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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  Understated Luxury - 2002 Infiniti QX4
  By KrisG - July 12 - 10:00 am

  If you dont need the ego enforcing MB or Lexus emblem, but want a luxury SUV thatll last, this is it. Lexus: camry platform minivan; Acura: minivan, nice if you like the looks; Mercedes: check Consumer Reports or newsgroups, piece of crap; BMW: *cough* pricey!!; Jeep etc.: garbage, see Consumer Reports, newsgroups;

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  NOTHING SHORT OF SPECTACULAR - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By professionalcarbuyer - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I have bought far too many cars over the past five years, 11 to be exact. Number twelve the G35 is by far the best riding sports sedan in its class. Anyone who buys a 3 series BMW or Lexus IS300 has obviously not taken a test drive in the new G.

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  An Infiniti unlike any Nissan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jdinkin - July 12 - 10:00 am

  After having owned 3 Maximas, I decided to try something with more power and luxury. I thought the Acura TL Type S would take me to the next level of performance and comfort but after test driving both the Acura and the Infiniti G35, I was hooked on the Infiniti. The sheer power of the uniquely tuned V6 engine should have been enough. But my wife was the one who first remarked that the ride was smoother and the seats more comfortable. The sales staff didnt exhibit the cocky attitude that Ive come to expect from Honda or Acura dealers. The best part was not having to wait for several months - it was available immediately.

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  Awesome Value For Your Money - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I have been in the market for a vehicle for on and off for about 3 months. Ive looked at all shapes, models and brands. This was my choice, bar none! This vehicle was the best complete package and it comfortably fit everyone that I would normally drive around both family and friends. From kids to teenages and small adults to large ones.

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  Its worth every penny - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Technoir - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Just pick up a black one, I like it!! Other car companies offer similar features and packages but man! the breaks on this thing is fantastic!!! It exactly knows what I want and does it. I havent tested engine yet but as soon as break-in period is over Ill take it out and test it. For the price this car is nice. On the way home I ran into a suped up Saab 9-3, as soon as he noticed me he accelerated, ha!! I could have smoked him easily but it was my first day so I let him get away. If I ever see him again, Ill let him know he wasted his money.

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  Rear Clunk - 2008 Infiniti M45
  By M Ashley - July 11 - 9:33 pm

  Love the car but I have a clunking noise coming from the rear of the car. Infiniti knows about this & its been with the M series since 2006. They say its "unfixable". WHAT??? I am very displeased with the way Infiniti is handling this problem and plan to take it to the fullest, if it should come to that.

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  This car is fast! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By John - July 9 - 4:43 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Altima after walking onto a dealership. The G kept calling me Drive Me! Drive Me!!! I test drove and came home with it. I tap on the accelerator and I am off!!! I like using the manual mode because it seems to jumps off quicker. Yeah! I am a big guy and it is very comfortable. If you expect good gas mileage from sports car then you are delusional. This car is straight up Fun to drive. For the value it is great. You spend way more for a BMW and you dont get cd changer nor leather nor the power unless you get an M series or a 5. This is the ride if you want to have fun and be comfortable.

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  Youve seen the good news, now the bad - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Texas Girl08 - July 9 - 3:23 pm

  I loved my Q4x4 the first year I had it, but it started falling about at about 25k miles. In for repairs for failing elec system... rear liftgate wont lift (at all), tells you liftgate is open when it is not, flashes and beeps warning for flat tire when there is none, dvd is very noisy and the screen is not fastened securely. After the first year it bounces noisily, heated seats went out, driver seat lumbar broke, rear third row seat broke, nav system went out... these are highlights! Will never buy Infiniti again and selling this.

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  Best Car Lease Ever - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By JGMdriver - July 8 - 10:33 am

  I love this car. Everything works like it should, it has all the options I could want (mine is loaded - missing only the silly technology package), it is as fast as anything, it drives better than the BMW 5 series I had before.

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  Move Over Domestics - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By Rockyhilljamoke - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I think that the "Big Three" should be worried. This is one "Big" but fun SUV. It is not only beautiful on the inside but also attrative on the outside. Caddy may be nice on the outside but its still "trucky" on the inside. Navigator better look in its rear view miror...something is about to over take it. Its called the Infinity QX56.