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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  Infiniti I-cellent - 1999 Infiniti I30
  By i30TX - December 13 - 11:43 am

  This is an excellent car--is very reliable, is extremely luxurious and extremely fun to drive. Right now Im at 131,000 on my 1999 touring model-- this car can easily go another 160-170k without any problems. Maintenance and gas (ALWAYS USE PREMIUM IN YOUR I) can be a bit expensive, but the upkeep is a small price to pay for such an otherwise flawless machine.

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  Refinement Needed - 2003 Infiniti M45
  By Roadglide99 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Well the ergonomics could be better. The shifter, cup holder and armrest need to be reconfigured. So does the CD player (single in-dash is preferred). I have 3,500 miles on the car and I had a problem with the Trans. getting stuck in 2nd. gear @1,200 miles. Tried everything, finally shut the engine off and restarted, appears ok. The dealer tested it repeatitally with nothing found (the trans. is lazy while in automatic mode, when stepping on the gas to down-shift and pass). Oh the gas milage does stink, and I dont drive it wildly, ok very seldom... getting about 18mpg.

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  Fun car with some quality quirks - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Aaron B - November 16 - 7:00 am

  During the summer months this car is a lot of fun to drive. I have been disappointed however with the winter performance (RWD model). It has a tendancy to slide around a lot, using all weather tires that cost about 900 dollars a set. Winter tires may help, but they seem hard to find here. The mileage has been satisfactory but nothing spectacular (maybe 16/22). I drive about 75 freeway and get up to speed rather quickly on city. I have had an issue with the cd player failing. The interior likes great, but has creaks and the door paint is rubbing on the silver areas, so build quality is so-so. Exterior is amazing, though paint chips easily.

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  Great value and fun to drive - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By bostonbob - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great value. It provides wonderful handling, great power, excellent appearance and decnt gas mileage. I have previously owned several Lexus, a MBZ SLK model and this car is far superior to the Mercedes and cheaper as well. It is not quite as quiet as the Lexus but it is much more fun to drive and is definitely a "drivers" car. I believe itis the best value on the road, far better than the Lexus ES 330 or the Acura TL.

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  Perfect Entry-Level Luxury Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By CLS73 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for the value and its styling (especially the side view) is very sharp. A good blend of power and luxury for under $35,000. I cant imagine ever buying a GS 300 while this car is out there. I did experience a small glitch with the turn signal not making any noise, but Infiniti replaced it. Otherwise, Ive enjoyed the vehicle.

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  Best Car for the Money - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Johnny - October 16 - 6:23 pm

  I used to drive a BMW 3 series that almost made me bankrupt due to tons of mechanical problems.Thank God after a thorough research, I traded my Bmw for this car and it has never disappointed. I will always be an Infiniti owner.

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  G35 3 year update - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By SeaG - October 13 - 6:00 pm

  Despite the squeaks and occasional groans this is the best car Ive owned. It brings back memories of my first muscle car (1970.5 Camaro), and I cant complain about fuel economy. The Camaro only averaged 7 mpg! The 1.29 per litre (about $ 4.25 US per US gallon) costs do hurt, however. Service was initially great, but has gradually gone downhill, I think the dealer cant cope with the number of Infinitis sold. I used to get an M45 loaner when the G was in for service, last time I got an Altima. Front brakes were replaced under warranty 6 months ago, rears are about 35% at 30,000 km.

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  Save money, buy lexus - 2006 Infiniti M45
  By CHUCK - October 6 - 11:50 am

  A little harsh ride and quite noisy for a $50k plus vehicle. This clunker has been in the shop almost as many days as its been on the road. "Smart" cruise control shuts off if headed into the sun. Lane departure system beeps when Im in the middle of the lane. Brake cylinder needed to be repaired, door seal deteriorated, AND I ONLY HAVE 7,000 MILES ON IT!!! Looks great but Lexus makes a much better vehicle in the ES330 and GS series and the Lexus ownership experience is far superior (I also have a Lexus SC 430). Dealership treats me like I bought a Yugo. I have already traded this piece of crap after only 6 months on an ES 330.

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  Reliable, looks good, performs well - 2011 Infiniti G Coupe
  By Dexter Haven - October 5 - 2:31 am

  I bought this car certified pre-owned in 2104 with 28k miles. I canceled the dealers extended warranty after a few days, which would have been a waste of $2,800, as I suspected. Since, it is now 2017, and I have not needed any repairs, other than new tires, which was my choice for a softer grip on the street. I didnt drive it for a few weeks and had to jump start it once. That was the only inconvenience, besides the battery on the keychain dying on me, and I almost got stranded, since they didnt tell me how to start the car with a dead fob. You take the key out of the underside, open the door manually, and insert the dead fob into the dashboard above your left knee. That should allow it to start. Then order a replacement battery on Amazon and install it yourself. Its easy to do and saves a trip to the dealer and some money. One con: the car sits too low for me and offers a poor view of the street, compared to an SUV. Getting in and out is a pain. Im 62", though. I talked to a car guy who said the Infiniti lasts a long time. Other models I have seen here, like the Range Rover Evoque, seem to always break down. So the Infinit gives some peace of mind there. I might get a Nissan Rogue, though, to have a higher perch and more interior room. This G37x a sharp sports car, though.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By JBonds007 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Tested a 325i, 330i, I35, A4, 9-3, TL, IS300 & ES330 and a used GS400. Almost got the GS400 since it is the epitomy of sport & luxury but wanted a new car. The G35 is a great car for sport and some luxury for the price. My ideal car would have been a new GS300 or affordable 330i, however. The 330i is still the best in this class but offers too little interior space and is too pricey. Interior on the G35 is nice but isnt best in class since the gray plastic center console is cheaper than the Murano. The dealer installed wood option is also no match for Lexus or BMW.