Infiniti I Overview: Generations, Specs, and Which to Buy
A guide to the Infiniti I sedan (1995–2004): both generations, power figures from 193 to 255 hp, and the standout versions worth buying.
The Infiniti I is a front-wheel-drive sedan produced from 1995 to 2004 across two generations, with outputs ranging from 193 to 255 hp. It suits drivers who want a comfortable V6-powered four-door with straightforward mechanicals, offered with both automatic and manual gearboxes throughout its run.
Infiniti I generations
1 generation (1995–1999)
The first-generation Infiniti I was built from 1995 to 1999 as a sedan only, with front-wheel drive and a choice of automatic or manual transmissions. All versions produced 193 hp, and the lineup counted 2 modifications. The most widespread version was the 3.0 MT: a 2988 cc engine with 193 hp, a manual gearbox, 0–100 km/h acceleration in 7.7 seconds, and fuel consumption of 9.8 l/100 km.
2 generation (2000–2004)
The second-generation Infiniti I ran from 2000 to 2004, again exclusively as a front-wheel-drive sedan with automatic and manual gearboxes, this time spanning 3 modifications and a power range of 230 to 255 hp. The 3.0 MT (2nd generation) carried over the 2988 cc engine, now rated at 230 hp, with a manual transmission, acceleration of 8.3 seconds and consumption of 9.8 l/100 km. At the top sat the 3.5 AT (2nd generation): a 3498 cc engine with 255 hp, an automatic gearbox and 0–100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.
Which Infiniti I to buy
- 3.5 AT (2 generation): the most powerful version of the range with 255 hp from its 3498 cc engine, and it still accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds despite the automatic gearbox.
- 3.0 MT (1 generation): the quickest Infiniti I by the numbers, reaching 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds with 193 hp, while consuming 9.8 l/100 km.
- 3.0 MT (2 generation): a solid middle ground with 230 hp, 8.3 seconds to 100 km/h and the same 9.8 l/100 km consumption as the first-generation car.
Any Infiniti I on the used market today is at least two decades old, since production ended in 2004, so the specific car's condition matters more than the generation. The model range is simple to navigate: one body style (sedan), one drive layout (front-wheel drive), and 2 modifications in the first generation plus 3 in the second, which makes comparing candidate cars straightforward. Between the generations the power gap is substantial — 193 hp for every 1995–1999 car against 230–255 hp for the 2000–2004 cars — while the manual versions of both generations share the same 9.8 l/100 km fuel consumption.
Summary
The Infiniti I offers a narrow but coherent range: a 193 hp sedan in its 1995–1999 first generation and a 230–255 hp sedan in its 2000–2004 second generation, always with front-wheel drive. The 3.5 AT (2nd generation) is the choice for maximum power at 255 hp, while the 3.0 MT (1st generation) posts the best acceleration figure of the range at 7.7 seconds. Buyers who want a manual gearbox with more power than the original can look to the 3.0 MT (2nd generation) with its 230 hp.