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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  Good, not great - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Cardude - June 11 - 7:36 am

  The 2005 Infiniti G35 features the feel of a heavy car despite its smallish size, good handling, and comfortable seats that are still too small. The leather is average, the pickup is impressive, the interior is not what it should be for a luxury brand yet not bad, the stereo is nothing special, there is limited amount of space, the trunk is tiny, and the car has great traction.

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  Heaven on Wheels - 2004 Infiniti Q45
  By druci - June 10 - 10:00 am

  I usually hate to drive, but since my husband bought this car as a surprise gift, I have surprised myself by wanting to drive all the time. This car is fast, comfortable, beautiful and drives like a dream. I used to not back into parking spaces, but with the camera, it is a piece of cake!

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  Rock solid - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By Rob Dahlager - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Of all the cars I have owned, this is by far the rock of Gibralter of them all. Maintenance costs have been very low, comfort is unbelievable, durability is amazing. if I had a choice, I would never own another car.

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  Pleasantly pleased - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By TJJ - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my GS35X in Feb and enjoy it more than the day I bought it. Oil changes and general maintenance have been it to date. I looked at the BMW 3 Series prior to my purchase and frankly, dont think they hold a candle to my GS35X. Exceptional value from my viewpoint. The national ratings knock the Infiniti for having cheap interior materials....dont beleive it, I think they are fine. Then again, if thats all the rating agencies can find on this gem.....

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  Great Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Philly G Man - June 10 - 6:06 am

  Well, almost 2 years into ownership, and I still love this car like no other car that I have ever owned. Admittedly, I baby her. Hand wash and wax, park in isolated spots at malls, etc. However, I still get admiring comments from folks at gas stations and parking attendants 2 years later ! She handles like a dream, the VQ engine puts out great power, and the features can not be duplicated at this price point. The only annoying points are some rattles, and the placement of dashboards instruments. (ie: radio controls). This placement problem was alleviated for the 05 model. Is it practical ? No. You cant fit much in the trunk. But the fun factor more than compensates. Buy it, and enjoy !!

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  Love the 2011 QX56 - 2011 Infiniti QX56
  By tnnuke - June 10 - 2:34 am

  Bought the 2011 QX56 4x4 with theatre package in March. Paid invoice with VPP from Sam Swope Infiniti in Louisville, Ky. My 52" 120# wife loves this big SUV. It drives much smaller and the ride quality and quietness is awesome. Already put 11K miles on the vehicle. Seems I see Escalades everywhere, but seldom come across a new style QX56. It is truly the only updated large SUV out there. The 400hp engine makes it a beast when you want it to be.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By TDS - June 8 - 5:33 am

  Very nice power with the 3.5L V6 @ 280hp also handles well. Ive been avg. 22-24 MPG.

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  Excellent 2-year old car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Mark - June 8 - 1:23 am

  Just logged two years in the car. Thoroughly pleased with it. I looked at Acura TL, Audi A4, Cadillac CTS, BMW 330, and Im glad I went this way. Best blend of room, performance, build quality and features Ive seen. The ride is very smooth and soft over bumpy roads, yet the car handles aggressively when pushed to the task. Minor defects addressed by the dealer thus far (headlight adjustments, speaker rattling, heated seat malfunction, bizarre engine hesitation attributed to bad gas). The AWD is masked by the VDC/TCS; I usually disengage the VDC, but when driving in snow with VDC off, you can easily swing the back around, which questions how well the AWD really works.

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  2003 G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By harvey - June 7 - 8:36 pm

  Great car looks good very poor gas mileage i was a bit suprise about that.Bose system ok i like it.The car is rough on bumpy roads but ok. Brakes have not replace yet. Look at the acura tl the bmw 325i but chose the G35 for looks. Car is so fast at acceleration was very impresse about that.Car handles well did hear some rattles inside the car. Overrall car is ok.

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  Second time around even better! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Melanie - June 7 - 1:00 am

  This is my second G-35 and I love this car! This car is so fun to drive & I love the power it has. It allows me to accelerate quickly when I need the power to do so. It has a few added features that are standard on this model vs. my 2003. I have a full sized spare this time and also heated seats. I like how the car handles and the ride seems smoother than the previous car (different sport tuned suspension?)This car is easily able to compete with the Lexus ES 300, the BMW 300s, the Lincoln ES, Audis, Volvos, Acuras, Mercedes, and others. It looks great, rides great, and the interior is very nice. Love my Bose sound system! I love this car!