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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  Great car. - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Okita - June 19 - 3:40 pm

  This is an excellent car. The brakes are good and matches the power that the car produces. It would be even better if the car could lose about 200lbs.

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  Narrow Drivers Seat - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jonclassical - June 14 - 10:00 am

  Tall men, beware!!!! Drivers and front pass. seats are VERY NARROW and do not adj. well. Front seats are NOT COMFORTABLE for a taller person with larger frame!!! Major tire issues: odd size, so far only Goodyears and Bridgesstone avail. Flat spots from shipping cause poor ride, swapped tires off another car twice!!!

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  2005 Infiniti G35x Owner Report - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By John K. - June 11 - 3:53 pm

  Overall the G35x is fun to drive and has lots of power. The AWD really grabs the road and makes cornering a breeze. Gas mileage is poor for a six cyl. I get about 21 on the road and 19 around town. My previous vehicle (a 6 cyl Bonneville with EFI) got 23 around town and 29 on the road with only slightly less pep.

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  Mos Matters - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Wendall - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This car handles superbly. It styling suggest speed and theres plenty of it. But if you are heavy footed the gas mileage is horrible. They need to find a way to improve city mileage averages. Combined driving gets close to 20mpg. Strict city drive about 10mpg. That is horrible. But the handling and overall performance at this price cannot be beat. The instruments on the inside do look cheap.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Review - June 9 - 2:53 pm

  After having five BMWs (3 & 5 series models) I was tired of having various problems (mostly electrical) that different dealers seemed unable or unwilling to fix. I bought the G35 because I wanted a rear wheel drive car and have been very surprised. In over 18,000 miles of driving I only had a problem with the CD player, which was replaced quickly and under warranty. The car is not quite as composed in handling as a BMW but it still does well and the engine provides a lot or performance for the money. The amount of space in the car is also great and the seats are comfortable. I am planning to buy a new model G35 for my next car.

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  An under the radar superstar! - 2003 Infiniti I35
  By JDA - June 7 - 7:00 am

  My unreliable E430 had to go; I wanted a reliable, fast, sedan, with a hint of luxury. I had a Maxima before the Mercedes, so I decided to try a "Luxury Maxima." Picked one up used/cheap, since they have been discontinued and are overshadowed by the G35, and have now had it 6 months. Nondescript exterior style does not draw attention to the powerful V-6 underneath. Seriously: people underestimate this car all the time - until you blow them away; the engine delivers power at all speeds. I have averaged 22 mpg in mixed driving. I have had two minor service issues, but both were covered under warranty - Roseville Infiniti has treated us well...so far: they know I want a G35 in 2008.

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  Disappointed in repairs needed - 2001 Infiniti I30
  By Kevin - May 25 - 8:20 pm

  Loved this car when first purchased but it has not held up well over time.Presently has 53,000 miles and have had driver autmatic seat break (very costly) oxygen sensor replaced, muffler replaced, brakes front and rear pads and rotors replaced, all 4 tires replaced, I expected better from a luxury car.

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  2000 I30T - 2000 Infiniti I30
  By wtfletcher - May 24 - 5:51 pm

  Very good looking car. I purchased it new. We noticed that the car does not handle well. When you go into a turn, it feels like the front tires are beginning to slide. I purposely drove it into a corner unusually fast ( plenty of recovery space) and the car does slide badly. I took it back to the dealership and they said it was perfect. Well, if thats perfect, dont expect me to purchase another infiniti. We have replaced the brakes including calipers and rotors numerous times. Calipers freeze up often. It will stop on a dime, but having to replace the brakes every 15,000 to 20,000 miles is beyond excessive. Ill never purchase another Infiniti/Nissan.

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  Infiniti QX4 - 2003 Infiniti QX4
  By CoKeCrUsHeR - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Before buying this vehicle, we looked at the Pacifica (Chrysler). I concluded that American cars genarally more "rough". There was significant wind noise and engine noise. Jumped onto the QX4, and I didnt even know that the car was powered by gas (thought it was electric). Only thing to improve on is the Rear-Seat Legroom and perhaps (regular gas?....), softer suspension (although not by very much...just a hair).

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  close but...... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By g35owner - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I think your opinion of this car depends on what kind of car you are coming from. Exterior design - the car is stunning, a work of art, a head- turner. Interior design falls under a new episode from the Three Stooges. Some points to note: Contrary to what you have read, the 6 speed is not a slick shifter. It is notchy; it vibrates. I think that explains why it came after the automatic; it needs work.