury marque, all Qs overflow with sumptuous features. Eight-way power leather seats, a 200-watt Bose sound system, driver seat memory, automatic climate control, power sunroof, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power rear sunshade and keyless entry are standard.
An optional navigation system with an exclusive 3D "Birdview" display is available, but it relies on nine regional CDs to map the entire country, and the car comes standard only with the disc that details the region where you live. Better get a Rand McNally. Heated front seats, a cellular phone, Infiniti Communicator and a six-disc CD changer are other notable options.
Powered by a DOHC 4.1-liter V8 engine, the rear-wheel-drive Q45 is swift if not quick, despite its 266 horsepower and 278 foot-pounds of torque. At least the tune-up interval measures 100,000 miles, and fuel economy is decent at 18/23 city/highway.
Overall, the Q45 offers a luxurious ride that is perfect for cross-country cruising but not canyon carving. The Luxury model comes with a four-wheel independent suspension, speed-sensing power-assisted steering, traction control and a viscous limited-slip differential. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel disc brakes -- with ABS, of course -- give this Infiniti a secure and confident feel. You can opt for the Touring model if your tastes run to the performance end of the luxury-sedan spectrum. While the addition of an electronically controlled suspension (complete with driver-adjustable settings) and 17-inch wheels wearing performance tires give the Touring Q a more commanding feel of the road, don't fool yourself into thinking that you can keep up with the 540i that just blew by you. The smaller Bimmer's got a 16-horsepower advantage and an optional six-speed manual transmission while the Q45 comes only in four-speed automatic form.
Infiniti has built a small but loyal following for the Q45 by offering a solid mix of luxurious appointments and stylish sheet metal backed by a legendary red carpet service experience. Add to this the relatively low sticker price and the current Q45 has plenty to offer the luxury-sedan buyer.
If you care more about a quiet and comfortable highway ride than you do about quarter-mile times and slalom speeds, the current Q45 makes an excellent choice. But time is running out to acquire Japan's vision of the Buick Park Avenue. The 2002 Q returns the nameplate to its performance roots this March.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 INFINITI Q45.
5 star(81%)
4 star(19%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
47 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.75 out of 5 stars
A great car let down by small issues
infinitiguy, 10/18/2006
1999 INFINITI Q45 4dr Sedan
My 99 Q45 is my 2nd. Previously owned a 93 Q45. Both Q's are wonderful cars and a joy to drive. My BIG problem with owning these cars is 1) extremely high rate of depreciation 2) VERY expensive maintenance and repairs - major service intervals approach $1000. My 99 Q has issues with warped brake rotors, driveline vibratons, steering shudder that return after being "fixed". Sensors go bad … on the car and it costs $$$$ to replace. Example: O2 sensor (this car has 4), fixed one for $365. Knock sensor (one of 2) requires COMPLETE intake removal @ $1000. Turbine sensor leak cost $2300 to fix. It never ends. I agree with all the other reviews on this car, but 1 have had 2 Q's that cost $$$$ to keep
4.5 out of 5 stars
Vintage Classic
daross1, 03/21/2015
2001 INFINITI Q45 Luxury 4dr Sedan (4.1L 8cyl 4A)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
The Big Dog Q
totaljett, 04/29/2014
2000 INFINITI Q45 Touring 4dr Sedan
This car is beautiful, reliable and a classic. The power is amazing and the ride is smooth. I have the touring model and keep the struts on sport mode. I bought this ride for my lady and kids to mostly ride in. I always wanted the car and my lady like it to so I got it used with 77,000 miles. That was 111,000 mile ago and it's still the big dog. It does sip a lil more gas than some may … like but what do you expect out of the big bad V8 this monster has. Yet, it is a luxury oasis. I love it so much I've contemplating getting.......another one. I'm about to rid myself of my Lincoln Ls an serious considering replacing it with same model Q45, with different color and lower miles of course.
4.38 out of 5 stars
It's growing on me
cold_amstel, 02/13/2003
2001 INFINITI Q45 Luxury 4dr Sedan (4.1L 8cyl 4A)
Love the vehicle, it's extremely
comfortable. It glides down the highway
like it is on a cushion of air. Very
solid and sound vhicle. I chose this
car over the lexus and the benz.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 INFINITI Q45, so we've included reviews for other years of the Q45 since its last redesign.
2001 Q45 Highlights
Luxury
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $48,895 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $332/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Q45 include:
- Alarm
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 – OriginalMarginal
- 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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