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1998
INFINITI QX4

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$35,550
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Expert 1998 INFINITI QX4 review

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

The Infiniti QX4 luxury sport-utility vehicle is somewhat like the Q ships of the two World Wars.

Both the seagoing and land-going versions of the Qs were and are equipped with a vast number of surprises designed to ensnare inquisitive enemy sea captains and peace-loving SUV buyers.

In today’s peacetime, the 1998 QX4 lures its customers with a virtually unending list of characteristics that run from plush to brawny.

No candied dandy masquerading as an all-purpose vehicle suitable only for appearance at the country club, Infiniti’s SUV is a rugged piece of equipment clothed in the trappings of premium luxury.

Priced for less than $40,000, the QX4 offers an abundance of standard equipment, an advanced All-Mode 4WD system, a MonoFrame body construction and front-strut suspension, and a luxurious interior cabin.

While the majority of sport-utility vehicles evolved from truck platforms, the QX4 was conceived and created as a true luxury, with the ride, feel, features and performance of Infiniti’s upscale automobiles.

Developed to provide the operating features of a car, the vehicle’s on-road comfort and off-road durability comes courtesy of an independent front-strut system. The struts are designed to offer a long stroke for exceptional wheel travel whether on pavement or off-road terrain.

A five-link, coil-spring beam suspension provides long travel while controlling body roll and enhancing stability.

The base for this is a rigid MonoFrame construction that draws from unibody automotive design and body-on-frame truck design. The MonoFrame body reduces weight and is considerably more resistant to torsional and bending stresses than conventional body-on-frame layouts.

In addition to providing a stable platform, the design also reduces noise and vibration, improves body fit and enhances the handling.

The outstanding mechanical feature of the QX4 is its all-wheel-drive system.

It was developed not only to enhance stability and traction, but also to react to changing conditions more quickly than other four-wheel-drive systems on the market.

The heart of the All-Mode 4WD is a wet (running in oil) multi-plate clutch in the center differential that splits the drive to the front and rear axles. Managed by an advanced computerized electronic control unit, the multi-plate precisely and instantly allots the proper amount of torque, as conditions warrant, to the axles. The unit gathers information from front and rear driveshaft sensors to determine wheel slippage.

Then, there is a throttle position sensor, an engine rpm sensor, an ABS control unit, and a transfer-unit lever selector that all work in conjunction to supply input.

The All-Mode offers drivers a choice of drive mode that is most appropriate to the running surface. Various modes are obtained by using a panel-mounted rotary switch to select automatic or manual operation, or the floor-mounted transfer lever to engage or disengage low range.

The system should be left in Auto range for normal daily operation.

The power to drive all this stuff comes from a 3.3-liter, single-overhead-cam V-6. It’s a two-valves-per-cylinder engine that develops 168-horsepower and a quite respectable 196 foot-pounds of torque.

Maximum torque comes in at 2,800 rpm and remains relatively flat throughout the engine speed range. Maximum engine speed is 5,800 rpm.

This is a Nissan motor that obtains 15 miles per gallon on city streets and 19 on the highway. Being an SUV, the QX4 is no drag racer, but the 0-to-60-miles-per-hour acceleration time still is 11.2 seconds, and top speed is rated at 110 mph. That’s fairly respectable for a five-passenger sport ute.

As is expected with a luxury SUV, the QX4 doesn’t disappoint with its attention to detail and luxury appointments.

An occupant is engulfed in amply padded leather seating complete with a grain pattern and natural-appeari ng wrinkles. Leather is carried further with a wrapped steering wheel, shift levers and parking bra ke.

Wood-tone trim surrounds the interior, and accompanies a Bose sound system that was specifically designed for the QX4’s interior acoustics.

A plethora of standard comfort and convenience items are packaged into 189.3 inches of overall length and 106.3 inches of wheelbase. The main development goal of the QX4 was to create a high-profile vehicle and one worthy of the Infiniti nameplate.

1998 INFINITI QX4 review: Our expert's take
By

The Infiniti QX4 luxury sport-utility vehicle is somewhat like the Q ships of the two World Wars.

Both the seagoing and land-going versions of the Qs were and are equipped with a vast number of surprises designed to ensnare inquisitive enemy sea captains and peace-loving SUV buyers.

In today’s peacetime, the 1998 QX4 lures its customers with a virtually unending list of characteristics that run from plush to brawny.

