Infiniti QX4...Continued

Despite early sales success for Pathfinder, US preference in 4x4 wagons eventually shifted to 5-door versions. To that end Nissan produced a 5-door Pathfinder which cleverly integrated the rear door handles amid trim of the roof pillar so it still looked like a sportier 3-door wagon. This ploy has been maintained, and gives the vehicle the illusion of being smaller than it is.

Infiniti division got their own version, and the QX4 has all the upscale components, plus quite a few more. Now in its first major redesign, the QX4 receives a bolder and crisper exterior appearance, a restyled interior package including a new instrument panel and center console, a new optional navigation system and an increase of 70 horsepower from an all-new 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine.

The QX4 earned "The Best Overall Value of the Year" designations in the 2000 model year IntelliChoice Awards. They were recognized as both the "Best SUV Over $25,000" and "The Best Intermediate Utility over $25,000" IntelliChoice objectively evaluates the cost of ownership over 5 years to determine which vehicles offer the best value to consumers.

With the QX4ās generous track and wheelbase, the Infiniti rides as solidly as it looks. Nissan's designers use a monoframe uni-body for Pathfinder to form a stiffer body that resists the typical 4-wheeler's tendency to rattles and squeak. Be careful though, and donāt expect it to ride like a luxury sedan on rough surfaces.

QX4's new exterior package, aided by computer modeling, looks bold and aggressive, but also windswept. The front hood slopes upward to meet a canted windshield defined by more rear-raked A pillars. Contours on side panels form strong horizontal lines near the ground, while the forward-canted C pillar conceals rear door handles. Beefy wheel arches cover the large tires, and give the QX a serious image. The no nonsense grille could not be called stylish, but while purposeful, still maintains an air of elegance.

QX4's suspension consists of heavy-duty independent strut design up front and 5-link rigid rear axle, with stabilizer bars mounted fore and aft. Anti-lock brakes hitched to all wheels rank as a new safety asset on all models, which apply disc brakes in front with rear self-adjusting drums.