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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  G35 a great sports value - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Jim - May 5 - 6:00 pm

  For those not economically minded, perhaps a porsche or mercedes would be better, but in the lower luxury sports coupe/sedan class, this car cant be beat for the money. Youd have to step up to the M3, 5 series, or GS430 to get this kind of performance from the BMW/Lexus. GREAT LOOKS, sounds like a ferrari; best in class horsepower & torque, and seriously fun to drive. 0- 60 times in the 5 second range. If you love to drive, get the manual. Plenty of room for 4 (see below), and available with all the options for those of you that like creature comforts. Leather interior is nice. Infiniti service is top notch; free car washes for the life of the car.

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  First Asian Car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By azinfiniti - May 5 - 3:23 am

  Great car! Watch out for the brakes and driver side power seats. Infiniti seems to be having problems with these components.

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  I30 - 1999 Infiniti I30
  By buford - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my infinity lexus I300 and the toyota avalon and have been very happy except I wish it set up a little higher. I had a van before. Had heard nothing but praise about the 3 liter engine and it is great. I had to replace the starter at 75,000 miles but thats been all. It also gets great gas mileage 20-22 around town and 28- 32 on the highway. Dont see how anyone could ask for much better. I also use reg except around every 5 th tank I use premium.

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  Great car, Great deal - 2004 Infiniti I35
  By J. Bago - May 4 - 10:00 am

  After much research in looking at the entry level luxury sedan market, I couldnt find a better deal than the 04 I-35.Though inside/outside are outdated, I still like that Maxima styling and the interior looks rich. My wife and I love to drive the car. A great blend of luxury and performance. The engine rocks, having the horsepower to get up and go from a stop as well as passing on the highway with ease. The Bose stereo system is the worst "deluxe" sound system Ive had in any of my vehicles. Poor sounding speakers,woofer that constantly buzzes with noise. Ive also incurred a few door dings...seems to have very soft sheetmetal.

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  Great Suv - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By critical - May 4 - 10:00 am

  After owning a Lexus GX470 any new suv would have to be almost perfect, The QX56 is great. In my opinion it is SLIGHTLY less refined than the lexus, but more powerful and much roomier, it has a luxurious iterior that is modern and comfortable. I think it looks great too. For a huge suv it seems to drive more like a mid size, I also think its much better than all full size rivals.

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  G35 Sedan w/ sports prem. pack - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Adman - May 4 - 10:00 am

  A real sports car. Although slightly less sexy exterior than the 35 Coupe, once you get inside, youd never know the difference. Handles, excellerates and corners like a pro. I find the breaks smooth and sure, rarely skidding even on fast de-celeration. Go for the black leather interior and titanium dash - its worth the extra few $$.

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  The 2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe - Excellent Car, Loads of Fun - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By TOBY W. - May 4 - 3:46 am

  I traded my Lexus IS300 in for my 2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe. The only thing that I miss about the Lexus is its stereo. The G35 is like driving a video game simulator. It just gets up and goes, at any speed. When I first drove it, it felt like it was always in a lower gear. The torque is awesome. Going around corners is as exciting as driving a go-cart. The seats are extemely comfortable. I have gone on 2,000 miles round trips with no problem. The stereo really needs to be be upgraded though. My Honda Accord sounds better. This is a simple car in every sense of the word. It works. And I cant wait to go somewhere.

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  G35 the right choice!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mlopez - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a sports sedan. I tested the Audi A4, Lexus IS300, BMW 330ci. I was lost in trying to make a desicion until I drove the G35. WOW! this car is awesome!!. Every time that I drive it, I like it more and more! I feel great with the choice I made. Definitely much better that the Audi and IS300. The G35 and the 330 are very equal car but with the extra ponies and the 6k or more price difference the G35 is a no brainer. By the way in the corners it sticks like glue to the ground!!!

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  Why not Infiniti? - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By T-Spoon - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Like all the other owners, we shopped the sports sedan market. The look and performance wins and ends all discussions about the "best sports sedan". This car truly wins the Bang for the Buck IMO. My wifes G35 looks great parked next to my 02 6-spd Maxima.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Infiniti M45
  By cre - April 28 - 7:40 am

  After owning several Infinitis over the years, this is by far the best one I have ever had. I have only had the car for about a week, but I can tell that I am going to enjoy driving this car for the next few years. It has many wonderful features and options. The car is very quick and handles great. I especially love the Rear-active Steering (4 wheel steering) and the adaptive headlights. I recommend this car to everyone looking at a new Acura, Lexus or BMW!!