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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  Dont buy a QX56!!! - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Diana - February 8 - 8:50 am

  I bought my QX56 12/04 and it has been in the shop 8 times for rattling from the headliner!! 3 times for brake repairs and I only have 7K miles on this thing!! The dealership is worthless and I am frustrated. Its not fun driving a car that has the most awful squeak/rattle coming from above constantly! Even my 2 small kids and the radio cant drown out that noise! It has also been in for the gear shifter sticking twice. Please think twice about this vehicle....its not worth it!

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  Head said BMW 330i, heart said G35 coupe - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By JB - February 8 - 1:03 am

  On paper, the G35 has the BMW 330i beat. but the reality is slightly different. Both are very good cars but the BMW is - technically - better: the handling, build quality and interior are simply better - BMW have had many years to perfect this car. Also, although the G35 has more out and out power than the 330i, thats misleading. The peak torque arrives at a lower RPM in the BMW which means in practice that the G35 is not quite as fast from a standing start. Once it gets going (above 4000rpm), the G35 is very fast but isnt as much fun or as easy as the BMW to "point-and-and-squirt", especially around town. All said, I bought the G35 because I didnt want to be another BMW driver...

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  Sweet Drive - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By coolwheel - February 6 - 4:40 pm

  Before I decided for this car I considered the Audi TT, Corvette and 350Z I decided for this because the 2 extra seats in the back, my only complaint is that the clutch is to stiff compared to the Audi,BMW or any other card I have driven and it is placed to far from the seat I am 511" but I think I got the best money can buy for this type of car I love and enjoy driving it.

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  Love this car - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By newinfinitiowner - February 6 - 5:16 am

  Test drove an Audi A4, Acura TL, BMW 328 and Lexus ES 350. I found the G37x the best combination of performance, comfort and value. This car is fun to drive. Ive owned it for a couple of months now, and I still look forward to driving it. I couldnt decide if I should upgrade to the high tech package, but I am very happy I did. The high tech package adds to the overall enjoyment of driving this car. After reading about how poor the fuel efficiency is, I was not expecting much. While its certainly not great, its not that bad. Unless your expectations are for something that would cost tens of thousands more, you will not be disappointed with this car.

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  2006 Infiniti G35x w Premium - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Jared - February 5 - 10:23 am

  I really do love this car. I did a lot of research after owning a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer. I was after a clean modern looking car with the gadgets. It has premium Bose with the sub. Get it. It has the bluetooth which I like. I know it didnt have an ipod adapter but knew of a unit I could buy for $100 online and had Best Buy install for $50. This is a must too. You can control your ipod through the steering wheel. Overall, great pickup, performance, good in snow, good reliability so far. I bought it used and may have picked a different color other than grey. Thats it. Love this car. Now my wife wants one.

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  My first SUV - 2003 Infiniti QX4
  By ricroc - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I didnt need the 3rd row seat, dont go "off-roading," but still wanted a smooth truck that had lots of versatility. Combined with it being the last model, i was able to easily bargain with the dealers. Plus, coupled with all the former qx4s optional equipment becoming standard, made this a great deal. The build and quality is astounding, combined with the pathfinders known reliability record...you cant go wrong.

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  QX4 - 2003 Infiniti QX4
  By MSlocum389 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  A great SUV. I traded in an Explorer (1999) which was helping my mechanic send his kid to college. The QX4 is quiet, rides firm but comfortable and damn fast for an SUV.

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  Infiniti, Maintenance-Free - 2001 Infiniti QX4
  By beechtiger - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Infiniti can better use the Magtag mechanics as they rarely have the opportunity to make major repairs on 2001 Infiniti QX4.

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  Perfect - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By chefkbk - January 31 - 2:00 am

  This is absolutely the most fun a person can have in an automobile. I first fell in love with it through magazine reviews. I then saw it in person which solidified my initial feelings. I drove it, and then I became obsessed. Im a very impulsive buyer and couldnt wait to order one. I had to search several dealer inventories and finally located my car in Chicago. I paid list price for the car sight unseen, and I have absolutely no regrets. Save the 2k on the nav system, youre not going to have time to pay attention to it while your driving. Cant wait to purchase an all wheel drive version.

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  Fun Summer Ride look out for snow - 2004 Infiniti M45
  By wcosmo - January 29 - 7:23 am

  poor in snow!!!!!!!!!!!!!! outstanding dry road conditions, fun to drive voice control not used after second week