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1996
INFINITI I30

Starts at:
$28,800
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn Manual w/Cloth
    Starts at
    $28,800
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Touring Sdn Manual
    Starts at
    $31,500
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Touring Sdn Auto
    Starts at
    $32,500
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1996 INFINITI I30 review

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

The Infiniti Division of Nissan Motor Corp. knew it had a good thing in its flagship Q45 model. Not one to gloss over an opportunity, Infiniti built an I30 version that copied many of the Q45’s advanced features.

In 1996 form, the I30 is being offered in Standard, Leather, and Touring versions, the latter designed for drivers who want to do more than just sit there and steer.

For this version, Infiniti adds a sports-tuned suspension, wide-tread 215/60R 15 H-rated tires, performance forged alloy wheels, and a rear deck lid spoiler that has an integrated rear-center stoplight. It also has a traction- control system as standard equipment.

To set the Touring off from the rest of the line, styling includes an I30T emblem on the rear deck lid. While the emblem has nothing to do with aerodynamics, the rest of the silhouette does, as it has a slightly lower co-efficient of drag than its sibling models.

Infiniti hands the hot-to-go motorist a fairly potent package in all its cars, with a four-cam V-6 engine that displaces 3.0-liters of piston displacement. That translates into 190 horsepower — a feature not common to luxury sedans.

The standard transmission is a close ratio five-speed manual, which gives drivers an opportunity to play a little tune with Infiniti’s high winding V-6. A four-speed automatic is optional.

“The five-speed is more fun to drive,” said Bill Oswald, general sales manager for Dreyer & Reinbold Infiniti. “In addition, the automatic is $1,000 more money.”

The five-speed gives the I30T acceleration capabilities of 7.0 seconds for 0-60 mph. That time will put you right in the midst of rather sprightly running motor cars.

For those more interested in how the car looks than what makes it go, the I30T bears more than a passing resemblance to the larger Q45.

With the help of a 106.3-inch wheelbase and corresponding short overhangs both front and back, the I30’s large, open passenger area is quite similar to that of the Q45. The styling provides both driver and passengers with all-around excellent visibility.

The driver’s compartment layout is pretty much state-of-the-art. A center console that holds the gear shift levers separates the two individual bucket seats. Stereo and temperature controls are mounted in the center section of the dash. Instrumentation includes a tachometer with speedometer.

Infiniti did, however, conduct extensive studies on driver eye motion to determine the optimal placement of instruments and controls. It’s an easy car to drive, with everything either right at hand level or within easy sight.

It also is a quiet automobile to drive, because its extremely rigid body reduces noise and vibration. Other sound-deadening measures include a special instrument panel isolator, extra insulation and extra wiring harness grommets in areas of the engine compartment, and extra insulation on parts of the transmission tunnel.

When it comes to ride, the Infiniti is designed to set the standard for its class , and the Touring is especially designed for agile handling.

A completely new multilink beam rear suspension has resulted in an innovative blend of handling and a comfortable large-car ride. The key to making the combination of torsional beam and multilink design work is a patented lateral link/control rod.

“All Infinities are geared towards a driver’s driver,” Oswald said. “But with the “T” you get heavy- duty suspension, bigger tires, and alloy wheels.”

At $28,900, the standard I30 model is positioned between the Infiniti G20 and J30. The I30T’s performance features move it upstream a bit to $33,680.

1996 Infiniti I30T

Model year: 1996. Base price: $33,680. Type: Front engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger touring sedan. Engine: 3.0- liters, DOHC V-6, 24 valves, fuel-injected, 190-horsepower, 205 foot-pounds of torque. Transmission: Five-speed manual. Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds. Mileage: 21 mpg city/26 m pg hig hway. Wheelbase: 106.3 inches. Length: 189.6 inches. Width: 69.7 inches Height: 55.7 inches. Curb weight: 3,147 pounds. Options: CD player, cellular phone, four-speed automatic, rear spoiler, sunroof wind deflector, locking lug nuts, engine block heater, battery warmer, splash guards, car cover with cable lock.

