Long Term Verdict: 2006 Infiniti M45

Significant vehicles (cars notonly important to their brands but also to theirsegments) generally make it into our long term-test fleet, especially when they representa radical departure from their predecessors.Case in point: our 2006 Infiniti M45. While thefirst-generation M promised to deliver thegoods of an Audi A6 or a Mercedes-Benz E Class,it failed to do so, instead feeling more likea Japanese Buick that was quick in a straightline but clumsy in the curves. The second generationM, conversely, actually deliveredthe goods, coming across as an Asian 5 Seriesthat cost thousands less than the real deal.Which brings us to that radical departure--compared with Gen I M, Gen II representedmyriad leaps and bounds: an all-new structurebased on the FM (front-mid-engine) platformused in the G35 and the FX sport/utilities, acontrol-arm front suspension in place of theold car's struts, a 4.0-inch-longer wheelbaseenhanced by a 4.6-inch-shorter overall length,a more commodious interior that received anextreme makeover in quality and design and acurvaceous exterior styling that replaced three boxho-hum with flavor and fluidity. Long-termduty? Definitely.

Thus, we ordered a "base" $47,360 M45 thatcame plenty well-equipped, evidenced byits standard 335-horse V-8 and five-speedmanumatic powertrain, 18-inch wheels, powersunroof, in-dash six-disc changer, Bluetoothwireless technology, leather and rosewoodinterior trim, 10-way power driver's seat, andsix airbags. On top of its base price, we addedjust two options: $1000 chrome wheels andthe $10,500 Premium Package, which includeda rearview monitor, adaptive front lighting,navigation, intelligent cruise control, a lane departurewarning system, and a mobileentertainment system with an eight-inchscreen. The grand total came to $58,860--notexactly a bargain but still less than acomparably equipped BMW or Benz.

Shortly after its arrival, the M began to garnergushing praise. Compliments focused on theM's gutsy V-8, mellifluous exhaust, and seamlesstransmission, not to mention sophisticatedsuspension and quick steering. Moreover, moststaffers found the nav system intuitive andeasy to use and the rearview monitor and itspredicted course lines invaluable.

Of course, with pros come cons. Many editorsdecided the as-tested price too steep--somewere even stunned that it bordered $60grand--but noted that the base price wasattractive. (For 2007, Infiniti addressed thissticker-shock issue, making several optionsstandard, including HID headlights, adaptivefront lighting, and climate-controlled frontseats.) The novel lane-departure warningsystem quickly proved annoying and distractive,beeping incessantly when hugging lines anddefaulting to "on" following a defeat and arestart. Further, some drivers felt the nav screensuffered from too much glare, while othersfound the air-conditioning too anemic for thehottest Death Valley drives. It also gave us aheadache at the gas pump, delivering just16.4 mpg, well short of its estimated 20-mpgcombined fuel economy.

During its 15-month stay, the M45 madefive service visits, two of them unscheduled.At 7500 miles, it received a scheduled $100.78checkup that included fresh oil and filter, a tirerotation, and a full inspection of all fluids, belts,and joints. Similar services were performed at15,000 and 22,500 miles, with the former costing$209.22 due to the replacement of a pricey in-cabinmicrofilter, and the latter just $68.45. Thefirst impromptu call came at 4000 miles whenwe discovered a cut in the sidewall of the leftrear tire. We replaced the damaged Goodyearfor $300, including mounting and balancing.Our second unscheduled visit came with nearly24,000 miles on the odometer and was due toworn brake pads and rotors and a stubborncruise-control system that refused to engage.The cruise control was fixed under warranty butthe new brake pads and machined rotors set usback $250.04.

While the M displayed solid reliability, it didsuffer from a few glitches during its tenure.At just 1900 miles, its rear-window sunshadejammed. It was repaired under warranty duringthe first service stop. Intermittently through itsfive seasons with us, the M's dash lights wouldgo on hiatus at night, causing the nav screento turn to bright daylight mode and leavingonly the speedometer and tachometer lighted.As with the aforementioned air-conditioningand cruise-control gremlins, the dealer wasunable to replicate this dash-light poltergeist.Of final note--and this one is more on us--isthe consequence of accidentally leaving theM's accessory mode on. On a few occasions aneditor exited the M thinking the car was fullyshut off and unaware that the accessories werestill running strong, only to return later to findthat nothing would run at all, as the batteryhad been drained. Technology is great, butsometimes we miss a good old-fashioned key.

What we'll miss more, though, is the M itself.