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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  Vintage Classic - 2001 Infiniti Q45
  By daross1 - July 25 - 8:41 am

  The last of these cars were built in 2000 even though they have the 2001 year. Very few made as they were a very unloved car. The design from 97-01 was derided by many. I will admit it is not exactly stylish. But it is comfortable, reliable (after a few expensive fixes to a vintage luxury car notably the shocks) and is fun to drive. It is safe (I was rearended in a 98 q45 and it was totaled, but I thought it was minor damage right away) and you will win in an accident. The engine and transmission will last forever, but you will replace the injectors and coils in the around 180K for sure. Like all cars, a few little things occur in the 200K plus range, not nothing major.

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  Our 2nd G from this generation - 2013 Infiniti G Sedan
  By VQd - July 25 - 7:14 am

  I drive an 08 G35xS and my wife needed to replace her Impreza. When comparing against new Mazda 3, Impreza, used Imprezas, it became a no brainer. Used CPO Gs are a bargain. The poor resale value is a bargain price. I work on the guys myself and the build quality of the G is excellent compared to our old Impreza. The review is spot-on. The 07 & 08 Gs were quiet, the later Gs receive bigger pipes for a more noisy exhaust note. I prefer the quietness of the earlier years, but I appreciate the improved fuel efficiency of the 7-speed tranny.

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  Great vehicle; Smooth.....but jittery - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Tim - July 23 - 8:23 pm

  We owned a Yukon and considered the Escalade and LX450 when we bought the QX56. While the overall vehicle has been very good, and the ride also very good, it still has some jitters and noise on the highway that were not experienced in the other vehicles. Most of the time, the QX56 has felt very smooth on the road and has been extremely comfortable on long hauls to Mammoth. Comfort is great, but at times the ride and feel on the freeway can feel a bit jittery and truck-like inferior to the ride we experienced with the Yukon,or the other cars we drove. Roomy all around. Great 2nd row - limo- like room. Same height and width, but the extra 8" length over the Yukon are surprisingly noticeable.

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  SOLID! - 2000 Infiniti I30
  By Firechuckh - July 23 - 3:50 am

  Infiniti has a new customer for life. As long as they keep putting out great performers. One issue with check engine light (computer reprogram) the dealer took care of free of charge. Keep the premium fuel in, theres only a few cents diffrence and you avoid the pinging as posted earlier. This car is great for the family. I cant wait to buy my G35X!

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  M45 wow!!!! - 2006 Infiniti M45
  By bobsM45 - July 21 - 3:53 pm

  Handles as well as my 2000 BMW 540i with greater acceleration. Seats are very comfortable. Sound system, especially dvd audio superb. Build quality excellent.

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  The M45 - 2003 Infiniti M45
  By elagee - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is a smaller version of the Q45 but it certainly doesnt ride like it. I can feel every bump in the road. But, if you like power and speed and want to blow the doors off of the car next to you, this is the one. The ride is firm, there is no hesitation in acceleration, curves are not a problem and as the driver you have complete control of the car---no matter how fast you are going. Appointments are nice but not spectacular. Although I have only owned the M45 for a short time I am enjoying driving it.

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  Infinity M 45 - 2003 Infiniti M45
  By valo - July 21 - 2:00 am

  THe turning radius on this supposed sport vechicle is pitiful.It takes two attempts to make a u turn.You cannot make any adjustment to temp or radio with doing two things. Nothing is easy. The driver seat is so uncomfortable. I had 3 Q 45s before this - I made a terrible error in buying this car.

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  I 35 review - 2003 Infiniti I35
  By Bennett Ramberg - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This car clearly is the best car I have owned. Its drive is powerful and smooth and the car has a wonderful interior and nice exterior, very supportive & comfortable seats, good audio system. Its price is realatively inexpensive for a luxury car. It is very reliable. I test drove 22 cars; I am very happy I bought this ve

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  LOVE my G35 Coupe - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By terlis1221 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The Infiniti Coupe is awesome to drive! I love the dual auto/shift option and the 0-60 take off. WOW. The car gets lots of looks, mine is silver with dark gray interior, beautiful!! Fun to drive and comfortable to sit back in.

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  Cardiomans Response - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Joel Davidson - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. I especiallly like the way it turns and accelerates coming out of a turn. Really gives you an exhilirating feeling. The 5-sp. automatic gives the feel of a manual when youre in the shift mode, instead of just keeping it in drive. You can feel and hear the power of this car--it growls without being a muscle car. Instead, youve got a big, strong beast just waiting to be unleashed when youre ready. I love the looks of this car--reminds me of the Audi TT but with more rear seat room. My wife loves the heated front seats and dual temperature controls.