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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  Amazing car - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Genester - January 10 - 12:03 pm

  I got a 2006 G35X, and I absolutely love it. Take it from a person who hates to drive in general - this car has made my commute something I would not have thought possible - borderline enjoyable! All the toys and refinements are great, but the responsiveness and handling if this car are what sets it apart. The acceleration and braking are both extremely smooth and quick, and the ride is firm but very comfortable. Overall, a terrific car - take it from someone whos generally a skeptic and isnt easily pleased - this is a home run!

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  Great Car - 2000 Infiniti Q45
  By fogger - January 10 - 9:50 am

  I purchased this Q45 18 months ago. The ride is extremely smooth and handling is very responsive for its size. Plenty of power upon command. Has all the "bells and whistles" I require. Overall this is the best auto I have owned and Im very pleased to have found it in my price range.

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  Ultra reliable - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Jeff - January 3 - 3:26 am

  Brought this car brand new. Seems smallish inside but very roomy even for me at 62". With only 41k miles we are on our second set of brakes... luckily they were covered under warranty. Very dependable only two trips to the dealership for the brakes. I would buy another G35 in a heart beat!!!

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  Great SUV but Handling and Brake Issues - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By time4akshun - December 31 - 9:10 am

  I have owned my QX56 for about 5 years now and love the size, love the navi, loive the back up camera, love the interior and love the entertainment system. Driving this car though, has always been a challenge. I have had constant alignment and suspension problems and the brakes...oh the brakes. This super heavy truck warps brakes yearly!!! I am on a final set hopefully, slotted and drilled but wish I didnt have to go aftermarket! You would think Infiniti would have matched their rotors to the weight of the car!! Questioning getting another although I love the styling.

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  QX4 - Great Vehicle - 1997 Infiniti QX4
  By ron18a - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a true Infiniti. Its extremely reliable, comfortable, good handling in snow, and excellent cargo/family stuff capacity. The only two areas where this vehicle could use some improvement is - it goes through tires pretty quickly unless you go with top of the line model and the accelerator pedal is a little stiff. Otherwise - highly reliable, routine maintenance only, great vehicle, great dealer, great service.

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  No Regrets! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Unleashed - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I had been shopping for a new ride since last fall. Lots of choices...A4, 330i, Passat, C-class, Maxima, Altima...it seemed I would never decide. Then I was introduced to the G35. Wow, what a machine. I put a deposit on in the first day I saw it (while my wife was away on business). She started talking to me again once she saw it and felt the ride. Now she loves me again!...and so does everyone else. This car is awesome

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  Jackpot - 1998 Infiniti I30
  By jmcizchillin - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had not one, but two infiniti i30 sedans. My first a 1997 i30t, which I bought with 80,000 miles for $7000 cash in 2004. My wife and I drove it to 175,000 miles in 2010. The only thing I replaced was the starter! The second was a 98 i30 base model I bought with 105,000 miles for $4200 cash in 2007, I traveled a lot with it and took it to 160,000 miles and Im still driving it now. We sold the 97 earlier this year. But I am still driving the 98 at 161,000 miles. Ironically the only thing I had to replace on it was a measly starter! Both cars ran as good from day one to last day I drove them. (one of them was earlier today) this is one of the best and most reliable cars ever made.

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  KMG review - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By kevin grady - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Shopped the five local dealerships and found out the sales tactics have fallen way behind compared to when i purchased my I30T in 1996. Can only recommend one of the five. Ordered the car and it took 4 months to get it; wouldnt do it again.

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  3-Series perf with a real back seat - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By twilightblue - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Needed to turn in my 328i for a sports sedan with room for suddenly larger kids. This car competently carries four adults, or three kids in the back, with much more cargo space; and is a blast to drive by myself. Excellent handling & acceleration.

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  Stylish & Fast GT Coupe - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By CDM Jr. - December 13 - 3:03 pm

  A very easy automobile to recommend to anyone who loves to really drive! Handling & power is just about up there with some exotics! 18" wheels are not needed for great handling. That says something! Ride is somewhat stiff but comfortable. So to the seats. After a year, I can report no reliability problems or defects. Dealership cators to every request. Car has a very solid feel along with nice build quality although some materials in the interior are average at best. Not crazy about the orange lighting in guages. Checking the oil is an adventure due to the type & location of the dipstick. CD player cant read MP3s (corrected for 2005)