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The 10 Most Reliable Infiniti Models of All-Time

2014 Infiniti Q50

Wondering what the 10 most reliable Infiniti models of all-time are?

Over the years, Infiniti brand cars have been rated above average in various reliability reports, often scoring four out of five overall, according to JD Power, but the reviews have been mixed from one model to another. That’s not unusual for the auto world but is particularly pronounced with Infiniti. 

For example, the 2011 Infiniti M37 scored the lowest, with a dependability rating of a mere 2 out of 5 scores. However, this is an aberration when the total scores are tallied within its lineup.  In fact, the most reliable Infiniti cars are excellent vehicles that provide great quality.

To help you in your car shopping, we’ve researched Infiniti and its many models. What we found is promising, and the following 10 vehicles are the most reliable Infiniti models of all time. Reading this information should help to renew your confidence in the brand before a purchase.

Out Methodology 

When examining the most reliable Infiniti cars of all time, we had to do a lot of research into these fascinating vehicles. Thankfully, there is a lot of online information about these models, which made our research quick and easy. That said, we took our time digging into the data to create our list and spent time carefully choosing which options to pick. Our process includes these steps:

  • Examining last year’s list to see if there’s any way we can upgrade it 
  • Researching new information related to each model on our list 
  • Integrating this new data into the current article to make it more accurate
  • Checking for any obvious errors and working hard to keep our data precise 
  • Upgrading articles every year to make sure they provide the best information for your needs

The 10 Most Reliable Infiniti Models Ever

Many of the most reliable Infiniti cars are still easily available in new and used car lots and should give you the great vehicle that you deserve. Make sure that you carefully examine the options available on the market and talk with your dealer to see what each might cost you. Note that any of these models will provide you with a reliable and high-quality driving experience well worth your time and money.

10. 2017 Infiniti QX50

The 2017 Infiniti Q50 scores 8.0, with 9.7 for safety and an average reliability rating. It's consistently ranked at the top of its class due to its powerful engine and exceptional performance and handling. It’s easily one of the most reliable Infiniti models available today.

The low cost of ownership is another positive factor. According to Edmunds, driving costs just $236 per month, which is very low indeed! Even better, it gets a four out of five for reliability from Edmunds. They also praise its powerful V6 engine and responsive handling time. 

It also comes with intuitive infotainment functions. These features have offset the drawbacks of its aging design, cramped cargo space, and low fuel economy. It also gets dinged a little for a sharp “all or nothing” package design, meaning you can’t fine-tune your purchase as much as you might want.

This quirky and powerful vehicle is more than worth your time and is an interesting option that may work well for many people. Try it out if you find one – they’re typically easy to find in most used car lots and rarely cost excessive money these days.

9. 2012 Infiniti EX

The Infiniti EX with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 from consumers. By contrast, the experts give it a 3.7. This shows you how ownership impacts your overall perception of a car. That doesn’t mean that this vehicle isn’t one of the most reliable Infiniti cars on the market. 

So, while the small luxury SUV has a few shortcomings, such as cramped cargo and legroom space, other factors influence their high opinions. The EX is a high-performing vehicle that is versatile for families with the latest gadgets (at the time) and a compact size that works well for many people.

In fact, U.S. News gave this model an 8.2 out of 10 and stated, "With sport sedan-like handling and brisk acceleration, reviewers said the 2012 Infiniti EX is very fun to drive for an SUV…” Surprisingly, it also holds up to five people, which makes it cozier than you might think.

Other things to consider here include its quick acceleration, strong handling, 17 city and 24 highway MPG efficiency ratings, and available all-wheel drive options. These factors make this a surprisingly powerful (294 horsepower) car that feels great to drive on various roads.

8. 1999 Infiniti Q45

The 1999 Infiniti Q45 received high marks of 4.3 out of 5 for its luxury features, including a smooth ride and quiet cabin on the road. The adjustable seats and dual settings on the steering wheel were just a few of the features that boosted its ratings, with reviewers on Edmunds giving it a nearly perfect score.