1996 INFINITI I30 review: Our expert's take
By

The Infiniti Division of Nissan Motor Corp. knew it had a good thing in its flagship Q45 model. Not one to gloss over an opportunity, Infiniti built an I30 version that copied many of the Q45’s advanced features.

In 1996 form, the I30 is being offered in Standard, Leather, and Touring versions, the latter designed for drivers who want to do more than just sit there and steer.

For this version, Infiniti adds a sports-tuned suspension, wide-tread 215/60R 15 H-rated tires, performance forged alloy wheels, and a rear deck lid spoiler that has an integrated rear-center stoplight. It also has a traction- control system as standard equipment.

To set the Touring off from the rest of the line, styling includes an I30T emblem on the rear deck lid. While the emblem has nothing to do with aerodynamics, the rest of the silhouette does, as it has a slightly lower co-efficient of drag than its sibling models.

Infiniti hands the hot-to-go motorist a fairly potent package in all its cars, with a four-cam V-6 engine that displaces 3.0-liters of piston displacement. That translates into 190 horsepower — a feature not common to luxury sedans.

The standard transmission is a close ratio five-speed manual, which gives drivers an opportunity to play a little tune with Infiniti’s high winding V-6. A four-speed automatic is optional.

“The five-speed is more fun to drive,” said Bill Oswald, general sales manager for Dreyer & Reinbold Infiniti. “In addition, the automatic is $1,000 more money.”

The five-speed gives the I30T acceleration capabilities of 7.0 seconds for 0-60 mph. That time will put you right in the midst of rather sprightly running motor cars.

For those more interested in how the car looks than what makes it go, the I30T bears more than a passing resemblance to the larger Q45.

With the help of a 106.3-inch wheelbase and corresponding short overhangs both front and back, the I30’s large, open passenger area is quite similar to that of the Q45. The styling provides both driver and passengers with all-around excellent visibility.

The driver’s compartment layout is pretty much state-of-the-art. A center console that holds the gear shift levers separates the two individual bucket seats. Stereo and temperature controls are mounted in the center section of the dash. Instrumentation includes a tachometer with speedometer.

Infiniti did, however, conduct extensive studies on driver eye motion to determine the optimal placement of instruments and controls. It’s an easy car to drive, with everything either right at hand level or within easy sight.

It also is a quiet automobile to drive, because its extremely rigid body reduces noise and vibration. Other sound-deadening measures include a special instrument panel isolator, extra insulation and extra wiring harness grommets in areas of the engine compartment, and extra insulation on parts of the transmission tunnel.

When it comes to ride, the Infiniti is designed to set the standard for its class , and the Touring is especially designed for agile handling.

A completely new multilink beam rear suspension has resulted in an innovative blend of handling and a comfortable large-car ride. The key to making the combination of torsional beam and multilink design work is a patented lateral link/control rod.

“All Infinities are geared towards a driver’s driver,” Oswald said. “But with the “T” you get heavy- duty suspension, bigger tires, and alloy wheels.”

At $28,900, the standard I30 model is positioned between the Infiniti G20 and J30. The I30T’s performance features move it upstream a bit to $33,680.

1996 Infiniti I30T

Model year: 1996. Base price: $33,680. Type: Front engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger touring sedan. Engine: 3.0- liters, DOHC V-6, 24 valves, fuel-injected, 190-horsepower, 205 foot-pounds of torque. Transmission: Five-speed manual. Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds. Mileage: 21 mpg city/26 m pg hig hway. Wheelbase: 106.3 inches. Length: 189.6 inches. Width: 69.7 inches Height: 55.7 inches. Curb weight: 3,147 pounds. Options: CD player, cellular phone, four-speed automatic, rear spoiler, sunroof wind deflector, locking lug nuts, engine block heater, battery warmer, splash guards, car cover with cable lock.

