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2002 Infiniti Q45

Date: 4 August 2001	Miles: 916
Just arrived, this two-ton land yacht preforms more like a wave runner. Still, we're not yet used to the optional and complex navigation system with integral stereo and climate controls. We intend to master the voice activation system before we try another long hike.
Date: 25 August 2001	Miles: 4,300
If there is a new twist in the coddling department not included in the Q45, we don't know what it could be. Our one suggestion is to send the front seats back for a redesign, however. Despite numerous power adjustments including lumbar, we judged them flat and hard. Also more seat height adjustment is needed to keep 6-foot drivers from making contact with the sunroof. On the other hand, after two months, we are most impressed by the highway performance of this very large sedan. The 340-horsepower V-8 makes the simple act of passing most entertaining. Fuel economy is very respectable too at 19.9 miles per gallon at the 4,300 mile mark. The optional DVD based satellite navigation system is not the easiest to use, but it is highly accurate with maps that display more smaller rural roads than most competitors. We're becoming more relaxed with these systems since they can pay a big role in finding new ways around traffic jams.
Date: 28 September 2001	Miles: 6,800
The all-new 2002 Infiniti Q45 has big interior room, a velvety 340-horsepower V-8, and a heady level of high-tech hardware. Staff opinions on living with the plush Q45 seem split along age lines. Older staffers love its combination of effortless ride with amazingly agile handling. On the other hand, younger drivers think the "Q" feels too big and squishy to be fun to drive. Everyone agrees using the available navigation system is distracting. But mastering the voice command system puts that complaint pretty much to rest. Everyone also agrees this fault-free sedan is a wonderful car for long trips. Fuel economy of 19.3 miles per gallon after 6,800 miles is impressive, too.
Date: 16 November 2001	Miles: 10,770
There's a revolution going on at Nissan, and it's touching every product, including those of luxury division Infiniti. This all-new for 2002 Infiniti Q45 is proof. Big, bold, even brassie, but still very classy, this is a techno-laden flagship with a 4.5-liter 340-horsepower V-8. We love the power, the huge interior, the do-everything seats, the optional rear view camera, and oh, that ride. We are less than thrilled, however, at the controls for the navigation system, stereo and climate controls. Voice command is their saving grace. But, if you're taking a trip that's more than 200 miles, and the roads vary from interstates to switchbacks, the Big-Q is a big win. Even mileage is impressive, 19.1 after 10,778 miles and counting.
Date: 28 December 2001	Miles: 12,998
We travel a lot. Both as auto writers and as Americans. We have a big country, with lots of wide roads, and think nothing of consuming 600 or more miles of them in a single day. So, big cars fit our big needs. That's why the imported Infiniti Q45 seems so at home here. It's not only big, almost 200 inches long, but it swallows up those miles in a gulp. All while giving occupants the latest in hi-tech luxury, that is if they do their homework before they hit the road. Our car's combination navigation system, audio, and climate controls is confusing to use even with voice recognition and a joy stick. But, once you make your selections, or log in a destination, its directions and operations are flawless. So too the big, brawny, 340-horsepower V-8. We also have to add very smooth and pretty stingy to that praise. Moving this much metal 12,998 miles with 19 miles per gallon fuel economy is impressive. We'll also praise the 7-lens Xenon headlamps. They provide excellent night driving vision, so the Q45 can safely devour highway in any light.
Date: 08 March 2002	Miles: 15,000
Our 2002 Infiniti Q45 continues to deliver near flawless operation after 8 months and over 15,000 miles. We say near since there have been reports of the stereo and navigation system controls freezing up on occasion. Rebooting the system by restarting the car seems to thaw the frost. Speaking of cold, thanks to ABS and traction control, the Q45's rear-wheel drive chassis has proven to be more than a match for our moderate winter. Economy has slipped a tenth to 18.9 miles per gallon, but that's still better than expected from a big car with a 340 horsepower V-8. In the world of big luxury sedans, the Infiniti Q45 is a cool operator.
Date: 26 April 2002	Miles: 19,000
While American brands strive to redefine the traditional large luxury car, it seems that the imports have it already figured out. Case in point, our long term 2002 Infiniti Q45. Even at almost 200 inches in length, it's still shorter than domestic rivals by a half foot or more, yet interior size is comparable, and in the case of front leg room, a class best. True, the trunk is smaller, but how many golf bags do you need anyway? You also won't find a V-8 engine that matches outstanding power, all 340 horses, with a precise shifting state-of-the-art 5-speed automatic better than the Q45. Plus, after 9 months and almost 19,000 miles, economy is respectable at 19.1 miles per gallon. The ride is soft, yet never flabby, and in corners the Q45 almost begs to be tossed around like a sport sedan. Indeed, for a massive car (it weighs just under two tons) it's totally enjoyable to drive. If there is one area that Infiniti needs more work on, however, it's interior controls. You've heard us complain about the complexity of the Q45's navigation and audio systems before. Even with voice prompt, it's tricky to use. But Infiniti is making progress here, too. Similar systems on the new G35 are much better. So, all in all, we think Infiniti has captured the essence of the big, American-style luxury sedan very well in the Q45. Lots of room in less bulk, outstanding comfort, and performance that you never get tired of.
Date: 5 June 2002	Miles: 25,000
The 2002 Infiniti Q45 is the first large, Japanese sedan that breaks the mold of what a premium sedan should be. It's not a copy of any American or European design, although it does borrow a few essentials from them. Like a powerful V-8 engine. At 340 horsepower and 344 pound-feet of torque, it would be at home in any Detroit cruiser. And a sophisticated all- independent suspension, that with the Sport Package adds the auto-adjusting suspension, stiffer hardware, and 18-inch cast rims, that could be found under a European four-door. Otherwise, we found the Q45 amazingly original, from an exterior that is unmistakable , no one else has Gatling gun headlights , to an interior that forged new ground in control placement and operation. While not all of it is successful , we never got used to the interaction between the navigation, audio, and climate controls , voice recognition could be called upon to cut through any confusion. There is no confusion about how we feel about the rest of the car. What a wonderful highway car, and it's not too shabby on twisty roads either. Pretty frugal, too. 19.3 miles per gallon after 12 months, and nearly 25,000 miles. Problems were limited to warped front brake rotors. And, while we appreciate the tire pressure monitor, you still have to guess which is the low tire. No fun when trying to air up in the rain, I can tell you. Still, in a world full of luxury car clones, the current Q45 is a rare original. And isn't that what buying a premium sedan is all about?
Date: 6 September 2002	Miles: 28,000
All good things must come to an end, and that goes for our 13 months and nearly 28,000 miles with this 2002 Infiniti Q45 premium luxury sedan. Those of you who follow our long term tests know we praised the Q45's advanced styling, including the unique gatling-gun headlights, its huge and innovative interior, the silky smooth 4.5-liter 340-horsepower V-8, and surprisingly nimble handling for a car with a 3,880 pound curb weight. We have been less kind about the complicated controls, including the voice recognition system that interacts with the complex navigation, audio, and climate functions. Now we should note that an owner that drives the Q45 daily will conquer the system faster than we did. Still, when it came to covering lots of miles effortlessly, yet knowing that the car under you could handle the unexpected twists with aplomb, the Q45 won us over. And, we were also pleased how economy stayed so consistent during the test, ending with 19.2 miles per premium gallon. As to mechanical problems, that was limited to warped front disc rotors that occurred just before the car left us. And the Q45 did leave us with mostly very favorable impressions, and a knowledge that a big car doesn't have to be a highway dinosaur.