2001 Infiniti QX4 Review

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Body Styling

SUVs need to look solid. That is for certain. That is after all, what they symbolize… safety, can go anywhere anytime invincible just like their owners… The new body design is sleek, bold and aggressive. It all starts with an aggressive grille that leads into a sloped hood. The wheel arches are flared and cover aggressively sized tires. It no longer looks like a buffed up pathfinder. The 2001 QX4’s exterior styling has achieved its own identity, truly worthy of being called an Infiniti.

Drive Train

Well it’s the power plant that has been the talk of the town! It is an all new 3.5 liter v-6 that puts out a wholloping 240 hp. This is an increase of 70 hp. This engine like the rest of its family is over engineered. It has over 100 countermeasures to minimize noise, vibration and harshness. Its kissin cousin has been included in Ward’s ten best engines for over 6 years.

Now as if this wasn’t enough, Infiniti coupled this awesome power plant with the skyline derivative all wheel drive system that instantly distributes torque to the front wheels, resulting in phenomenal traction, fuel economy and cornering.

The transmission is also new and it is a electronically controlled four speed with overdrive. The QX4 will be available in two wheel drive and four wheel drive, another first of the QX4. It will have a 5000 pound towing capability.

Body and Suspension

With unibody construction, the QX4 won’t shake, rock, rattle and roll. The suspension is comprised of a heavy-duty independent front strut design and a five link rear suspension design. Sway bars and ABS are standard. The rear axle is solid.

Interior

Once again the California Design studio saves the day by designing a very fitting and appropriate cabin. The buckets are form fitting with good lateral support. The rear bench is a 40/60 split with access to the rear cargo area. The dash and instruments are striking in their design. There are three concealed storage bins. Two dc power electrical outlets. The Bose stereo system has 6 speakers, 160 watts and a six disc in-dash CD player.

These days a cabin’s description would not be complete with out a description of the latest in safety features. Standard are new front seat active head restraints to reduce the incidence of whiplash. Front supplemental air bags and side impact air bags.

Luxury appointments include leather seating 8-way driver’s seat and 4-way adjustable passenger seat. Bird’s eye maple wood-tone trim an overhead console with compass and thermometer.

Options include the Premium Package: 17 inch wheels, wood/leather steering wheel, driver’s memory switch and steering wheel mounted audio controls. The package also includes a sunroof heated front and rear seats as well as a navigation system The 4 wd vehicle offers the Sport Package which gives you the heated seats, sunroof, , navigation system and limited slip differential.

Driving Impressions

I wondered whether I would really feel the added 70 hp or whether it would be muddled by all of the properties of an SUV. The engine was quick starting, smooth and quiet. All systems worked with the fluency of a Swiss watch. As for the power… It was noticeable. This vehicle accelerates briskly. I no longer feel like I am being penalized for driving an SUV…no longer relegated to the slug Dom of SUV ownership. The QX4 can move!! Passing and such can be done with ease and confidence. The sport has been finally added to the UV!! Kudos to Infiniti! Infiniti retains the luxury purpose of the vehicle with an incredibly quiet and smooth ride. The controls are where one van reach them with ease and the seating is excellent. Handling is car-like.

Summary

Over all, this SUV has all it needs to go head to head with Mercedes, BMW and Lexus. I mention these because they are the only vehicles that have what it takes to be in the same class. Then all you have to do is take the superior quality and customer service of the Infiniti over the others and it becomes a hands down, no-brainer, “I’ll take the Infiniti”. My conclusion, Well done!

Contributed by: Speeddoctor