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

4.6 / 5
Based on 10 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.3
Performance 4.5
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.5
Reliability 4.6

Most recent

  • Don't buy one

    I really liked the car but all the tears in it plus every thang is going out in it I've replaced alot of parts an I'm paying way to much money for it .
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Beautiful car. Loved it. Miss it a lot

    My first car. Love it till today. Very high quality car. Rivaled Lexus of those day. Too bad Nissan quality is down the drain now
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • This has been the only car I've owned and I loveit

    I bought the car right after high-school in 2016 for $650 at 220k miles or so. I haven't had any huge issues so far. I had to replace the alternator once. The car is very comfortable for me to ride in during very long drives. Being 6'3 some cars get very uncomfortable after a long ride. All the electronics still works. Such as power seats. The one issue I have is the alarm will randomly go off when no one is around. So
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • 310K miles GOING STRONG

    Bought new Aug. 1995 in Houston. Great car, only used synthetic oil for changes. Over 21 years old now, a/c will freeze you out even in AZ. heat here. Great Bose Stereo and even a cassette player. I think this car may outlast me. They don't make them this well anymore!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • Exceptional value.

    I bought my '96 I30 used with 87k miles. As of October 2012, I have 293k miles on it and the engine still runs wonderfully smoothly. At 150k miles, I had the lower part of the engine resealed, which was the most expensive repair I've had completed to date. I had the mass air sensor replaced to fix a stall problem at about 268k miles. Otherwise, I've put new tires on it and had regular oil changes, and the car has been bulletproof. I had a Stillen exhaust installed at the time of the reseal, and have had impressive economy: I get 24mpg consistently, and if I put the car on cruise at 2500rpm, which equates to 72mph, I can get 35mpg. This car smoothes out the bumps and flattens out the hills. It's been a pleasure to own and can highly recommend it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • Best for highway

    I have owned this car for 2 years. It is powerful and amazingly good at hitting speed on the highway. I drive 2000 miles every month. It is strong, comfortable, fast like a racing car. The stereo (Boss enabled) has an amazing sound quality. I would recommend anyone to buy it. However, few things to mention: if you are thinking about economy driving this car is not for you. It actually consumes a lot of fuel. It would cost me $50 for a 3.5 hour journey one way. Nevertheless given the speed, security and comfort of this car, it seems reasonable to buy it. So, bottom line, go for it if you are hitting the road often and are looking for comfort and speed.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • My Infiniti I30

    Most reliable car I've ever owned. At 216,000 miles, it's still going strong. The steering isn't as tight as I would like.
    • 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
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  • It measures up!

    Im a huge Bmw fan because of the mix of luxury and performance. When I purchased this I30 I was surprised witht the reality of how luxurious and sporty it is. This is an amazing car, mine has 234,000 miles on it, and it runs as if I just took it off the lot. The only negetives I would point out, would be the alternator which goes bad every once in a while and how rocky it is at slower city speeds. At high speeds it is wonderful, I was hitting 120 on my way to chicago and I was changing lanes like a normal car would going 70. Personally, I love it and I think its a wonderful car, especially for the money!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • had 'er nine years

    love this car. will never let her go. has a few problems in her old age but still performs rather well.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • Best Riding Experience on the Roads

    First of all, it was a used car I bought at 78k miles but dint feel like one. It was running as good as any latest models of cars that I drove from rental possibly. One cannot ignore the power and the pickup of the roaring V6. For a 1996 car, boy it was really well maintained and tuned up. I could stand up to 5 adult passengers for a 4000 mile journey. If at all I could crib about something it would be the window opener handle. The chrom plating on the handle would peel off as easy as a sticker. Also, the factory provided BOSE stereo system doesn't have an auxilary input, but man the stereo output is simply amazing with a crystal clear premium sound quality. Its something more that what I expected when I bought the car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    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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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1996 INFINITI I30?

The 1996 INFINITI I30 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • Cloth (1 style)
  • Touring (2 styles)

Is the 1996 INFINITI I30 reliable?

The 1996 INFINITI I30 has an average reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1996 INFINITI I30 owners.

Is the 1996 INFINITI I30 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1996 INFINITI I30. 90.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 10 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.3
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.5
  • Reliability: 4.6
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