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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  Mystery Drain - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By taf - June 3 - 8:50 am

  Great car. Owned in for 5 years with no plans to sell or trade in.

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  Great choice in this segment - 2006 Infiniti M45
  By DJ - June 2 - 10:43 am

  Purchased used w/4,000 miles, all options except DVD screen and heated rear seats. Great performance and handling for such a large car. Tested Lexus GS 430 and BMW 530 but M45 seemed much roomier in the back and quicker as well. Love the soft leather and rosewood, even though Lexus still more refined inside. Exterior styling also a little bland compared to E500 and GS 430. Nice exhaust rumble thats not intrusive when cruising at highway speeds. Glad I dont have sports suspension, supple ride thats only occasionally harsh over very large irregularities (especially if accelerating hard). Rides a bit noisier than Lexus, but expected given sporty personality.

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  Best overall car for the money - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Mike - June 1 - 6:13 am

  The G is the most powerful sedan in its class, once you get over the overpriced BMW and over-rated IS, you will find the best performance, handling, and the most advanced Nav system on any vehicle at any price. For those of you who whine about fuel economy go buy a civic.

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  Great Value - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By esutter - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car, plenty of pep, fun to drive and has all the creature comforts. I love the car, a couple of small things, I find the seat controlls irritating, they poke into your leg until you adjust the way you sit. The car is poor in the snow, sand bags in the trunk and snow tires help. The awd version should make a big difference. Overall I am very happy with the car, after researching the segment and test driving many of the competitors I am convinced that this is the best car for the $, if not the best car in the segment.

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  Great Car - 1999 Infiniti I30
  By latke - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Car looks good is super dependable.

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  One of the best cars Ive driven - 2000 Infiniti I30
  By B.Spencer - May 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is the most reliable car have owned. The V6 engine, 227 hp is great, it has lots of zip. My opinon would be for you to get a silver one, it looks the nicest.

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  You Cant Touch This Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By PRINGLE - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I looked at Lexus, Mercedes, BMW and the Toyota Avalon for my selection. They all seemed DATED. The G35 rides better, has a cooler look, and has reclining rear seats. I love this car. This will give Infinity the edge it needs to compete with the rest.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By dz9err - May 30 - 7:40 am

  After looking at all the reviews and what you get for your money, this vehicle is hands down the best deal out there. A similarly equipped BMW 335 would have cost me 10-12K more. I love this car for the awesome mix of luxury and high performance. Cant beat it for the price.

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  Awesome G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By GeorgeE - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I recently took delivery of my 2003 Inifiniti G35 and Im already in love with it. The feel from the drivers seat is unbelievable and very comfortable. Handling and performance cant be beat at the price. The 260 Horsepower 3.5L V6 "eats" the road with smooth, effortless acceleration. I enjoy that the car doesnt "lurch" forward when slightly touching the accelerator from a standing start (like many cars with a larger engine). The closest competitor was the BMW 3 series (330i). While driving experience was close to the BMW it could not compete on price (the G35 MSRP was lower than the BMW 325i invoice....the 330i was thousands more).

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  Great choice over Lexus ES330 - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By kbar68 - May 29 - 2:20 am

  I did extensive research beween the G35 and Lexus ES330. I originally went to Lexus b/c of the brand name, but was told to also check out the G35. Im sure glad I did! The performance is outstanding, and the interior quality gives up nothing to Lexus. The ride is not quite as smooth or quiet, but the higher performance and sportier look more than make up for it. I highly recommend you check this vehicle out when shopping the entry-luxury category.