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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  2000 miles on the Range (and the mountains)! - 2016 Infiniti QX80
  By Montana Visitor - July 7 - 2:39 pm

  I reserved a full-size SUV with Hertz for the family trip to western Montana. We really got lucky when all they had was a QX80 at Bozeman airport. There were multiple days that we spent 6 - 8 hours in the vehicle and more than once 4+ hours at a time. We were all quite comfortable at all times. Ive never driven a vehicle that was comfortable so such lengths of time. It was also a joy to drive on Montanas pothole-free highways and backroads. Handled high-speeds (in excess of 100 mph) with rock-solid stability and only a bit of wind-noise as a sign. Yes, Virginia, such speeds are completely safe on a 4-mile straight on a perfectly smooth road, with no trees in sight (you can see any cars, animals, pedestrians, etc. miles away). Fuel economy seemed fine - its a big SUV with a powerful V8! Also, Im used to driving full-size trucks with V8s so I knew what to expect. Was disappointed, but not surprised when I confirmed the price is more than Im willing to spend. Cant justify $70k+ in the northeast where our vehicles are bathed in corrosive salt-spray 5 months per year. Very happy to learn the 2017 Nissan Armada is basically the QX80 with slightly fewer features, Nissan badges, and $15k cheaper. The Armada will be first on my list when we need to replace a vehicle. P.S. I picked "Limited" trim level because Edmunds wouldnt allow me to skip it. Im not sure which trim level I drove.

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  Excellent Value - 2003 Infiniti M45
  By DarenP - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for almost 6 months and its my favorite of all time. It really is the muscle car with brains. Lots of comfort and lots of power! A real blast to drive, yet a lot of comfort inside. And the price is a steal compared to its competitors. Id highly recommend this vehicle.

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  G35 "best in class" - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By lon Stewart - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I started with the Nissan line in the 70s when they were spartin gas mizers called Datsuns and my last was the Nissan 300Z before I stopped in a Infiniti Dealership about 7 months ago. What a difference a decade makes! The articles you have read dont do this sport sedan any injustice, it is the BMW Beater they say it is.

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  I love my G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Great Car!! - July 5 - 1:00 am

  I own an 03 G35 since Nov. 06. No problems here! I really enjoying driving it, so much power! Lightening fast. Fuel is not that bad. 15 gal. tank though. Gas is $3 now so I just paid $45 to fill it up. It lasts me about 1 1/2 weeks to drive to and from work. Its my daily car. Ive put about 6000 miles since I owned it with no problems. I just replaced the tires for $600 Dunlops Direzza, not bad considering more expensive ones that came on it. My only complaint is the seatbelt. Its a minor problem but its very hard to reach when you get in. Stereo sounds great! I no longer have to put in a subwoofer cause of the Bose system. I wished it had MP3 option.

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  G35 Coupe - In a class by itself! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By bossfan7 - July 2 - 9:25 pm

  Fantastic car! Impeccable style, power, performance and value. These cars hold their own mixing with the exotics prowling South Florida. At $10-$12K current prices its a steal to get so much car for the money!

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  One Smokin G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By LQrLvR - July 1 - 10:00 am

  The G35 Coupe has a unique, and sexy styling with a lot of muscle and a lot of finesse. It handles great, and it gets a lot attention. Truly an awesome balance between luxury and performance. It easily knocks out BMW 3series, and Lexus IS.

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  valedictorian - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By t_godard - July 1 - 10:00 am

  the best car ive ever owned, buy one now!

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  Balance empitomized - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By dustinson - June 29 - 2:31 am

  Balance. This car has it in almost every aspect. I love how it balances power, control, reliability, comfort, usability and value. It isnt the same as a coupe 6MT on a summers day, but makes up for overall enjoyment, year-round. I wasnt able to find more bang for my buck. I previously had a 2007 G35 Coupe 6MT. It was Wonderful, but I needed a second AWD car for winter. Decided on the G35x for AWD, Power and 4drs (got kids!). Wife now drives it and loves it. I spend an hour in it every day and am thankful for every minute. I am a big fan of Infinitis now. They do such an excellent job with their cars. They dont make them feel overly mechanical or disconnected.

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  G37X - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By jb - June 25 - 7:53 pm

  I just turned in a 2006 FX. I loved that car because it had versatility and handled like a sports sedan. When I went back to the Infiniti dealership to check out an 09 FX, the new version just didnt whet my appetite. Too exotic maybe. I test drove a G37X and wow! Now thats a sports sedan! I gave up some storage and SUV driving height, but came away with a rocket ship on wheels, that is as tight as a drum. I had test driven a BMW 328X also and this car is as tight as that but with ample more power. The 328 is not even in the same class power wise.

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  the unexpected - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By lesliep - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I was sort of looking for a new car to replace a 93 Miata. I also have a 86 Porche for weekend driving. When I visited the some Infiniti dealers I was shocked by the jackup in prices (Jan 03). The Glendale Infiniti dealer was a welcome change from that. Since I was not pressed to get the car I made a statement; "If you can find a G35 coupe, with an exact list of extras, but NO gps Ill buy it for MSRP". At this point 5K$ premium was usual. In two (!) days I got a call that they had the car. Was I suprized, the reason for the title. An hour or so later I was at Glendale Infiniti and buying it. There was at least two other people ready to buy it.