In fact, According to Edmunds, this car costs just $188 per month to drive. That’s a little surprising, considering the combined MPG of just 18. However, this older vehicle often runs well for many years and provides great quality for the investment price, especially when bought on sale.

For example, the installed computer adjusts the timing in older models and keeps them running smoothly on the road. Things like this keep this model popular on the used market. Other features that buyers love include its Bose audio system and longevity. Very few issues were reported.

Although outdated by modern standards, some Q45 owners will hold onto this model until it's ready for the boneyard. Easy analog controls without the confusing digital versions of newer models make this a popular choice for die-hard Infiniti fans. That makes it worth serious consideration for your garage.

7. 1994 Infiniti J3

Edmunds ranks the 1994 Infiniti J30 with a 4.5 out of 5. The most recent reviews for the model reveal that it is a dependable vehicle that holds up well over time. In fact, Cars.com gives it an average rating of five out of five from actual drivers, with high marks in various factors. 

For example, comfort, performance, value, and reliability all receive 4.8 or higher, with reliability and value getting perfect scores. The interior receives a 4.6, while the exterior gets a 4.4. Even this lower score is an impressive performance for a car that’s over 30 years old. 

Amazingly, there are examples of this model still on the road today with over 150K miles and owners who refuse to let them go. According to consumer reports, smooth operation, and dependability are the hallmarks of the 1994 Infiniti J30. It is still highly recommended in the used car market.

Are there any negatives? It’s not the most powerful compact car (210 horsepower), which might be a downer for some. That was a competitive ranking in 1994 but isn’t considered all that great now. Its fuel economy is also rather mixed, with an 18 combined MPG rating.

6. 1998 Infiniti I30

The 1998 Infiniti I30 is now 26 years old and still fondly remembered by those who bought it back then. You can still see it on the road in places without much road salt in the winter. It’s not exactly a stunner visually, but its reliability is legendary even among Infini owners. 

Yes, this five-seat luxury sedan didn't get the best fuel ratings, having just a 20 mpg combined rating. It's a little rough in today’s fuel-efficiency-obsessed times. That said, it ranked 4.4 from owners on exterior styling and 4.9 in exterior styling and exterior design from various sites.

Furthermore, the performance was well above average. It even earned a 4.5 score for comfort. Regarding reliability, the smooth driving and inexpensive 1998 gets a perfect 5.0 score from current owners, who rank it as a 4.9 for value for the money. What about potential downsides?

The fuel economy is the biggest detriment to buying this car, as it simply doesn’t meet modern standards. However, it’s still a great value as an entry-level sedan due to its reliability. The fact that you can still see it on the road nearly 30 years after release should tell you everything.

5. 2000 Infiniti QX4

The 2000 Infiniti QX4 is rated 4.6 out of 5 by current owners, who call it the most reliable vehicle they've ever owned. The warranty on this model extended to 70,000 miles, but most didn't need to use the option. One Edmunds reviewer called it "The truck that can't be killed" and said they did not maintain it in three years. 

Amazingly, that makes it one of the best-used trucks on the road today. The gas mileage is rated as 19 mpg combined with exceptional trailer towing capacity. That fuel rating might not seem great on the surface, but it's pretty typical for larger vehicles and is about on par with today's trucks.

In fact, these 24-year-old trucks are still on the road today and serving their owners with remarkable reliability and performance. Reviewers on Cars.com call it the most reliable car available in their neighborhood, with buyers from Nigeria and elsewhere particularly praising it. 

That said, one reviewer did mention that their engine died on them after only a year of driving. To be fair, they admitted that the vehicle had 127,000 miles. Most reviewers state that their QX4 lasted well beyond that mileage, so this may have just been an aberration with that model.

4. 2006 Infiniti M35 Sport

The 2006 Infiniti M35 Sport is rated 4.7 out of 5 for its overall comfort, interior design, performance, exterior styling, and reliability. It doesn't receive a single mark lower than 4.6 (in comfort, exterior, and interior rankings), with most at 4.7 to 4.8. Reliability, in particular, is 4.8.

