2004 INFINITI M45 NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Infiniti M45?
The 2004 Infiniti M45 benefits from several minor updates that increase its comfort levels. The six-disc CD changer is now an in-dash unit rather than stashed in the glove compartment. A driver’s seat memory system and heated outside mirrors are standard for 2004, while the rearview mirror gains automatic dimming, a compass display and a Homelink universal transmitter. Also standard for 2004 is a full-size spare tire and a tire pressure monitoring system. The manual-shift mode for the five-speed automatic transmission is revised for better acceleration, and a navigation system with voice recognition technology is available as an option. Finally, two new colors debut.

Advantages of the 2004 Infiniti M45:

• Muscular 340-horsepower V8
• Quiet cabin
• Front seat comfort

Objections to the 2004 Infiniti M45:

• Choppy ride quality
• Fussy stereo and climate control ergonomics
• Rear-seat room is tight for adults
• Some interior materials don’t measure up to price tag

Editor's Advice:
Infiniti advertises the M45 as “the muscle car with brains.” It certainly has muscle on paper, thanks to a 4.5-liter V8 engine that pumps 340 horsepower and 333 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels. The engine spools up rather slowly which means that tire-squealing, neighbor-annoying burnouts won’t come easily (thus, “the muscle car with brains”), but it will comfortably thunder down the highway with plenty of reserve power on tap and hustles down curvy back roads with more aplomb than its 3,851-pound body would suggest. Not only is the Infiniti M45 an impressive performer, its extremely comfortable front seats and quiet cabin make all-day stints on the road easy. The rear seat is rather small, however, and broken pavement can result in a choppy ride quality. We also wish for simplified audio and climate controls, and it would be nice to have a pass-through from the trunk to the cabin to carry longer items like skis. The styling is not to all tastes either, but we like the M45’s “ode-to-Detroit” slab-sided flanks. The 2004 Infiniti M45 is not a worthy alternative to a BMW 545i or Mercedes-Benz E500, unless price is a major consideration. But it makes for a compelling choice over the Acura 3.5RL or Cadillac Seville.