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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  Youth Recaptured - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Barry Hubbard - August 8 - 1:20 pm

  I liked my 2003 G35 so much I traded for a 2006 just like it. The most noticeable difference: the brakes are just as powerful but no longer hyper- sensitive, i.e. grabby. Maneuverability and instant throttle response make highway or city driving a delight...at any speed (I had the 2003 up to 120 mph once - I wont tell you where - and it felt rock-solid). I enjoy the 2006s added features - high intensity headlights, dual-zone a/c, power passenger seat, and garage door opener, but theyre "gravy" on what was already a wonderfully thought out car. It "fits like a glove," seats four comfortably, and looks the way a sport sedan ought to look. At 68 I feel young again.

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  A True Classic - 1997 Infiniti QX4
  By Derrick - August 8 - 8:53 am

  There is a reason the QX4 is a very high demand SUV. I have joyfully driven this vehicle for over 150k miles. It purrs like a kitten and is as dependable as the day is long. The QX4 is the best vehicle I have ever owned and it pains me to part with it. However my new purchase is also an Infinity SUV. The QX4 is an expert handler on snow and ice and superb craftsmanship is still evident 150k miles later. It is a tad bit underpowered for mountain driving and the gas mileage is below average. However even today the vehicle turns heads and is an absolute joy to drive. It is too bad Infiniti discontinued the QX4 as I would certainly have bought another one. Viva QX4!! I will miss my trusty friend.

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  Luxurious, well-built and sporty - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By bman33 - August 7 - 8:23 pm

  I am very happy with this car. Solid ride, quiet, nice interior. Visually distinct lines on the car. Very responsive steering. Transmission shifts are smooth and close together. Coming off a 2003 Audi A6, the build and ride quality of the G35X seems much better. Averaging 20 mpg in mixed driving.

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  G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mchard1 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  The performance on this car is incredible. The G35 is by far the most exciting car in its class. The handling is superb and the acceleration and passing power are incredible for a car of this price. This is my second Infiniti and while my first one (I30) was somewhat dull, the G35 is totally exciting to drive and look at. If it is as reliable as the I30, the G35 will be the perfect combination of performance and price.

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  Very fun to drive! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By drunkenironox - August 7 - 12:09 am

  Plenty of power and handles very nice. No problems merging on the freeway. What I find interesting or funny is when I accelerate to get up to the speed limit. When Im at a red light that turns green; cars behind me are always 2-4 car lengths away when I look in the rear view mirror. This is only with my foot very lightly stepping on the gas pedal too. lol I just bought mine used at 101k miles. I have the Emerald Mist Green/Teal color. Very beautiful and custom looking color. Its been getting a lot of attention from people where ever I go. I have people sticking their heads out their window just to see what kind of car it is. Im glad I found this one. Not bad for a 9 year old car.

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  Awesome Car! Real Sleeper!! - 1998 Infiniti Q45
  By Steve McGee - August 5 - 10:55 pm

  Loved this car from the first time I got behind the wheel! Only paid $2500 three years ago (122K miles). Just turned over 167K....power steering pump, alternator, and two ignition coils have been the only replacements/repairs over those 45000 miles. Very sweet ride!

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  G37xS Missing Buttons - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By My First Infiniti - August 2 - 12:23 pm

  I had been looking for cars for quite a while and was really looking forward to the new A4 after test driving almost everything. This new G37 may not look like it but it is a great evolution of the G35 Last spring I rented a G35 while on vacation but felt that my B5 S4 was superior after the rental. The gas pedal was very touchy and the transmission had a mind of its own. This G37xS feels so solid that its hard to believe its based on the same car that I drove 8 months ago. Anyone considering a BMW should take a G37 for a test drive and try to deny the primal thrill that this V6 delivers at redline. You should buy this car because it sounds so much better than its competition.

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  my Q45 - 2004 Infiniti Q45
  By docngolf - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Have owned this car 20 months and have had no problems at all. It is the quietest most comfortable car I have ever owned. The excelleration is more than adequate and the braking is excellent. The seat supports my back very well. It was the only rear wheel drive, V8, powered car I could find for under $55,000.Clearly the most car for the money. One happy owner.

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  Real Deal near lux class - 2004 Infiniti I35
  By Real Deal - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the I35 with all the factory options (toys)and am completely satisified with the car. For the money paid compared to other same class models I received a huge bang for the buck and the dealer worked close to put me in the car! I am thrilled with the cars preformance and great looks and after 6 months still enjoy just taking it out for a spin!

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  Awesome - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jeffsc - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car fun to drive and nice to look at as well.