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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  Needs one extra cog - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Silky DMO - March 31 - 6:46 pm

  Really there isnt too much to complain about this vehicle. Absolutely bulletproof reliability. Peppy motor combined with an above class grade interior. The wood is beautiful. The gauges and LED accent lights reflect a designers touch. The car truly needs one more gear though which I believe Infiniti subtlety acknowledged by engaging the transmission in the 08 model. Ive driven both cars and prefer the 08 for this change alone. Aside from the mileage, which is frankly poor (I average 18mpg), and the need for an extra gear, the engine does have to rev to make you feel like you are driving a true sport sedan. Furthermore, the trunk space is limited by the CD changer. In sum, super car.

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  Want my 04 G35 Coupe back! - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By Amy - March 21 - 6:26 pm

  Replaced my 04 G35 coupe w/Sport suspension with 09 same pkgs. Just wanted updated electronics. What I loved best about the 04: tight steering, throaty feel and great brakes. Infiniti ruined all three. The steering is loose, the 7 spd transmission spends all its time at high rpms shifting all over the place - like an old 4 cylinder piece of junk and the brakes grind. After 2 weeks and 900 miles, I guess I only have a few more years to hate it. Maybe I can still buy back my 04.

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  Im SO Impressed! - 2001 Infiniti QX4
  By sporter - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle. Im SO glad I chose Infiniti. This is my first SUV, my other car is a Jaguar XK8, and I have very high standards, so I was apt to judge the QX4 rather harshly. But I LOVE this vehicle. Its GREAT to drive - stable, comfortable, neither too big nor too small. Plenty of features, nearly sumptuous interior, yet still a true off-road vehicle as well. Its hard to believe, but I appreciate, and enjoy, my QX4 almost as much as my beautiful Jag.

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  G35X Black on Black - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By JDB - March 18 - 6:50 pm

  After driving an 02 BMW530, looked at several 07s. After 2 months my thoughts are these: Bad Fuel Econ. 13.5 city (my 530I got 17), 19 hwy. Fun to drive, great handling in the snow. Sound sys. is great, Bluetooth sync. up without any problems. Love to drive the car - great off the line pickup. Good sized trunk for the golf clubs.

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  G35X - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By sinza - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car, outstanding interior with the leather and wood accents. Very well built, extremely quiet, doors close like a dream (snug, quiet). Cabin space for driver is a bit snug and gas mileage is bad, not close to what sticker claims (I do only have 4000 miles on it yet, so maybe I need to give it a few more miles to break in). Steering wheel controls should be illuminated for better viewing at night,

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  Excitement at a Price - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By nipperman - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Pluses: Fantastic pickup, the gas pedal reacts instantly like youre astride a big Harley; tight handling; a real fun car to drive; smooth, soft leather and tight cushiony seats; no defects found; straight-forward sales experience Minuses: wind noise even at low speeds is quite noticeable--maybe from windshield or from tires; also, enginge noise is considerable; gas milage combined city/hwy only about 17mpg and needs premium to get best pep

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  G35 4-door 6-speed - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By steve nelson - February 27 - 12:23 am

  Other than gas mileage and strange location of seat adjustments this has been an excellent car. Im sure a used one would make a great purchase if its been maintained. Extremely nice car for the money. Think 5-series at 3-series prices.

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  G-35x 2007 - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Satisfied So Far - February 26 - 11:23 pm

  Have the car now two weeks, and I am enjoying the car very much. The G, I bought with AWD, (Base car is rear wheel drive), because of the winters in the Northeast and road conditions I felt was a necessity. The car is exceptionally fast and responsive, handles the road like a sports car (Miata) Must be the suspension and tire combo (17"). I think the redesign of the exterior really makes the car stunning in appearance. The interior, mine is black with the chrome, looks sporty yet elegant. I really like the way the dash is designed. Overall, very pleased.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By David V. - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Infiniti and hopefully will not be my last. Having driven it for 16,000 miles I enjoy it as much today as the first day I drove it home. Yes, the turning radius is larger than I would like, but everything else from the great sound system, comfortable seats, to the spoiler and chrome wheels make it very special. The engine is very smooth and powerful which is a marked improvement over the I30 which I had last. I dont think dollar for dollar that you can get a better car. The color makes a huge difference in styling appeal. Mine is black which makes much more of a statement and looks richer.

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  Small Trunk - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jay1 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Small Trunk space, Hard to drive in the rain.