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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  Not a disappointment - 1998 Infiniti I30
  By Todd Thomas - October 30 - 4:16 am

  We have owned this car for over 8 years with minimal repairs (less than $1500 in that eight years). It now has over 250K miles and we drive it every day with no serious issues. Of course it is showing the wear of the years/miles, but still a very dependable car.

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  I LOVE this car! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By CTKath - October 28 - 8:53 am

  When my son suggested that I look into the Infiniti G35x for an AWD car, I admit, Id never heard of it. I was leaning toward an ES330. I am so glad that I listened to him - I adore this car! Everything about it - the engine, the styling, the color (Lakeshore Slate). I am so proud to be driving it. I didnt go for the wood interior and Im glad, I like the brushed aluminum better. I like the size too, not too big (I traded in a 1999 Avalon) and not too small (I was test-driving a C320 4matic). I did get the satellite radio, but am considering not subscribing anymore because I dont get enough use out of it. My oil change was a snap. No problems - love this car!

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  Great value, still not quite first tier - 2006 Infiniti M45
  By Paul Rogers - October 28 - 3:03 am

  I have come to the M45 after 12 years of owning much higher-end luxry performance cars: Mercedes SL55, Jaguar XJR, Acura NSX. The M45 won me over with the only interior design comparable to the first-tier cars, and very reasonable performance for a 4 door sedan. Exterior design is uninspiring, sharing far too much with the Nissan Altima and Maxima. Highs: interior design, wheels, ride comfort, seating room, performance capability, value. Mediums: steering response, exterior styling, exterior fit and finish, paint quality, audio Lows: interior fit and finish (relative to class); buggy XM radio implementation; rear shade is $5000 option (because it is bundled with rear video screen)

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  Top of the Line Luxury Sports Sedan - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Almatti - October 27 - 3:43 pm

  Compared all of the competition: Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, BMW 328xi, Lincoln MKZ: no comparison for the money. Great handling, instant response and power, all-wheel drive on demand, simple luxurious interior, superior braking, terrific 10 speaker Bose sound system, and fanastic looks (black on grey (slate) leather). Got the Premium package w/o NAVI. It has all the toys you could need. Just getting to the initial break-in, the car is a "rocket" and solidly planted. Real fun to drive with the 5 speed auto with sport mode and manual shifting. Great turning circle, no torque steer, and if you manually shift, hold on!

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  Q45 - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By Southern Illinois - October 27 - 10:00 am

  When I took delivery of car there were several recalls or service upgrades that the dealer had not addressed. It had a defective wheel(out of round) which dealer refused to warrant. Rear sunshade broke at 33,000 miles. Electronics malfunction occasionally requiring you to turn off car and reset. Easier to use manual controls rather than voice as I cant remember exact wording and everyone must stop talking. Car magazine tests show about 6.5 to 60. Fast but a long way from 5.9. Needs switch to turn off traction control. My last car was Lexus LS400 which was superior in quality, dealer service and workmanship. Not holding value.

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  The best - 2003 Infiniti I35
  By ronnieb - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is simply unbelievable. Quality, reliability, and customer service are second to none.

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  Awsome car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Red Baron - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Stunningly beautiful car. Handles everything I throw at it. The car glides at high speed. You can feel just enough of the road and are held firmly into the bucket seats. The Bose stereo sounds excellent. You cant find the combination of styling, 280hp engine, and excellent handling in any other new car at this price. The interior is better than the 350Z. Functional back seats allow short trips with kids and medium sized adults, which adds a little practicality when compared to the Boxter/350Z/Z3/LS430. The G35 Coupe is superior to any domestic competition - Corvette/Cobra if you consider all aspects of drivability and technology.

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  Great 4 passenger sports car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By former 260Z owner - October 27 - 10:00 am

  So far the experience has been great. I test drove BMW and I felt the G35 coupe to be more fun to drive and better looking. I looked at the 350Z and found the combination of a usable trunk ( 2 golf bags)and a usable back seat ( 2 kids) to be a mutch better value in the g35. The car handles like a true sports car. The ride could be a bit softer for the pot hole infested roads here on Long Island. Overall if you are looking for a real sports car and still need some practicallity this is a car you should consider.

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  Fun to Drive Luxury - 2003 Infiniti Q45
  By W.Kahrs - October 25 - 1:43 am

  Best valued luxury car ever. Dealer support is excellent. Have achieved 21 MPG on commutes after learning what works, but expect 17 if you like to experience the 340 hp. This car never fails to impress passengers who comment on the excellent ride. Loves to run at higher speeds

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  Midlife Crisis Overcome - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By stollerlm - October 23 - 6:53 am

  I went through my younger years oggling the hot cars of my era (60s)promising myself that some day I would own one. Now in my 50s, and having done the four-door, luxury routine (mostly Lincolns), I decided it was my time. I learned of the Infiniti quality (absolutely tops) owning a four-door I35, and finally decided "what the hell" and bought the two door G35 coupe (auto.). Quality and exceptional performance (engine and suspension) that I dreamed of as a kid. Most exciting care I ever have owned.