2001InfinitiI30Infiniti I302001 Infiniti I30 TouringSedanSedanFWDOppama, JapanThis year two new colors are added along with steering wheel-mounted controls, an anti-glare rearview mirror with integrated compass, and an emergency inside trunk release. The brilliant blue xenon headlights previously available only on Touring models can now be ordered on base Luxury trim cars as well.Powerful yet refined drivetrain, roomy and comfortable cabin, full load of amenities, limited-slip differential on Touring model, standard rear sunshade.No manual transmission for Touring model, harsh ride quality of Touring model, some inexpensive-looking interior bits.Last year brought about big changes for the I30. A new look and a new engine transformed this formerly glorified Nissan Maxima into a true performance luxury sedan. We like the current I30's combination of a buttery-smooth V6 fronting a roomy interior encapsulated in stylish sheetmetal that finally distances it from its cheaper Nissan-badged cousin. Central to the I30's personality is a 3.0-liter, 24-valve DOHC aluminum V6 engine that makes 227 horsepower; 5 more horses than any Maxima save the 20th Anniversary special edition. Alas, in the Infiniti only a four-speed automatic transmission is available, transferring power to the front wheels. The I30 boasts computer-assisted, speed-sensitive power steering that automatically adjusts to driving conditions, providing more assist when needed for easy parking, and more effort at high speeds for better feel and feedback. The multi-link beam rear underpinnings contribute to a smooth yet controlled ride, but you'd think a $30,000 entry-luxury sedan might offer a true independent rear suspension. Struts hold up the front end, and stabilizer bars front and rear keep body roll in check. Four-wheel disc ABS is standard, and traction control is optional. Available in two trim levels, Luxury and Touring, Infiniti I30 comes well equipped in either guise. Luxury models include the usual upscale gewgaws, including leather seats, an express-open sunroof, automatic climate control, 200-watt Bose audio system and the much-ballyhooed (for good reason) power rear sunshade as standard equipment. Step up to the Touring model and Infiniti adds a viscous limited-slip differential, sport-ride suspension, xenon high-intensity headlamps, 17-inch wheels and performance-oriented P225/50VR17 tires. Inside the I30, consumers will find comfortable seating for five adults and a surprisingly roomy rear seat. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat includes lumbar support, two-position memory and an automatic entry/exit system. Side airbags that protect the head and chest deploy from the sides of both front seats. A height-adjustable center armrest with dual-level storage compartment, signature Infiniti analog clock, and one-touch open and close power windows are also included on all I30s. Other interesting features on the I30 include active front headrests, which automatically move up and forward during a rear-end collision to protect against whiplash. A HomeLink universal transmitter, which allows you to activate your house lights and garage door from inside the car, is standard on Touring models. Buyers can opt for a Birdview navigation system that pops up from the top of the dashboard, and a trunk-mounted six-CD changer is available, though we wish Infiniti used an in-dash model for optimal convenience. Infiniti Communicator, a telematics system similar to OnStar from General Motors, is also optional on I30, providing one-touch calling for emergency or roadside assistance. With its classy looks, smooth and powerful V6, and long list of standard and available features, the I30 Luxury delivers a true luxury sedan experience that doesn't entail typical luxury sedan payments. And if you're looking for a reliable, good-looking sport sedan with room for five, the I30 Touring should be on your test drive list. Acura TL-SeriesChrysler 300MLexus ES 300Lincoln LS460,000670,0004Unlimited7UnlimitedNANANA63 litersV6227 hp @ 6400 rpm217 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm193.7 in.70.2 in.56.7 in.3415 lbs.108.3 in.40.5 in.37.4 in.56.4 in.56.2 in.54.3 in.53 in.43.9 in.36.2 in.14.9 cu.ft.StandardStandardStandardStandardNot AvailableOptionalNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedGoodGoodNot TestedNot Tested18.5 gal.19 mpg / 26 mpg352 mi. / 481 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$28,079$31,5407.35%$545N/A3% of the Base MSRPLUXURY (4A): 3L V6 DOHC SMPI 24-valve engine (requires premium unleaded fuel); 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; battery with run down protection; 110 amp alternator; front-wheel drive, 3.79 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; comfort ride suspension, front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear non-independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; rack-and-pinion power steering with engine speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 18.5 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; express-open/close sliding and tilting glass sunroof with sunshade; front and rear body-colored bumpers with chrome bumper insert; body-colored bodyside molding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen fully auto headlamps; additional exterior lights include cornering lights, front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored folding outsidemirrors; 16" x 6.5" silver alloy wheels; P215/55HR16 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; air conditioning with climate control, air filter, rear heat ducts; premium AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, single-disc CD player, 7 premium speakers, amplifier, auto equalizer, window grid diversity antenna, radio steering wheel controls; cruise control with steering wheel controls; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, child-safety rear door locks, power remote hatch/trunk release, power remote fuel door release; 2 power accessory outlets, front lighter element(s), driver's foot rest, retained accessory power, garage door opener, smokers' package; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, clock, compass, exterior temp, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, bulb failure, door ajar, trunk ajar, brake fluid; driver's and passenger's front airbags, driver'sand front passenger's seat-mounted side airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm, security system; tinted windows, power front and rear windows with driver's and passenger's 1-touch down function; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster, rear power blind; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's seat includes 8-way power adjustment, lumbar support, passenger's seat includes 4-way power adjustment; 60/40 folding rear bench seat with adjustable headrests, center armrest; height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners; leather seats, leatherette door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, simulated wood door panel insert, simulated wood console insert, chrome interior accents; memory on driver's seat with 2 memory setting(s); interior lights include dome light with fade, front readinglights, 2 door curb lights, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors, dual auxiliary visors; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, mini overhead console with storage, locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, instrument panel covered bin, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, carpeted trunk lid, cargo net, cargo light; chrome grille, chrome side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and chrome door handles.
TOURING (4A) (in addition to or instead of LUXURY (4A) equipment): Viscous limited-slip differential, sport-ride suspension; aero-composite high intensity fully auto headlamps; 17" x 7" silver alloy wheels; P225/50VR17 BSW A/S tires.