2005 INFINITI Q Consumer Reviews

Ride well, plenty of room. Down side uses hi test, low mileage

Bought it used with only 60k mileage. Previous owner took great care of it. Since its been in my possession the most expensive cost I've had were the set of Michelin Primacy wheels I put on at 100K. 2 sets of tires later, it still was riding as good as it did the day my wife drove it home in '08.

Infiniti's former flagship came home w. me about a month ago, after I found a silver '02 Q45 Luxury (base model) at a Subaru dealership in NC. Two-owner, accident-free history & 79k miles made it a worthy buy at $8400. The 3rd-gen Q45 offers so much value, performance & comfort for the money. 20mpg average on premium fuel (23mpg on the Interstate) isn't Prius-worthy, but a Q45 is no econo-box. The mighty 4.5 liter V8 yields effortless acceleration, no matter what speed you're driving. The car is a 340hp missile, but a very civilized one, with seats that are the most comfortable of any car I've owned in 45 years of driving. The power lumbar on the driver's seat is just the ticket for lower back support. And those Gatling-gun Xenon headlights turn nighttime into day. The beautiful interior design on the '02-06 was so good, Infiniti continues to use the same basic layout in their latest Q60. Regarding issues on the 3rd-gen Q45, there are just a few. The engine likes oil, even from new, so you'll need to monitor the oil level regularly (& use synthetic). The rear suspension tends to sag a bit, but again, this was typical of the car even when new. Just be sure to take it to an Infiniti dealer for a good 4-wheel alignment ($80). I recommend the base Luxury model w. 17" wheels/tires and minus the optional sport suspension & navigation. I've found the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All-Season to be a great tire for the Q - quiet, comfortable & with excellent treadwear & traction. The AC/radio controls are logical but not intuitive - a good read of the owner's manual is in order. For the '02 model, you'll need the software update from an Infiniti dealer. It modifies the transmission electronics for better engine responsiveness & smoother shifting. A new gas pedal accompanies that update. That's about it for recommendations. Buy the lowest-mile car you can afford, change out all the fluids & filters, and you'll own one of the world's great luxury performance sedans. You'll see lots of Q's out there with over 200k miles - they're good for the long-haul. Compared w. the competition (Mercedes S-class, BMW 7-series, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ8, Cadillac DTS), the Q45's higher performance & less complex suspension & electronics (at least on the base models) make it a great luxury performance choice. Infiniti never sold many new, but a careful search should yield a low-mile, accident-free 3rd-gen Q45 that will be one of the best cars you've ever owned. I know I love mine.

Infiniti's former flagship came home w. me about a month ago, after I found a silver '02 Q45 Premium (base model) at a Subaru dealership in NC. Two-owner, accident-free history & 79k miles made it a worthy buy at $8400. The 3rd-gen Q45 offers so much value, performance & comfort for the money. 21MPG average on premium fuel (23MPG on the Interstate) isn't Prius-worthy, but a Q45 is no econo-box. The mighty 4.5 liter V8 yields effortless acceleration, no matter what speed you're driving. The car is a 340hp missile, but a very civilized one, with seats that are the most comfortable of any car I've owned in 45+ years of driving. The power lumbar on the driver's seat is just the ticket for lower back support. The beautiful interior design on the '02-06 was so good, Infiniti continues to use the same basic layout in their latest Q60. Regarding issues on the 3rd-gen Q45, there are just a few. The engine likes oil, even from new, so you'll need to monitor the oil level regularly (& use synthetic). The rear suspension tends to sag a bit, but again, this was typical of the car even when new. Just be sure to take it to an Infiniti dealer for a good 4-wheel alignment ($80). I recommend the base Premium model w. 17" wheels/tires and minus the optional sport suspension or navigation. I've found the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All-Season to be a great tire for the Q - quiet, comfortable & with excellent treadwear & traction. The AC/radio controls are logical but not intuitive - a good read of the owner's manual is in order. For the '02 model, I recommend the software update from an Infiniti dealer. It modifies the transmission electronics for better engine responsiveness & smoother shifting. A new gas pedal accompanies that update. That's about it for recommendations. Buy the lowest-mile car you can afford, change out all the fluids & filters, and you'll own one of the world's great luxury performance sedans. You'll see lots of Q's out there with over 200k miles - they're good for the long-haul. Compared w. its competition (S-class Mercedes, 7-series BMW, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ8, Cadillac DTS), the Q45's higher performance & less complex suspension and electronics (at least on the base models) make it a fine performance luxury choice. Infiniti never sold many new, but a careful search should yield a low-mile, accident-free 3rd-gen Q45 that will be one of the best cars you've ever owned. I know I love mine.

I drive approx. 500 mi. per week; 75% interstate. Comfort, fit and trim, acceleration, shifting, passing power, reliability, are all excellent. Although I'd love to have regular gas payments, this car takes premium. I have oil changes, and all other basic maintenance performed every 3-5K miles. Breaking down on the highway would be very disappointing; never an issue with this car. I assure you I am very grateful. I don't see many Q45's around, and that's a good thing (same cars out there by the hundreds in the DC metro area (bland)). The exterior finish is impressive as well (black onyx). I would highly recommend this vehicle for long trips or just every driving (hopefully away from the congestion). The reliability is truly one of the best I've ever experienced. Take care of them, and they'll take care of you w/o breaking the bank.

Handles like a dream on the back roads I travel, which are extremely curved. The ride is one of the best. Had Jag XJL and this is much better.Only thing have to remember to lock doors; they do not auto lock when put into gear or reach 15mph as do lots of other vehicles. One of the best cars I've ever owned as far as driving,comfort,and reliability. Sad it was discontinued. It was car of it's own with no sister car, like the newer Infiniti's that are Nissan's.

This is the one and only Infiniti I have ever owned. The Q45 is top of the line. If you can handle the Premium gas, it's worth the buy. One of the most comfortable and reliable vehicles I've ever owned. Acceleration, transmission, cornering, cruise speed, is all outstanding at this point. I didn't get the Premium edition, and personally don't believe I needed it (GPS/Back Up video). I purchased used however, it looked absolutely new when I picked up. Have received numerous accolades for the overall appearance and quality ride. Was around 60K new; I got for quite a bit less (during the higher gas period; though I consider it still ridiculous). Would definitely purchase again.

The Q45 is one of the finest vehicles I have ever driven. I am getting too old to continuing enjoying it.