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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  Best deal on the planet - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By scareduck - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Road and Track was right about this car -- smooth as silk, tons of fun to drive, and handles like a dream. Lots of great little touches, too -- full auto windows, even on the sunroof. The Bose in-dash 6-CD changer is great. In short, this is the car that Infinity has been waiting for all these years to actually make their brand. I would say it vaults them above Lexus, and for the money, BMW as well.

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  Beauty - 2000 Infiniti I30
  By Macadamianutz - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new. This being my 1st foreign vehicle, its definitely been a new and exciting experience. I will never go back to American cars. Ive had absolutely no problems w/my vehicle at all. Its a very reliable piece of machinery and its very well put together. The car gets good gas mileage and has good speed/get up and go. the dealership staff has also helped in making the difference. Infinitis customer service is the best Ive ever encounted.

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  not bad - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By WIlliam - September 9 - 10:00 am

  im an 18 year old, and this is my 2nd car... i also have a 2002 bmw m3. this car is first of all better looking then the nissan 350z. it drives very nicely, and the handling is great. handling is every bit as good as the bmw m3, only not as fast. interior plastic is a bit cheesy for a 35 thousand dollar car, but the looks, exhaust noice, and ease to drive make up for it.

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  Dads toy - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Jason - September 9 - 1:10 am

  As a father to be I was looking for a car that would satisfy all of the family. The G35 6MT Sedan has exceeded all of those expectations. The fun to drive factor, safety and enough room for the baby to ride in style. The power has been fantastic in comparison to a 2003 Saab 93. 88 horses makes a world of difference and it is great be back in a rear wheel drive car again. The handling has been superior with the 18 inch wheels and the sport tuned suspension. Im somewhat concerned considering we faced snow on October 25th. The snow tires are on the way.

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  Q50 experience-15 months later - 2014 Infiniti Q50
  By Mohamed Samman - September 4 - 11:01 pm

  I leased a Q50S AWD Hybrid in Nov 2013. The first couple of months I had problems with the Infiniti Connection technology that even the dealership couldnt figure out how to fix. Since then it has been a very pleasant experience. The recent addition of the inTouch apps is nice. The handling and cornering is the same if not better than BMW 335. In Sport mode the acceleration is awesome and the paddle shifters are very responsive. When accelerating from low speed in standard or eco mode the transmission appears confused which gear to shift to first and sometimes fails to respond properly to the drivers foot on the gas pedal.

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  Excellent used car at a low price. - 1998 Infiniti I30
  By brianq727 - September 4 - 10:01 am

  I bought this car as a "go betweener" when my WRX died on me the second time because a shady mechanic shop j went to. I paid $2500 for this car with 127K miles and only expected to keep it a few months but it has really grown on me and is super reliable. Only things Ive replaced in the 15 months Ive owned it are a radiator for $110 and the O2 sensors for $130. Not bad for a car with 140K miles on it. She starts right up everyday and I plan on keeping her for a long time since Im enjoying the "no car payment" life. I would highly recommend buying one of these used from model year 1996 to 1998. I see them for under $3K all the time and would make a great first car as well for teens.

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  I35 - 2003 Infiniti I35
  By geator - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th infiniti and I have never had any mechanical problems with any of them. I lease all of my autos and for the money, infiniti offers the best value. My reasons for ownership include, free loaner car, great wanrantee, and a car that doesnt break down. All the popular options are included in the basic car. You can pay more for a car but there is no need to.

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  Love This Car! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By InnaKay - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive got about 3800 miles on my new Infiniti G35, and I can find absolutely no fault with it. No factory defects, and even the gas mileage isnt as bad as I expected (about 20-22mpg). More importantly this car is FUN!!! Killer premium sound system, with convenient controls on the wheel. Driving to work everyday on twisty roads is actually a pleasure, as opposed to nervewracking in my trusty old Toyota Avalon. I was considering getting a Passat, but Im SOOOO glad I sprang for a few extra bucks and bought the G35!

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  THE BEST LARGE LUXURY SUV UNDER $60K - 2008 Infiniti QX56
  By xxxACExxx - September 3 - 4:16 pm

  I got 3 kids and my wife doesnt want a minivan. The QX56 is a true LUXURY SUV and I think its the best deal out there for the price. If you are looking for a large luxury SUV for your family, I would suggest the QX56. It has all the bells and whistles included in the price except for nav and Tech Package. Not like other company with extra options can raise the price another 10K.

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  G35 is better than an M3 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By joenole - September 3 - 4:00 am

  The G35 four-door sedan is the best performance vehicle for the money. The 6-speed manual transmission is smooth and you can rock this car when you drop from 6th to 5th to pass.