No candied dandy masquerading as an all-purpose vehicle suitable only for appearance at the country club, Infiniti’s SUV is a rugged piece of equipment clothed in the trappings of premium luxury.

Priced for less than $40,000, the QX4 offers an abundance of standard equipment, an advanced All-Mode 4WD system, a MonoFrame body construction and front-strut suspension, and a luxurious interior cabin.

While the majority of sport-utility vehicles evolved from truck platforms, the QX4 was conceived and created as a true luxury, with the ride, feel, features and performance of Infiniti’s upscale automobiles.

Developed to provide the operating features of a car, the vehicle’s on-road comfort and off-road durability comes courtesy of an independent front-strut system. The struts are designed to offer a long stroke for exceptional wheel travel whether on pavement or off-road terrain.

A five-link, coil-spring beam suspension provides long travel while controlling body roll and enhancing stability.

The base for this is a rigid MonoFrame construction that draws from unibody automotive design and body-on-frame truck design. The MonoFrame body reduces weight and is considerably more resistant to torsional and bending stresses than conventional body-on-frame layouts.

In addition to providing a stable platform, the design also reduces noise and vibration, improves body fit and enhances the handling.

The outstanding mechanical feature of the QX4 is its all-wheel-drive system.

It was developed not only to enhance stability and traction, but also to react to changing conditions more quickly than other four-wheel-drive systems on the market.

The heart of the All-Mode 4WD is a wet (running in oil) multi-plate clutch in the center differential that splits the drive to the front and rear axles. Managed by an advanced computerized electronic control unit, the multi-plate precisely and instantly allots the proper amount of torque, as conditions warrant, to the axles. The unit gathers information from front and rear driveshaft sensors to determine wheel slippage.

Then, there is a throttle position sensor, an engine rpm sensor, an ABS control unit, and a transfer-unit lever selector that all work in conjunction to supply input.

The All-Mode offers drivers a choice of drive mode that is most appropriate to the running surface. Various modes are obtained by using a panel-mounted rotary switch to select automatic or manual operation, or the floor-mounted transfer lever to engage or disengage low range.

The system should be left in Auto range for normal daily operation.

The power to drive all this stuff comes from a 3.3-liter, single-overhead-cam V-6. It’s a two-valves-per-cylinder engine that develops 168-horsepower and a quite respectable 196 foot-pounds of torque.

Maximum torque comes in at 2,800 rpm and remains relatively flat throughout the engine speed range. Maximum engine speed is 5,800 rpm.

This is a Nissan motor that obtains 15 miles per gallon on city streets and 19 on the highway. Being an SUV, the QX4 is no drag racer, but the 0-to-60-miles-per-hour acceleration time still is 11.2 seconds, and top speed is rated at 110 mph. That’s fairly respectable for a five-passenger sport ute.

As is expected with a luxury SUV, the QX4 doesn’t disappoint with its attention to detail and luxury appointments.

An occupant is engulfed in amply padded leather seating complete with a grain pattern and natural-appeari ng wrinkles. Leather is carried further with a wrapped steering wheel, shift levers and parking bra ke.

Wood-tone trim surrounds the interior, and accompanies a Bose sound system that was specifically designed for the QX4’s interior acoustics.

A plethora of standard comfort and convenience items are packaged into 189.3 inches of overall length and 106.3 inches of wheelbase. The main development goal of the QX4 was to create a high-profile vehicle and one worthy of the Infiniti nameplate.

Safety review

Based on the 1998 INFINITI QX4 base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years
Roadside Assistance
4 years

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

4.9 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.8
Performance 4.1
Value 4.9
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • My Used 98 Qx4

    I recently bought my used suv for 1200$ and I knew it would need some work because it had so many previous owners, the radio system and speakers were not in and it was overheating. First couple weeks i had the thermostat, the brake booster, the main cylinder replaced and I was hoping it would hold until I paid off the mechanic but after a week it refused to start so i had a starter put in. Now she seems sturdy . I know other things will pop up but I couldnt afford a new car and I just want to say this is one of thee best used cars if not thee best used car I have had in my 50 years of driving. She feels safe to me. She handles nicely after the new tires and I love this car. If only I could find a dirt cheap sound system with a backup system I would be a happy girl. I gotta say one more time that this is an amazing car!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Miss my Baby!!!