Many of the current owners reviewing the M35 purchased it as a used vehicle, and most praise its reliability and dependability. In fact, Car and Driver said, "If you're looking for a large four-door sports-luxury vehicle, the M35 is as much as you need" upon its release.

That's likely why many are still on the road today, with few complaints about performance and reliability. The small and sporty luxury car has plenty of power with its V6, though there are also V8 editions available that can provide upgrades that make it one of the most reliable Infiniti vehicles.

At this point, we're truly getting into the most reliable Infiniti models still on the road today. Why didn't the M35 hit the top three? Well, CNET, in an otherwise positive review (giving it an 8.7 out of 10), said that they wished it had a few more "bells and whistles" to help it stand out.

3. 2010 Infiniti M

The top three most reliable Infiniti cars are some of the finest used cars available on the market and are well worth your time and money. For example, it's hard to believe that the 2010 Infiniti M is 14 years old and still one of the best-rated Infiniti's on the road today. 

The M is among the most beloved for its spaciousness and nimble handling. The powertrain is strong, quick, and quite capable. Edmunds particularly praised its relatively low cost of ownership ($231 every month) and claimed it had excellent handling, a comfortable interior, and many safety features.

Other attributes that make this a popular model are the first-rate fit and finish with easy access to its intuitive controls. Car and Driver stated that it had excellent driving dynamics and strong performance, while the interior accommodations made it a user-friendly car that was fun to drive.

The only drawback is the fuel economy of 19 mpg combined, but it's a sporty luxury car, so we can't have it all. Kelley Blue Book also found that the styling cues were a little too understated for many drivers, which gives it a rather plain appearance compared to similar vehicles.

2. 2014 Infiniti Q50

An overall score of 8.7 out of 10, with good safety scores and an overall consensus that the high-quality materials in the cabin and excellent seating space make it an upscale luxury vehicle that is a pleasure to drive. That kind of comfort was unusual in vehicles of this type then. 

This car is a fairly inexpensive option (just $198 per month, according to Edmunds) and comes with a 23 MPG combined rating. That's one of the best rankings on this list, which makes this one of the most reliable Infiniti models and one of the most cost-effective options.

Kelley Blue Book gave a pretty interesting and succinct review on its side. They said, "If you're all about handling and speed, but you also desire comfort and luxury," the Q50 was a great option. They were particularly positive about its hybrid design and its adaptability on various types of roads.

On the downside, the handling is a bit muted and rated for on-road handling vs off-road. Furthermore, it doesn't come with a manual transmission, which seems like a glaring omission. That said, the powerful performance of the V6 engine bumped the scores up to keep this high on our list.

1. 2015 Infiniti Q60

The 2015 Infiniti Q60 is rated with a 7.5 overall score out of a possible 10. That's not the highest ranking compared to some other models here, but there are other reasons why we rank this the most reliable Infiniti available today. When compared to the other most reliable Infiniti models, it stands out.

For example, in the U.S. News, it was hailed for a powerful V6 engine with sporty handling and an easy-to-use infotainment center. This user-friendly design was particularly popular among reviewers, who found that the Q60 was one of the easiest and smoothest cars on the market today. 

On Edmunds, 13 owners gave this vehicle a nearly perfect review, praising its decent (20 MPG combined) fuel efficiency and cost ratings ($220 per month). The original also came with a decent four-year, 60,000-mile warranty, though most likely never used it, thanks to its reliability.

Sure, no vehicle is perfect, even the most reliable Infiniti Q60. The interior design is a bit dated, with cramped rear seats and limited cargo space. The convertible hardtop was also pretty slow to convert. However, it has a wonderfully tuned chassis that keeps it strong on the road.

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Benjamin Smith

Written by Benjamin Smith

Benjamin Smith is one of the managing editors of Moneyinc. Ben's been focusing on the auto and motorcycle sector since 2005. He's written over 1000 articles in the space and continues to learn about it each day. His favorite car is "any Bugatti" and he's a die hard Harley Davidson fan.

Read more posts by Benjamin Smith

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