Faults:

One of the O2 sensors has been replaced.

The tip of the exhaust (coming off the resonator) fell off (rust issues; my state uses salt on the roads).

Both front sway bar end links wore out and were replaced.

Sensor for the intelligent cruise control failed ($3000 replacement; I'll just wait until I find one in the junk yard), and the ABS mysteriously doesn't work... left it at the Infiniti dealer where they worked on it for 3 days and they could not figure it out (real world test agreed that the ABS was broken, however all the components tested as working fine...???), and some buttons fell off of the climate control/GPS module.

I have repaired all of these except for the ICC and ABS, which I have learned to live without.

General Comments:

First of all, if you own one of these you need to know that the 1997-2003 Infiniti QX4 and 1996-2004 Nissan Pathfinder are nearly identical (both being designated as the R50 generation), which is extremely helpful when looking for parts or information on the internet. I highly suggest that you check out nissanpathfinders.net and look under the R50 section. That is a forum populated with great people from all over the world (United States, Canada, Australia, Russia, etc.) who know their stuff and want to help you enjoy your Japanese truck, however you choose to do so (lifted, stock, towing, etc.).

This truck is my first automobile, so you know it hasn't always been driven gently. Although mine is a Michigan automobile, it has held up against rust very well and only has minor rust spots, most of which just being surface rust on the underside except for one spot by the rear driver's side door/fender. I have done some modifications to mine, including a 2.5" suspension lift (using parts from sfcreation.com and ARB) and 32" all-terrain tires. With these modifications, it is extremely capable offroad, keeping up with Toyota trucks and Jeeps no problem! It has even towed a stuck XJ Cherokee out of the mud. I also tow a small 3x5 trailer with loads up to 2000lbs fairly frequently, and the truck pulls it extremely well. On the heavier loads, the ability to turn off overdrive is much appreciated.

This vehicle is fun to drive both on road and offroad, and fairly comfortable (especially for a truck with upgraded rear springs). It only has one downside, and that is the fact that it drinks premium gas at a rate of 14 MPG in the summer and 11 MPG in the winter. If you want to increase your MPG, manual hubs from companies like Warn or Mile Marker should get you an additional 1-2 MPG when in 2WD; just make sure to do your research on proper use first. That will surely be my next modification.

Overall, this truck is perfect for someone looking for a comfortable daily driver that they can also head into the woods with on the weekend.

Faults:

Rather minor slightly squeaky rear window. Small rear passager doors. Protruding running boards.

General Comments:

Test drove a 4 Runner LTD prior to purchasing the QX4. Acceleration and performance is far superior than the sluggish 4 Runner. The 240hp V6 makes the same amount of power as the bigger, more expensive Toyota Sequoia. Although the interior is as confined as the 4Runner's, it's more up to date and more comfortable with more features that are standard than what comes with the 4 Runner. Running boards do hinder entrance and leave road dirt on pant legs if you're not careful and rear passenger doors are small.

Driving this SUV is a dream. It has intelligent 4 wheel drive, great braking, tight steering, lots of horsepower under the hood, commanding view of the road, Bose 6 disk CD stereo, leather seats and great reliability, which makes this SUV tops in it's class. This truck rocks, just don't waste your money on the navigation system...