    This is my third time writing about my 1998 Infiniti QX4. I sold it many years back when it needed some tranny work at 200,000 miles. To this day I regret that I sold my baby. It was by far the best SUV around. I have driven the Lexus, the Porsche SUV but nothing was like my QX4.. I still think about her... For those that have one----my advice is to keep it....Nothing is more satisfying.. My advice to those reading this and interested----Buy one... You will not regret it...
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Joliet to New Orleans 12 times a year!

    I drove this vehicle from Joliet Illinois to New Orleans 12 times a year for 5 years and I would do it again for another 5 years but i have a bigger vehicle now that can carry more cargo! That is the only reason I would consider removing this vehicle out of my life! And only to a good person!
    • 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
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Bought this for my first car. I love it!!!!

    Great ac, lots of trunk room, leather seats, cruise control, and my absolute favorite part -the sun roof. Getting a new radio bc it’s very much out of date having a whole cassette and CD player.
    • Purchased a New 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
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best Mid Sized SUV

    I love my Infiniti Qx4. I bought it used back in 2006, and never regretted it. I have nearly 300k on my car, and it's held up well (I did drop a new engine in it because the car is so good, I couldn't get rid of it... Love it that much!). I've taken it on many long road trips, slept in it, drove on rough roads, through deep snow and slick ice, etc etc etc. The Qx4 is one of the nicest SUV's in its class, and I am sorry Infiniti no longer makes this car. I know one day I will probably have to replace my baby, but I don't want that day to come... I can't find a make and model of its equal.
    • 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
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • infiniti

    I LOVE IT I WOULD RECOMEND THIS VEHICLE TO ANYONE. THE POEPLE AT GIRARD NISSAN OF GROTON REALLY WENT OUT OF THEY WAY TO MAKE SURE THAT I WAS HAPPY W/ MY PURCHASE I JUST PLAIN LOVE IT A VERY HAPPY CUSTOMER ADA BELTON
    • 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
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • This is the best car ever!!!

    My husband and I bought this car the year we got married. We have brought all three of our children home from the hospital in it and driven it on about a hundred family vacations to the beach. It has over 200,000 miles and runs great. We have never had any major work done to it, just regular maintanence. This is a great vehicle, not too big - not too small. Every year we think about trading it in, but it is hard to justify getting rid of a vehicle that looks great, runs well and (most importantly) is paid for. Hopefully I will be able to write another great revie when this car ha reached 300,000 miles....
    • 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
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • My second review

    When I last reviewed my QX4 I had 142k on it. I now have 180k and still love it the same. Runs great and reliable. The best vehicle...
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • LOVED IT!

    I have had my QX4 for about 5 years. Bought it used with 76k and it now has almost 190k I still love this car but it's time to trade it in on a minivan now that we have kids and 2 car seats. Getting the kids in and out in the higher SUV seats is wearing on my back. Around the 150k range I had to replace the shocks and struts, belts, more recently the valve cover gaskets started leaking and had those replaced, common for high mileage. There is hard shifting going on with the tranny now and it's wearing out I think. Motor still sounds great! I'm on the road for a living and long drives are great in this car. It will be hard to find something to compare with in my new car. Love this car but time to move on to something newer. Will make a great car for someone else now.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The Most Reliable & Practical SUV.....

    I purchased my 1998 QX4 brand new and after 9 years and 142,000 miles I love it the same as the first day...
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • A luxury SUV for the family

    I bought this vehicle from a friend who was trading it up to get a new minivan for his soon-to-be-here unborn son. He maintain the vehicle well and there isn't much to fix except the usual wear & tear on the car. It was around 87,000 mile when I took over, and I must say the car felt much younger and it handles very well. I got the suspension & strut change because they were bad, changed a few bearings on the wheel & the serpentine belt. Other than that it was not that much to do. The interior was design nicely and the seats are very comfortable. The only complain I have for the vehicle is its lack of horse power, an 168 HP engine does not give you the power you need when you really want to use this SUV to its purpose, you feel the engine struggling to keep its speed when going uphill, or when it has a fair load in the back. Overall I got to say its a good car if you don't plan to do much with it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1998 INFINITI QX4?

The 1998 INFINITI QX4 is available in 1 trim level:

  • (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 1998 INFINITI QX4?

The 1998 INFINITI QX4 offers up to 15 MPG in city driving and 19 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 1998 INFINITI QX4 reliable?

The 1998 INFINITI QX4 has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1998 INFINITI QX4 owners.

Is the 1998 INFINITI QX4 a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1998 INFINITI QX4. 90.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.9 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.8
  • Performance: 4.1
  • Value: 4.9
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.8
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