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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  Fast and fun - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By MikeB - September 3 - 5:20 am

  Bought my base 2005 G35 sedan in March 2009 with 38K miles on it. Unreal power, good brakes, stiff chassis for instant steering response, and decent cornering. The price for this is a stiff, but well-controlled ride. Fuel mileage is 19-21 around town, 24-26 highway. I actually like the 2005-2006 interior, instruments & controls better than the 2007-up G35. A minor annoyance is a very "creaky" center console, which is worse on cold days. Had the engine die on me 3 times with an error code displayed, although it would restart in a minute or less. The dealer ended up replacing a cam position sensor for free, even though the 4-yr warranty had expired.

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  If you have $8K to spend on a sporty sedan in 2016 - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Infinitimama - September 3 - 1:32 am

  You cant go wrong with this car. My old car died unexpectedly, so I was in a bind to get something that looked good, was inexpensive but sporty and had four doors. I found this clean six-speed manual G35 on a used car website, the price was only $8700. It had 85K miles on it, was in great shape inside and out, had 18 inch wheels, dark tint, black on black with leather interior and the Bose radio. I only drive manual transmission cars, so I jumped on it, and Ive had it two weeks now. Its not perfect, but I seriously love this car. The GREAT things about it are: Its quick. Acceleration is top notch! Shifting is short and smooth, passing is easy, and the engine has a low roar that will get you in a good mood. It feels solid on the road. Handling is great. The styling doesnt scream "Im 11 years old!" at all. It still looks really good. When I tell people its a 2005, they are surprised. Other good things to note - the inside is roomy for a sports sedan, even in the back seat. Power outlets, three cubbies for storage, in-dash 6 disc CD changer, and an armrest that comes down with cupholders for the rear passengers. I like the location of the clock and the features like cruise control, seat memory, and the dash are easy to use and locate. As far as getting a sporty sedan with the most bang for your buck, a used G35 is the way to go. Now - the bad stuff is the same as other reviewers. The inside is a bit noisy - little clicks, clanks and creaks as you are driving. They are slight but you will notice them after a while and wish they would go away. I also dont know why the Bose audio is supposed to be spectacular because its nothing special. Not much bass unless you really crank it. Im already thinking about upgrading the head unit and speakers, because I had better factory audio in my old Mustang. The inside materials and design are also basic and nothing special. Also the turning radius seems a bit wide. Overall though, unless you are really nitpicky about the negatives, I would recommend this car in a heartbeat.

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  G37 Owner Review - 2013 Infiniti G Coupe
  By love2drive111 - August 26 - 4:16 pm

  I have recently purchased a G37 Sport MT and I am a very satisfied owner. In the past, I owned a subaru wrx and have driven many other high performance vehicles. The G37 acceleration is uplifting, the handling is responsive, the brake system is solid, and the noise is addicting. The car is also equipped with an aggressive front end, massive brakes, and a smooth stance. If you have the proper means of 50k I suggest following so. Purchasing this car was a very difficult decision and I guarantee that you will be pleased with the outcome.

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  Good Bang for the buck - 2003 Infiniti I35
  By H Khan - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Unreliable, leaky sunroof, average ride, squeaky/rattley dashboard and windscreen in winters (getting it checked by the dealer), poor clock visibility at night time, average speakers for the audio

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  Its growing on me - 2001 Infiniti Q45
  By cold_amstel - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Love the vehicle, its extremely comfortable. It glides down the highway like it is on a cushion of air. Very solid and sound vhicle. I chose this car over the lexus and the benz.

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  G20t - 2001 Infiniti G20
  By Jett456 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I really like my car. It is leased so I will have to give it back, but I might buy it. I dont like the cup holders. I will test drive the G35 first but only if they offer a manual transmission.

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  The Skyline Finally Arrives - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Seth Baskin - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This car has been produced in Japan for several years. American enthusiasts have been waiting for its arrival on American shores. Rechristened the G35, we now have the Skyline in America. To capsulize, it is fast, handles well, and is a steal for the money.

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  Stay away - 2001 Infiniti I30
  By mas4497 - August 10 - 2:20 pm

  I read reviews before I bought this car, and it seemed like a safe choice. All scheduled maint. was provided by the dealer but at 80K the problems began and havent stopped. MAF sensor, 2 alternators, drivers seat motor, O2 sensor, another problem has just popped up and its sure to be another. $1,000. Low price is not worth the thousands spent in repairs, not to mention it has left me stranded 3 times in 3 years.

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  Best deal going right now - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By John - August 2 - 5:16 am

  After extensive research (including some on edmunds.com) I bought an 05 Garnet Fire G35 with the Premium package (keyless start, reclining rear seats, etc). I really like this car. Gets 20-24 MPG consistently (60/40 HWY/TWN). Very smooth riding with the exception of going over bumps on a turn (on ramp, etc) the cars seems to jiggle slightly. I may be somewhat sensitive though since I traded in an 04 GTO that was very stable on the road. Smooth V6 that accelerates hard above 3500 RPM and has plenty of torque above 3000 RPM. Look around and get one that is loaded out. The cost is about the same as a base one in the used market and the features are worth a little leg work.

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  Awesome SUV! - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By Maria - July 31 - 7:26 pm

  I love this car!! Before buying the Infinity, we also looked at the Navigator and the Escalade...there is no comparison.