1997 Infiniti I30 Driving Impressions Review at Automotive.com
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Infiniti
I30
1997

1997 Infiniti I30 Review: Road Test

Below is a full, detailed 1997 Infiniti I30 review and road test from New Car Test Drive. A full evaluation of price, equipment, the driving experience, and specs are all here in a structured, easy-to-navigate format from journalists with limitless e ...     read more
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1997 Infiniti I30 Review

The Infiniti I30 represents badge engineering that works.
Driving Impressions
Nissan officials seem to cringe at any suggestion of similarity between

the I30 and Maxima. They shouldn't. The strong mechanical underpinnings

the I30 shares with the Maxima uphold Infiniti's tradition for performance.

Both the I30 and the Maxima are powered by Nissan's outstanding 3.0-liter

24-valve dohc V6 engine, rated at 190 horsepower. The engine provides smooth

and quick acceleration that will easily lead the way when the light turns

green, yet yields fuel economy that won't drain the wallet.

Isolation from the road provides a quiet and comfortable ride but the

driver maintains a strong connection with the road. The rear Multi-Link

Beam suspension combines elements of multi-link and torsion beam suspensions,

resulting in the tires maintaining optimum contact with the road.

While maintaining a strong performance orientation, the I30 also lives

up to its luxury lineage. The suspension from the Maxima has been tuned

Review Sections
• Introduction
• Walkaround
• Interior
• Driving Impressions
• Summary & Specifications
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to provide a softer ride in the I30. Extra sound deadening materials have

been added to the I30 to create a quiet cabin. Thankfully, they didn't

deaden the refined growl of the engine.

The $31,995 Touring model--the I30t--is even more performance oriented

with the five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, performance

tires, sport-tuned suspension and rear deck lid spoiler. Add $1000 for

the automatic transmission with this package.

While it's impressive from the driver's vantage point, we also found

the I30 to be a pleasant package from a passenger's point of view--even

from the rear seat. The back seat can pleasantly accommodate three adults

and is far more comfortable, quieter and smoother than that of many cars

in its class. Next Page


1997 Infiniti I30