Overview & Reviews

Infiniti is an upscale automaker from Japan. Though most of its products are related to those sold by parent company Nissan, Infiniti looks to achieve a premium status by infusing its cars and SUVs with spirited performance and additional luxury content.

The brand was launched for the 1990 model year. Its purpose back then, as it is now, was to create premium vehicles for America that wouldn't have otherwise fit in with Nissan's more mainstream image. This was the same tactic Honda used for the creation of Acura, and Toyota for Lexus. In its first full year, Infiniti started out with two vehicles, the Q45 sedan and the M30 coupe and convertible. The compact, entry-level G20 was introduced soon after.

As the 1990s moved along, Infiniti slowly added more vehicles to its lineup. The Q45 luxury sport sedan found its market. The car's 278-horsepower V8 was class-leading in its day. On top of that, the Q45 offered cutting-edge technology such as an active suspension system. By the late '90s Infiniti had rolled out the QX4, an SUV based on the Pathfinder. The sport-ute's truck platform gave it a leg up in off-road performance relative to competing car-based SUVs.

Although Infiniti's sales grew steadily, the marque still fell short of both Lexus and Acura in terms of popularity. The early 2000s saw Infiniti making a determined effort to sharpen its focus and upgrade its products. But it was the introduction of the entry-level, midsize G35 in 2003 that finally gave Infiniti the boost and identity direction it sorely needed. Based on the same platform underpinning the Nissan 350Z, the G35 coupe and sedan met with immediate sales success. The FX35/FX45 soon followed -- a crossover SUV that provided spirited acceleration and sports-car handling with the utility of a wagon.

Today, Infiniti's lineup has expanded to include the G (now a sedan, coupe and convertible) and FX as well as the midsize M sedan, the EX small crossover SUV, the JX midsize crossover SUV and the QX large SUV. Infiniti has also introduced the M Hybrid sedan, its first hybrid vehicle. No matter the model, shoppers will find Infiniti's latest vehicles to be focused on luxury, sport, quality and value.

User Reviews:

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  Just Fix It - 2001 Infiniti I30
  By KeyLargoKen - June 5 - 12:46 am

  A great car I bought used with 65000 on it. Have just replaced struts, plugs, belts, O2 sensors (rear), front stbilizer links. Average 27 - 28 MPG on premium @ steady 68 MPH. Paid 13K, just put $1600 in for above repairs. Excellent road car. Fussy about tire pressures on Potenzas G009. Too much results in hard ride. Bose great, A/C fantastic, not much wind/road noise. This is not a cheap car to maintain at the dealer, however I highly recommend using only the dealership for service. OEM replacement parts for this car are the only way to go. It should be put on the computer every time it goes for service. Car should go 200K miles relatively trouble free

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  135K and still ticking - 2000 Infiniti G20
  By itsakeeper - June 4 - 1:20 pm

  Bought this car for the wife Feb 2000. Has 135K 7 years later and outside of regular maintenance (inc tires) the only expense has been a starter and a battery. Though not strong on HP the car is really fun to drive. It handles curves better than any car I have owned. The sound system has been great. The leather interior has held up well and after a wash and detail, the car looks almost new. Excellent paint job.

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  Very underrated car - 2002 Infiniti G20
  By PatrickG20 - June 2 - 9:16 am

  Opt for the 5 speed, and you will get above average performance. The seats are comfortable. The stereo is great. The rear seats are surprisingly roomy for a vehicle in this class. Handling is excellent. If you think the base G20 looks a bit bland, opt for the Sports package. Reliable.

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  The QX56 is fine - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By DJ - June 1 - 9:00 pm

  I read some mixed reviews before going to the dealership and test driving the QX56 for myself. Funny how the Nissan Armada gets consistently high reviews and the QX gets a hard time from the MSN car reviewer expert when the QX and Armada are sisters with the same engine and body but the QX has a quieter ride with all the luxury carpet and leather. Plus, the QX costs 10-25K less than other luxury competetion. It is most comfortable and has awesome power w/the best towing capability of any SUV. Love the interior and styling is fine, much better than the square SUVs that look so generic regardless of what badge is stuck on them.

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  No better car for the money - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By ajameskc - June 1 - 2:53 am

  I was looking for a daily driver that would be "fun to drive" and comfortable on my daily 60 mile commute. I found it. Under $50 there is no better car... the TCS and AWD make for a great combo. The ride is stiff but comfortable. The interior is warm and inviting but has a "fighter jet cockpit". I hate Bose (Clarion) technology, however this OEM system is not bad.

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  The complete 350Z - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Greg40MD - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The G35coupe is like the original 300ZX which I used to own. The integrated XM, leather seats, sun roof and flipdown rear seat makes this a complete Z. If you purchase a car alarm system like a Viper you can also have the automatic door locks that the G35 lacks. The memory seats is the only item it lacks and I can live with that.

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  What a car! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By FEPhilippi - May 28 - 10:00 am

  While it may not be the class leader in interior quality, this car certainly makes up for it in other areas. It is certainly amazingly fun to drive. The exhaust note is amazing. I own the six speed manual. WHAT A CAR! Ive loved it ever since I saw the first G35 coupe. Very sleek and beautiful design. While the interior may not be on par with mercedes or BMW, consider the price difference. The Mercedes CLK is NO WHERE as fun to drive or as affordable. You would have to get the CLK500 to get anything near the G35s performance. The 330Ci is just soo common. It isnt as nice, in my oppinion, as the G35 which shouts out sports car!

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  Love my truck, Infiniti bring it back!!! - 2002 Infiniti QX4
  By Hokie4Life03 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck! I wanted a mid-size SUV for daily driving and something that could handle Northern VA weather. This SUV has everything I was looking for and has lived up to Nissan/Infiniti reputation. The gas mileage could be improved but if that is a major concern buy a crossover vehicle, not a traditional SUV. This is truly a go anywhere do anything vehicle, that does it in style. I am very disappointed Infiniti replaced this SUV with the FX models. The Qx4 is the perfect mid-size SUV!

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  G35x sport package - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Charles - May 26 - 4:36 am

  Dealership brought out our 2005 TSX lease and looking for something with more torque and horsepower. Came down between TL-S or G35x, finally decided on a G35X w/sport package, premium pack, and nav. We didnt want to go through the rattling problem with Honda cars. Love the sporty look of the G35X with the 18" rim and the safty of all-wheel drive living here in jersey. So far no complain, we had three honda automobiles and this car feels much tighter build. No more rattle from my previous two cars (tsx and accord). Looking forward to drive it everyday. Cant wait pass the 500 break-in miles and let the throttle open on the highway.

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  Too early but... WOW!! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Roger Mussa - May 24 - 10:16 am

  Searching for a car for over a month. Coming out of an 05 BMW 3. Considered Lexus IS, BMW 3, almost got a Volvo S60. Had a last minute change of heart and drove the G35, fell in love immediately. Best bang for your buck bar none. Standard stuff much more than you need and pay for elsewhere. Beautiful in and out. AWD nice, finish, smooth ride, comfortable.