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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  Best of the Bunch - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By JSAMD - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Prior to picking up my G35X, I looked at several other AWD vehicles, including BMW, Volvo, Mercedes, and Audi. The bang for the buck value was overwhelmingly in favor of the Infiniti. I drove the G35X in blizzards, rainstorms, and all kinds of nasty weather. The AWD performed flawlessly. This car handles like a dream on curvy mountain roads, and can out accelerate most cars on the road, as well as outbrake them. My only minor complaint is the gas mileage, which has been under 20 mpg in mixed driving conditions. Overall, this is a great car.

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  Drive one if you can! - 2008 Infiniti G37
  By rgaz - September 19 - 1:06 am

  I can reiterate all the good reviews. This car is fun to drive in all conditions and can smoke the tires with ease. I recommend driving with the VDC off so you can really have fun. The VDC can be a bit too overbearing for my tastes. First let me say that the G37S is hands above most cars to compare, so my very minor complaints are just because when you stare at almost perfection, you are bound to find something. The 5-speed shifter throw is too long for my tastes. For a sports car the 1-2 shift should be the shortest possible, and it is not. Again, minor. The tires are great combination, but in the larger rims, they are very expensive to replace. Really, a great car. Drive it and see.

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  Best investment - 1999 Infiniti I30
  By sing - September 18 - 9:16 pm

  This car is as good as they say, no mechanical problems even at 150k. Im a big guy and the seats do me well. I am comfortable and my back is good even on long trips. This car has it all would buy another in a second.

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  Enjoy It! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Cydnee - September 18 - 2:00 am

  This car rides very smoothly and comfortably. I love the look and feel of this car!

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  "G" is for Grin! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Jeffrey Miller - September 16 - 4:30 am

  This car continues to exceed all my expectations. To begin with, its just such a beautiful thing to behold. I cant remember a car with such great lines, balance, and sheer presence. The driving experience is lustful. The engine howls and eagerly accelerates toward redline. The AT is silky smooth, and the manumatic is easy to use and works flawlessly. Handling is another superlative. I have the performance wheel package (18 inch rims), and the thing seems to be stuck to the pavement. The rims are exquisite in their appearance and quality. One detractor: When you close the door with the window down, it sounds like the door of a 78 Camaro! O.K. with the window up.

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  G35 with 19" performance pkg gets a C- - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Brian33625 - September 16 - 3:56 am

  A good car if youre looking for exterior styling and power - but the love will end there. The quality is poor (especially for this class), the ride is harsh and loud - especially for the mediocre handling this car provides. Infinity could have had a great car with this one, but unfortunately its only a fair car. After owing it for 12 months, Im eager to get rid of it.

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  Finicky G35 - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By blkG - September 14 - 8:36 pm

  Have had G since 10/07, a lot of little problems and some not so little. Speaker makes a "pop" noise when car engine turned on from battery on position; sunroof wouldnt stay closed, needed to have motor replaced; one of my windows wound not roll up via "one touch". Now the throttle when first started in the morning sounds as if car is going to die out. Apparently Infiniti has no fix for this yet, but theres a bulletin out on it. I also have performance tires & theyre wearing out way to quick. Great looking & performing car but come close to warranty - trade in likely considered.

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  Not ready for primetime - 2014 Infiniti Q50
  By mjbcarguy - September 13 - 11:19 pm

  Driven this car for over 2 months. The poor reviews given by other sites is deserved. Frequent reboots of the computer, no sonar, useless directional lines on backup camera, over 50 computer upgrades in only 8 weeks…..think twice about this car.

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  Professional Reviewers Are Wrong - 2003 Infiniti M45
  By CincyRon - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Best luxury car for the money. I traded a Jag S-Type (Taurus in a cat suit) for a sports sedan that beats it in every category. Car magazines are down on the exterior looks, but I the design grew on me overtime. Once I test drove the machine, I knew it was a superior car to the Jag.

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  There is No Substitute! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By droptop34 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is pound for pound the best luxury sport sedan on the market for the best price, and the best deal between the sedan and the coupe. Mainly b/c if you buy the 6-speed, sport suspension/wheels/tires are included. This is the best feeling, best handling car Ive ever driven. Perfect combination of comfortable yet truly sportscar ride. Every creature comfort you could think of, and some you wouldnt, is included. Plenty of cupholders, leg room/headroom, storage compartments, 2 glove boxes, huge trunk, plenty of airbags. Infiniti outdid themselves all the way around. If I were an exec at BMW Id be firing some design and marketing people.