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1997
INFINITI J30

Starts at:
$33,500
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New 1997 INFINITI J30
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 97.5 Personal Luxury Sdn
    Starts at
    $33,500
    18 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Personal Luxury Sdn
    Starts at
    $33,500
    18 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1997 INFINITI J30 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Not being above trying to make a good thing better, the Infiniti Division of Nissan Motor Corp. has brought out a 1997 1/2 Infiniti J30, rather than wait for 1998.

The 1997 1/2 J30, which was designed at the Nissan Design International Center at La Jolla, Calif., adopts a fluid shape. Rather than being a smaller version of the upscale Infiniti Q45, the sedan tends to stand out as a distinctive member of the Infiniti line.

In an era when front-wheel drive is embraced by manufacturers as the answer to all of man’s ills, the J30 has rear-wheel drive. To take advantage of this, power comes from an advanced piece of high technology, namely a 3.0- liter (180-cubic inch) V-6 that possesses double overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, and variable valve timing.

The resulting smoking gun churns out 210-horsepower, considerably above the performance benchmark of 1- horsepower per cubic inch. Torque is 193 foot-pounds.

You obviously need a chassis that can handle this sort of power, so Nissan’s engineers have provided one that combines strength and rigidity without a significant increase in weight.

A high density foam is injected into the chassis to reduce platform flex. The foam also acts to absorb ambient sounds and vibrations that can resonate in platform components.

Combine this with DURASTEEL body panels that have significantly higher corrosion resistance than conventional galvanized steel panels, and you have a structure about as strong as a bridge.

For the “heavy foot” contingent, Infiniti offers a “t” for Touring model. The J30t is a sportier version of the 1997 1/2 J30, offering a stylish decklid spoiler and unique forged alloy wheels.

In the mechanical department, the J30t has recalibrated springs and stabilizer bars to better control body roll during high-speed cornering. Performance steel-belted radial tires are optional at no additional cost.

These performance additions, combined with rear-wheel drive, will let the road racer types throw the car around in a manner that won’t work with a front- wheel drive.

The rear end contains a viscous limited slip differential that drives both wheels when one begins to slip. If you get the back end out in the middle of a fast turn, you can get it back in. However, it is highly recommended with this style of driving that you know what you’re doing with that throttle and steering wheel.

I’d say the acceleration characteristics are fair, based mainly on the fact that there is no five- speed gearbox offered. The transmission is an electronically controlled four- speed automatic.

The automatic produces 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds. A five- speed, with which you could let that DOHC V-6 really wind through the gears, probably would knock off a full second or more.

The mileage, however, is pretty attractive with the automatic, at 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

The J30 carries a sticker of $33,500 plus $495 for freight. The J30t with the Touring package is an additional $2,000.

Infiniti s lashed the cost of both models a little over $2,200 late last year, but the prices still put the sedans squarely in the luxury category.

As such, the interior does make a statement.

The car is a five-seater, with the driver’s compartment having the traditional center console that mounts the shift quadrant for the automatic transmission. Leather seats are standard. And with 191.3 inches of overall length on a 108.7 inch wheelbase, the interior room is comfortable.

Adding to the comfort are eight-way heated power front seats, a power-adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat, cruise- control switches mounted within the steering wheel rim, and full carpeting and floor mats.

With virtually everything being standard on this 1997 1/2 J30, the only options are the Touring Package and a trunk-mounted multi-disc CD autochanger.

1997 INFINITI J30 review: Our expert's take
By

Not being above trying to make a good thing better, the Infiniti Division of Nissan Motor Corp. has brought out a 1997 1/2 Infiniti J30, rather than wait for 1998.

The 1997 1/2 J30, which was designed at the Nissan Design International Center at La Jolla, Calif., adopts a fluid shape. Rather than being a smaller version of the upscale Infiniti Q45, the sedan tends to stand out as a distinctive member of the Infiniti line.

In an era when front-wheel drive is embraced by manufacturers as the answer to all of man’s ills, the J30 has rear-wheel drive. To take advantage of this, power comes from an advanced piece of high technology, namely a 3.0- liter (180-cubic inch) V-6 that possesses double overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, and variable valve timing.

The resulting smoking gun churns out 210-horsepower, considerably above the performance benchmark of 1- horsepower per cubic inch. Torque is 193 foot-pounds.

You obviously need a chassis that can handle this sort of power, so Nissan’s engineers have provided one that combines strength and rigidity without a significant increase in weight.

A high density foam is injected into the chassis to reduce platform flex. The foam also acts to absorb ambient sounds and vibrations that can resonate in platform components.

Combine this with DURASTEEL body panels that have significantly higher corrosion resistance than conventional galvanized steel panels, and you have a structure about as strong as a bridge.

For the “heavy foot” contingent, Infiniti offers a “t” for Touring model. The J30t is a sportier version of the 1997 1/2 J30, offering a stylish decklid spoiler and unique forged alloy wheels.

