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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  lots of Issues - 2001 Infiniti QX4
  By 2001 QX4 beware - June 10 - 7:26 am

  I had so many problems with this car(s), I even had 2 of these, got rid of one and got another, same bunch of issues, Tranny has issues! only 75k on it. new trans, new alternator, new pullys, new rotors, strut, replaced turn signal stick, muffler pipes broke, brakes awful, radio replaced, windows are slow, IF youre gonna buy this, only get the 2003, maybe they worked out some of the issues. had to do a lemon law case on it. beware

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  the best bang for your buck you can buy! - 2003 Infiniti M45
  By Donny M - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is one of those "best kept secrets" in its price range--but its still new on the market yet, and when the secret gets out, watch out! The power is unbelievable--340hp--and it drives like a dream. The interior is comfortable and ultra luxurious and has great features, especially the voice- activated system--I can access my sound system,(10 BOSE speakers!)or adjust the climate control simply by speaking. If you can live without fancy European names --this is the best car for the value!!

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  Above the Rest - 2003 Infiniti I35
  By Davey S/DavidSolomon - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, at over 63 I had trouble fitting into other comparable models, the I35 fits and feels great! Fun to drive, fast and good fuel milage to boot. I am a salesman who knows the road and this car makes it a joy to get out and go each week. Best of all you look great cruising around to the golf course or out to dinner on the weekends. Due yourself a favor and test drive this baby before buying another car, you will not regret it.

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  G35, fun to drive - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By lpollak - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun in a car under $30k you are likely to find. The performance is unmatched, including power, handling, and braking, even with the extra weight of the AWD. The design and options are very nice too, making it a great blend of sporty and luxurious. The accent is on sporty, so if your major concern is lux materials in the interior, you may want to shop around. But if you are looking for a great ride at a reasonable price, this is it.

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  Testosterone for Two - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Tom Ryan - June 7 - 10:00 am

  For the last few years weve driven a Cadillac, and while I enjoyed the comfort and amenities, it just wasnt footing the bill when it came to my mid- life requirements. So the better half and I ventured forth to find a sport sedan for her, assuming that I would later find something a little more robust for myself. Then we ran into the G35. Wow! She had her heated seats and I got a four door rocket. After looking at the Lexus, Acura, Mercedes, Nissan, Hyundai (thats right, Hyundai - theyre not too shabby), VW, BMW, Toyota - did I leave any out? - we bought a Twilight Blue G35 with a Willow leather and a power curve that doesnt quit. Bottom line: drive it, buy it, love it!

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  Aggressive Elegance - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By swsharpe - June 7 - 10:00 am

  There is nothing quite like driving a car that is both classy and performance aggressive. You can feel this car just begging to be turned loose to run, but the G35 carries itself so elegantly that it is nothing short of pure pleasure to drive.

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  1st year review - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By G35 Coupe Owner - June 3 - 9:06 pm

  Great performance. Still get positive comments on the design. Fun to drive. Only issue is tightness. Several rattles and the sunroof is very noisy (creakes with any body flex at all). Mileage is average, which is fine for the performance.

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  The best compromise of luxury and sport - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By TwiBlueG35 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Infiniti G35 sedan for more than a year already. This car has spacious cabin, very smooth powerful engine, agile handling, and well- proportioned sporty look. The ride is a little stiff when compared to Toyota Camry. The people who are used to the Camry steering feel probably would find this cars steering heavy, especially when maneuvering in parking lots. The navigation system tells me I am consuming 18mpg fuel, not that good. Talking about Navi, I have never missed a destination by its feminine and friendly voice route guidance. The leather seat is much easier to get used to after a long under-the-sun park.

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  Fly G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By MAnny - June 2 - 2:00 am

  THis car handles like a dream, looks beautiful and moves O.K I would like to see a little more power like the M3

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  Best car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By CWise1591 - June 1 - 7:00 pm

  I have just picked up my G35x yesterday. It is a very fun car to drive. I still have my Nissan Altima 2.5SL but it beats it from the bottom up. The G35x has very good pickup and audio system. The sunroof is cool and the wood tim is not cheap. Alot of people say the brakes give off alot of dust, but it is hard to see because the wheels are aluminum. I like the 6 speed manuelmatic. And the all wheel drive. Also the reclinding seats as well. Still need to figure out some more stuff.