Just as Infiniti's entry-level G20 was based on the small Nissan Sentra, the mid-size I30 was based on the Nissan Maxima. Model for model, the I30 was roughly $10,000 more than the comparable Maxima, which moved it into competition with the Lexus ES 300, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Oldsmobile Aurora. Infiniti offered a 4-year/60,000-mile warranty, significantly longer than Nissan's 3 year/36,000. The I30 had a shiny grille similar to the one used on the Q45, prettier alloy wheels and slightly different front bumper cover. Everything else, even the tires, was much the same.
Year-to-year changes[]
1996[]
The I30 came in three trim levels, corresponding almost precisely to the Maxima's GXE, GLE and SE packages. The I30 Standard was equipped with automatic climate control, power windows and locks, cruise control, a 200-watt Bose sound system with CD player and a 5-speed manual transmission. A 4-speed automatic and power glass sunroof were among the options.
Next up was the I30 Leather-Appointed. It included leather upholstery, automatic transmission, glass sunroof and the HomeLink transmitter to automatically open any house's garage door and turn on lights before entering a driveway. Optional were a limited-slip differential and heated seats. The sportiest I30 was the Touring, or I30t, which came standard with more aggressive all-season tires, firmer suspension, forged alloy wheels, traction control, heated seats and a rear spoiler. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, with a 4-speed automatic optional.
1997[]
Briefly for two years, the I30 took the title for Infiniti's entry-level car while the G20 went on hiatus.
Retail prices[]
| Model year(s) | Trim level | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Standard | $28,420 | $480 | April 28, 1995 |
| 1996 | Touring | $33,180 | $480 | April 28, 1995 |
| 1997 | Standard | $28,800 | $495 | August 23, 1996 |
| 1998 | Standard | $28,900 | $495 | September 4, 1997 |
| 1998 | Touring | $31,500 | $495 | September 4, 1997 |
| 1999 | Standard | $28,900 | $525 | September 23, 1998 |
| 1999 | Touring | $31,200 | $525 | September 23, 1998 |
| 2000 | Standard | $29,465 | $525 | August 2, 1999 |
| 2000 | Touring | $31,540 | $525 | August 2, 1999 |
| 2001 | Standard | $29,715 | $545 | |
| 2001 | Touring | $31,790 | $545 |
Gallery[]
.jpg "96infinitii30(2).jpg (72 KB)")
.jpg "96infinitii30t(2).jpg (77 KB)")