In the mechanical department, the J30t has recalibrated springs and stabilizer bars to better control body roll during high-speed cornering. Performance steel-belted radial tires are optional at no additional cost.

These performance additions, combined with rear-wheel drive, will let the road racer types throw the car around in a manner that won’t work with a front- wheel drive.

The rear end contains a viscous limited slip differential that drives both wheels when one begins to slip. If you get the back end out in the middle of a fast turn, you can get it back in. However, it is highly recommended with this style of driving that you know what you’re doing with that throttle and steering wheel.

I’d say the acceleration characteristics are fair, based mainly on the fact that there is no five- speed gearbox offered. The transmission is an electronically controlled four- speed automatic.

The automatic produces 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds. A five- speed, with which you could let that DOHC V-6 really wind through the gears, probably would knock off a full second or more.

The mileage, however, is pretty attractive with the automatic, at 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

The J30 carries a sticker of $33,500 plus $495 for freight. The J30t with the Touring package is an additional $2,000.

Infiniti s lashed the cost of both models a little over $2,200 late last year, but the prices still put the sedans squarely in the luxury category.

As such, the interior does make a statement.

The car is a five-seater, with the driver’s compartment having the traditional center console that mounts the shift quadrant for the automatic transmission. Leather seats are standard. And with 191.3 inches of overall length on a 108.7 inch wheelbase, the interior room is comfortable.

Adding to the comfort are eight-way heated power front seats, a power-adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat, cruise- control switches mounted within the steering wheel rim, and full carpeting and floor mats.

With virtually everything being standard on this 1997 1/2 J30, the only options are the Touring Package and a trunk-mounted multi-disc CD autochanger.

Available cars near you

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years
Powertrain
6 years / 70,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Months from In-Service Date (ISD): Less than or equal to 60 months from ISD | Vehicle Mileage: Less than or equal to 15,000 Miles | Greater than 15,000 Miles but less than or equal to 60K miles
Basic
6 years / 75K miles from original ISD | 6 years / unlimited miles from original ISD
Dealer certification
167-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.1 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.1
Interior 3.8
Performance 4.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 4.1

Most recent

  • I bought one used in 2000.

    I bought one used in 2000. Purchased it in winter. When I checked the A/C the following spring, I found out that the compressor was shot. Didn't want to pay the $$$$ to have it fixed, so for 3 summers, I drove with the windows open. A couple years after I bought it, the odometer stopped working - it was just "stuck". This was the first and last "luxury" car I ever bought. It was also my only lemon - and I owned a Vega for a couple of years.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Amazing car!

    The car is very comfortable, its heated leather seats are very supportive on the back and legs. Power seats make it easy to adjust the seat for any driver. Performance is great, the car has more power under the hood than one would expect and it handles well. The exterior and interior of the car is very elegant, it's beauty on the outside and a beast on the inside. A great value for your money, worth every penny. The car is very reliable. Overall it is a well built car and even though it's old it still performs very well. A very luxurious and smooth car to drive. The car is built to last if well maintained. It's a bit bad on gas and lacks trunk space but that's about the only downside to this car. Everything else is great about it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Saved my Children's lives

    This was the nicest car I ever owned. I only had it for 9 days before I was involved in a severe auto accident. This car saved my life and my children's lives. I was rear-ended on the freeway. The lady that hit me was going 70 mph. The car was totaled out but my entire family walked away from the scene. Now the only problem is finding a replacement. I would definately recomend this car to a friend.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best car I ever owned!

    202K miles and still going strong! This is a fantastic vehicle that has a very good ride and handling balance. It is a joy to drive and has a solid feel. Reliability has been excellent. Heated seats, great Bose stereo and auto climate control are great features. Back seats are extremely comfortable for 2 tight for 3. Trunk is tiny though. Fuel economy in mixed driving is about 23-24. Drives great even in the snowy NE where I live with a good set of all season tires.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Literally the most reliable car I've ever owned

    With after market wheels and sport tires this car will not only handle well, but ride smooth. The engine shows no signs of failure after 144k. Remake of 300zx engine with plenty of power to the rear wheels. Only downfalls... small backseat and a really heavy car, makes it a lot slower than it could be. Otherwise perfect combination of luxury and performance for its time.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1997 INFINITI J30?

The 1997 INFINITI J30 is available in 1 trim level:

  • (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 1997 INFINITI J30?

The 1997 INFINITI J30 offers up to 18 MPG in city driving and 23 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 1997 INFINITI J30 reliable?

The 1997 INFINITI J30 has an average reliability rating of 4.1 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1997 INFINITI J30 owners.

Is the 1997 INFINITI J30 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1997 INFINITI J30. 80.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.1 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.1
  • Interior: 3.8
  • Performance: 4.0
  • Value: 4.0
  • Exterior: 4.6
  • Reliability: 4.1
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