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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  Great Sports Sedan - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By G37ster - January 23 - 8:20 am

  A great blend of sporty and luxury, with an emphasis on sporty. It is such a pleasure to drive, Im always anxious to drive it. The ride is firm but it handles and accelerates with the best of them. Its a monster car in civilized clothing, very understated, which I like. I used to want a 3 series but now, not as much. The reliability and value makes it favorable. The brakes are a little touchy but I got used to it. The exterior style is nice, clean. If Infiniti maintains its performance, quality and reliability while keeping prices reasonable (MSRP is high) with this car, then they probably have long time customer.

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  Our second QX56 - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By Allen Pearl - January 23 - 7:16 am

  We were called to test drive the new QX56, and told of a very handsome rebate to owners of the 2004QX56. We loved the 2004, and had no problems with it, now even the brskes. The deal we were offered on the new Q was the best deal we had ever had on any vehicle, and grabbed the new car. Very happy with the car,and all of its new refinements. We have found that the price of fuel is of no consequence where safety is involved. We feel safe with the car, love to drive it, and enjoy all the stares from people on the road. Nice job, Nisan, this is our 5th Infiniti since 1998. We are customers for ever.

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  Its a G thing!!!! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Bama - January 22 - 10:33 am

  I was dead set on a BMW 3 series, but I thought the price was a bit much for a car without power tilt. I looked around and finally came across the G35. I drove from Reno, NV to Roseville, CA to test drive it. After driving out of the parking lot I was sold. Ive had the car since 17 May 2007 and I absolutely love it! The power is beyond what I wouldve imagined. Handling is superb. The sound system is great! For $10k less than the BMW I wanted, I could not ask for a better car!

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  MyInfiniti - 2003 Infiniti I35
  By Scott Brownell - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I chose the Infiniti I35 because a friend of mine had the J30t and I really enjoyed the feel and ride of his car. Although the I35 is a lighter vehicle as well as front wheel drive, I still felt it was the best fit for me. I have been more than satisfied with the vehicle and have had nothing but a GREAT experience. The service department at the Tampa, FL location has very friendly and helpful folks. The Infiniti has been the best car I have ever owned. Thanks

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  Great Fun, Family, and Business car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Hamm - January 20 - 10:00 am

  The G35 Sedan is a great answer for blancing requirements for Fun, Family and Business utility. FUN - great stick, incredible braking, very nice suspension and dynamics. I assessed Acura TSX, Maxima, BMW 3 and 5 series FAMILY - More space than the BMW 5, adeqaute substitue for the spacious Volvo 850 I traded in. Rear seating drivetrain hump is less obtrusive than most. Easy fit for my 64" frame. Business - luxury brand, amenities and features. Interior a notch below BMW and Acura. OVERALL - very pleased at this point with the value equation. Found the sales experience to be first rate believe service will be similar.

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  Picked over Mercedes - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By rhino2000 - January 19 - 9:56 pm

  My wife and I were sold on the Mercedes GL-450 until she drove the QX56. Not only was the hype of a Mercedes false, but the QX56 was superior. We only wish they offered the Intelligent Key allowing entry wihtout pressing any buttons. Power folding seats would also be nice. Howevver; these features are not worth the $20k difference of the Mercedes. We are so happy we chose this vehicle over the Mercedes. If you are in the market for a large SUV, you MUST drive this one! Also, the Infiniti service is second to none.

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  Hats off to Infiniti - 2011 Infiniti QX56
  By nbhangtfan - January 18 - 10:00 am

  We traded in our 2001 QX4 with 150K miles for this beauty. Got the 2WD version (live in the South) with the Theater package - kids LOVE it. My son can play his games while my daughter listens to her Ipod or watches a movie. Interior is FIRST RATE in terms of feel and ride quality. The navigation and 360 degree safety camera is really a great feature. Performance of the engine is awesome and you will outgun many sedans even though this is a Large SUV. Gas mileage could be a little better, but cmon for 400 horsepower, who cares? Infiniti really got the design right for the luxury SUV market this time, would have never bought the prior model since it looked too much like a truck.

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  Bought it used and love it - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Nito - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 2008 in 2010 to replace my 2006 ML 350 because it wasnt very fun to drive. This G35 has been so much more fun. Dont know what I was thinking when I bought the MB. I hated driving when I had it. This car has restored my love of driving. Best car Ive owned so far.

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  Just a great car - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By sci35owner - January 17 - 4:16 pm

  Ive had my I35 for 2 years now. Its my favorite car Ive ever owned, and I normally trade in every couple of years. Engine is phenomenal, handling is great, interior has all the appointments of an entry level luxury sedan. I test drove several other cars including a G35 and this one was the best overall car. Normally I would be ready to trade in for a new car by now, but I love this car so much, Ill be hanging on to it for a while. Also a great used car for the money.

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  happiness is - 1998 Infiniti I30
  By i30tgreatinbham,al - January 17 - 12:56 am

  I30t with 85000 miles...no bad experiences. will agree with hard transmission shifting at times... but has the get up and go, maintenance costs overall not much more than other used vehicles. Also happy with gas mileage, do not plan to get rid of soon... ps... car is very quiet in my opinion... happy in birmingham...